Jeddah City stands as one of most important cities in Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East. Located on the beautiful Red Sea coast. This historic city serves as main gateway to Makkah and welcomes millions of visitors every year.
What is Jeddah City
Jeddah (also written as Jiddah) is second largest city in Saudi Arabia. With a population of 4M+ peoples. It is located in the central west of the Kingdom along the Red Sea coast about 947 km west of Riyadh and 89 km northwest of Makkah.
The city is known as “Red Sea Bride” because of its beautiful location on the sea. It is economic heart of the western region and plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s development.
Why is Jeddah City Important
Gateway to Makkah
Jeddah is main entry point for people traveling to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Which is most important destination for more than one and a half billion Muslims worldwide. This makes Jeddah special for every Muslim who wants to perform Hajj or Umrah.
Transportation Hub
Jeddah city is center of biggest and fastest railway system in the Middle East with two stations for Haramain Railway connecting Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah. This modern train makes travel between the holy cities very easy and comfortable.
Major Port City
Jeddah Islamic Port is largest port in Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. Ships from Asia and Europe pass through this port making it important for trade and business.
History of Jeddah City
Ancient Times
First human settlement in Jeddah happened in prehistoric times, as shown by archaeological monuments found in Wadi Boweb northeast of the city. The Quda’a tribe settled there more than 2,500 years ago after the Marib Dam collapsed in 115 BCE.
Islamic Era
During the Islamic period Caliph Uthman Bin Affan selected Jeddah as main port for Makkah in the year 647. From that time Jeddah became the sea gateway to the Two Holy Mosques.
Modern Jeddah
Today Jeddah is modern city with tall buildings, shopping malls, beautiful parks and excellent facilities. It combines its rich history with modern development perfectly.
Location and Weather in Jeddah
Where is Jeddah Located
Jeddah is located on the western side of Saudi Arabia on Red Sea coast. It shares borders with Rabigh in the north, Khulais and Al-Jumum in the west and Makkah and Bahrah in south.
Jeddah Weather and Climate
The weather in Jeddah is hot and humid in summer with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. Humidity is higher in summer due to warm seawater.
Light rain falls mainly in winter, spring and fall. Sometimes with thunderstorms. Winter weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.
Transportation in Jeddah
King Abdulaziz International Airport
King Abdulaziz International Airport opened in 1981 and is gate to the Two Holy Mosques. In 2018 it served 35.8 million passengers. Making it one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.
The airport covers 105 km and includes six large travel lounges, 220 passenger service platforms and parking for 21,665 cars.
Haramain High Speed Railway
The Haramain Railway connects Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah covering 450 km. The electric train can travel at 300 km per hour and has a daily capacity of 160,000 passengers.
This modern train makes visiting the holy cities quick and comfortable for pilgrims and visitors.
Jeddah Islamic Port
Jeddah Islamic Port is main import and export port of Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 647 during the reign of Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan.
The port receives more than 5,000 cargo ships every year connecting Asia and Europe.
Education in Jeddah
Schools in Jeddah
Jeddah has 1,345+ public schools with about 530,500+ students and 974+ private and international schools with 120,100+ students.
Universities in Jeddah
Jeddah has three public universities: King Abdulaziz University (established 1967), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (established 2009) and University of Jeddah (established 2014).
These universities offer excellent education in many fields including medicine, engineering, business and technology.
Tourism and Places to Visit in Jeddah
Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Historic Jeddah is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains around 400 buildings. The oldest dating back to the tenth century.
Walking through the old streets of Al-Balad feels like traveling back in time. You can see traditional houses with beautiful wooden windows called Rawashin, old markets and ancient mosques.
Jeddah Corniche and Waterfront
The Jeddah Waterfront extends 4,500 meters and covers 730,000 square meters. It can welcome 120,000 visitors at once and has green areas of more than 275,000 square meters.
The Corniche is perfect for families. You can walk by the sea, enjoy playgrounds, restaurants and beautiful views of Red Sea.
King Fahd Fountain
King Fahd’s Fountain on the Red Sea coast is tallest fountain of its kind in the world. At night the fountain is lit with colorful lights, creating a beautiful sight.
Jeddah Season
Jeddah Season started in 2019 as part of Saudi Seasons. The 2022 edition attracted six million visitors from Saudi Arabia and abroad with more than one million+ tourists from 129 countries.
Jeddah Season offers concerts, cultural events, entertainment zones, games, restaurants and family activities. It is one of biggest entertainment events in the region.
Shopping in Jeddah
Jeddah is a shopping paradise with many options:
- Red Sea Mall: One of the largest malls in Saudi Arabia
- Mall of Arabia: Features international brands and entertainment
- Stars Avenue: Modern shopping center with many stores
- Traditional Souks in Al-Balad: For traditional items, spices and gifts
Food and Restaurants in Jeddah
Jeddah offers food from around the world. You can find:
- Traditional Saudi dishes like Kabsa and Mandi
- Fresh seafood from the Red Sea
- International restaurants (Italian, Chinese, Indian, American)
- Popular Saudi coffee shops
- Traditional restaurants in Al-Balad serving authentic local food
Business and Economy in Jeddah
Jeddah is major financial hub and economic growth driver in Saudi Arabia. It hosts the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Islamic Development Bank, International Islamic Fiqh Academy and Jeddah Economic Forum.
Many Saudi and international companies have offices in Jeddah, making it important for business and investment.
Major Development Projects in Jeddah
Jeddah Central Development Project
Launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. This project has investments of SAR 75 billion. It will develop 5.7 million square meters with 17,000 residential units, an opera house, museum, sports stadium and luxury hotels.
Historic Jeddah Rejuvenation Project
This project aims to transform Historic Jeddah into a cultural and business hub. It includes 36 historical mosques, more than 600 heritage buildings and five major historical markets.
Sports in Jeddah
King Abdullah Sports City
King Abdullah Sports City is one of the fifty largest sports facilities worldwide with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. It hosted the Italian Super Cup in 2019 with 61,000 attendees.
Formula 1 in Jeddah
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix started in 2021 on a circuit that ranks first worldwide in speed and number of turns. The circuit extends 6.174 km with 27 turns, allowing drivers to reach speeds up to 250 km/h.
Popular Football Clubs
Al-Ahli Club and Al-Ittihad Club, two of the oldest and most popular clubs in Saudi Arabia are based in Jeddah.
Living in Jeddah
Jeddah represents 11.6 percent of Saudi population and is a vibrant, multicultural community. People from different backgrounds live together peacefully.
The city offers:
- Modern residential areas
- Good schools and universities
- Excellent healthcare facilities
- Shopping centers and entertainment
- Beautiful parks and beaches
- Job opportunities in many sectors
How to Reach Jeddah
By Air
King Abdulaziz International Airport connects Jeddah to cities worldwide. Major airlines operate regular flights to Jeddah.
By Train
Haramain Railway connects Jeddah to Makkah and Madinah. Trains run several times daily with comfortable seating.
By Road
Jeddah has excellent highways connecting it to all major Saudi cities. Haramain Highway connects Jeddah to Makkah.
Best Time to Visit Jeddah
The best time to visit Jeddah is from November to March when weather is pleasant and comfortable. This period is perfect for outdoor activities, beach visits and exploring city.
Summer (June to September) is very hot and humid but indoor attractions like malls, museums and restaurants remain open with air conditioning.
Tips for Visitors to Jeddah
- Dress Modestly: Respect local customs and dress conservatively
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Especially in summer
- Use Uber or Careem: These apps work well in Jeddah for transportation
- Visit Al-Balad: Don’t miss the historic area
- Try Local Food: Experience authentic Saudi cuisine
- Respect Prayer Times: Shops close during prayer times
- Exchange Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the local currency
- Learn Basic Arabic Phrases: Locals appreciate the effort
Conclusion
Jeddah City is more than just a gateway to Makkah. It is modern, vibrant city with rich history, beautiful beaches, excellent facilities and warm people. Whether you visit for religious reasons, business or tourism. Jeddah offers something special for everyone.
Jeddah city combines traditional Saudi heritage with modern development, making it one of most interesting places in Middle East. From historic Al-Balad to modern shopping malls, from beautiful corniche to world-class events, Jeddah continues to grow and welcome visitors from around the world.
Plan your visit to Jeddah and experience the magic of the Red Sea yourself.
FAQs About Jeddah City
What is Jeddah famous for?
Jeddah is famous as gateway to Makkah. Its historic Al-Balad district (UNESCO site), beautiful Red Sea corniche, King Fahd Fountain and vibrant cultural scene.
Is Jeddah safe for tourists?
Yes. Jeddah is very safe for tourists. Saudi Arabia has excellent security and the city welcomes millions of visitors every year safely.
How many days do I need in Jeddah?
You need at least 2-3 days to see main attractions in Jeddah. If you want to explore more deeply. 4-5 days is ideal.
What language is spoken in Jeddah?
Arabic is official language. However English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, malls and tourist areas.
Can I wear normal clothes in Jeddah?
Yes. You can wear normal clothes. But dress modestly. For men, avoid shorts above the knee. For women, loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees are recommended.
How far is Jeddah from Makkah?
Jeddah is about 89 km (55 miles) from Makkah. Which takes approximately 45-60 minutes by car or about 30 minutes by Haramain Railway.
What currency is used in Jeddah?
Saudi Riyal (SAR) is official currency. 1 SAR equals approximately 0.27 USD. ATMs are widely available.
Does Jeddah have beaches?
Yes. Jeddah has beautiful beaches along its corniche. The waterfront areas have family beaches, swimming areas and recreational facilities.
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