Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

For centuries, Jeddah has been a meeting point for traders, travellers, and pilgrims in the Red Sea. It is a major port, an important commercial centre and the second-largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia--famous for its wealth of restaurants, cafes and shopping districts, as well as for its comparatively liberal social life. But to many, the city is more important because it is a gateway for millions of pilgrims on their way to the holiest places in Islam: Mecca and Medina. It is a grand city with history, personality, and tons of opportunity.

Population:

4,610,000 (2020)

Currency:

1 riyal (SAR) = 100 halalas

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 999
Fire: 998
Ambulance: 997

Opening Hours:

The working week is generally from Sun–Thu with some businesses open Saturday mornings. Government offices: 7:30am–2:30pm. Banks: 9:30am–4:30pm. Private businesses: 8am–12pm and 4–8pm.

Newspapers:

Saudi Gazette

The City

With a population of over four million inhabitants, Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, and its long history as a major port and important commercial centre is clearly palpable in the cosmopolitan mix of its people. Gathering millions of Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca and Medina throughout its history, the city has become an amalgamation of people and cultures, flavours and aromas, customs and traditions. Nowhere is this tradition more evident than in Al-Balad, the old town, which showcases the city's architectural past with its white coral buildings, narrow alleyway souks, and old city gates.

But it is also a city of fun and entertainment, as it is of fine dining, elegant cafes, and great shopping. It is a place where the country's wealthy come to enjoy and indulge in the city's famous seafood and liberal attitude. The fabulous Corniche is the very essence of leisure, with friends and families enjoying pleasant strolls along the water, sunset picnics on the grass or parties at the hotels and beach resorts all along the 35 kilometres of the walkway.

Do & See

Many of the city's attractions and entertainment can be found along the corniche, from bizarre sculptures and a record-breaking fountain to parks, restaurants and museums. But savvy travelers will also want to stray a bit from there to discover the old town with its white coral buildings and historic city gates, or visit some of the city's fantastic museums. There are also mosques, markets and a top-notch aquarium to explore, so visitors to Jeddah are sure to have a full itinerary.

Dining

Pilgrims, traders, and voyageurs have been coming to Jeddah for centuries, bringing with them delicacies from their lands and cultures. As a result, Jeddah's dining scene today is rich in variety and quality. The city boasts a wealth of fine international restaurants, bringing together flavours from around the world, which are then combined with local ingredients to create truly unique dishes.

Cafes

Jeddah has a long history with coffee and tea, as traders and travellers often brought different and exotic varieties of beans and leaves. Today, visiting cafes is one of the city's most beloved pastimes. Friends and families gather at the numerous Arabic and Western-style cafes to enjoy hot cappuccinos, fresh teas, and fruity shishas.