Medina is a city in western Saudi Arabia. In the city centre, the vast Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) is a major Islamic pilgrimage site. Its striking Green Dome rises above the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic leaders Abu Bakr and Umar. The Masjid al-Qiblatain (Qiblatain Mosque) is known as the site where the Prophet Muhammad received the command to change the direction of prayer to Mecca. It has a population of  1517501 people.The axes of regional movement link Medina with areas within the Kingdom and with neighboring countries such as: Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Egypt and the Arab Gulf states. The presence of Medina near Mecca enhances the value of its location, as these two holy cities since the dawn of Islam are closely linked to each other.