Wad Medani is the capital of the Gezira state in east-central Sudan. Wad Madani lies on the west bank of the Blue Nile, nearly 136 km southeast of Khartoum. It is linked by rail to Khartoum and is the center of a cotton-growing and more recently sugar growing region. The city is also the center of local trade in wheat, peanuts, barley and livestock. It is also headquarters of the Irrigation Service. Its population might be around 500,000.
In the early 18th century, Wad Medani was a small Turko-Egyptian outpost, and grew rapidly following the 1925 Gezira Scheme of irrigation to stimulate local economic development. Wad Medani is a commercial centre of the Gezira agricultural district and is mostly residential. Wad Madani has lively commercial activities with good souks.
The beaches of Wad Medani are situated on the eastern river bank of the Blue Nile, which flows into Sudan from Ethiopia. The city's facilities are more modernized than most places in the Sudan (except the Khartoum area). The University of Gezira is also located in the area.
The popular Sudanese singers Abdel Aziz El Mubarak, Mohammed Al Ameen and Ibrahim Al Kashif were all born in Wad Medani.
The proximity to the Blue Nile makes it a nice place for weekend travel from Khartoum with its relaxed atmosphere and very friendly people. A walk along the Nile or a boat trip on the Nile is worthwhile.