Whenever Madinah is mentioned, its holiness is the first thought that comes to a Muslim's mind. Yet the Prophet's city has over the centuries exhibited a number of other aspects that endeared it not only to visitors but even to those who are far from it. People will recall Madinah's dates, famous all over the Arabian Peninsula for their unsurpassed taste and early ripening. It is a city of palm trees, which populate its space with their overarching presence. But Madinah is also famous for other produce, including grapes and mint that are sold all over the kingdom.

Agricultural activity is naturally dependent on trade and marketing and Madinah has historically had its famous markets that displayed both its own output and that of other places far and near. Some of these markets have historical renown : AI Jurf, Hubashah, Safasif, and Muzahim. During the early Islamic period camels used to bring loads of goods to active markets, but that ceased at the end of the Abbasid period, and it was not until the early twentieth century, when the Ottomans built the first railway in the Arabian Peninsula, that trade picked up again. However, the real impetus and economic flowering did not occur until the Saudi period, when both agriculture and trade in general reached a new peak. New transportation and mass communication systems, in addition to stability and modern management, filled economic veins with new blood and energy that enabled Madinah to stand on an equal footing with other Saudi cities as a major center of economic activity. As well as the central date market southwest of the Prophet's Mosque, other markets and shopping centers sprang up throughout the city. Souq Quba', Al Madinah Ad Dawli, and Souq Bilal, are now among the shopping landmarks of the city. This is not including a number of modern malls that can be found on the second of the belt highways.

The third pillar of economic life - industry - was not far behind. As industrial production increased, several factories were established all over the city's precincts, producing food as well as electrical, chemical and other types of manufactured goods. The food industry is particularly supported by the continuing need to provide visitors to the holy places with ready-made meals, including the famous Madinah dates. In 2012, there were 122 factories in Madinah - no small number compared to many other cities.