Jeddah

💡 About Jeddah

Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, is the most cosmopolitan and relaxed city in Saudi Arabia — a historic port that has been the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for over a thousand years. For centuries, pilgrims from across the Muslim world have arrived here, giving the city a uniquely diverse and open character.

Jeddah's soul lies in Al-Balad, its atmospheric old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This warren of narrow lanes is lined with extraordinary centuries-old merchant houses of coral stone, adorned with intricately carved wooden balconies (rawasheen) designed to catch the sea breeze. It is one of the last places to see traditional Red Sea architecture.

The city embraces its coastal setting with a long, sculpture-lined waterfront corniche, where families gather in the evenings and the world's tallest fountain shoots seawater hundreds of metres into the air. Jeddah has long had a reputation as the kingdom's centre of art, trade and easygoing hospitality.

Blending ancient trading heritage with a modern, seaside vibrancy, Jeddah is a fascinating and welcoming city. Its old town, Red Sea diving and role as the gateway to Islam's holiest sites make it utterly distinctive.

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