Jeddah (جدّة, also spelled Jiddah) is on the Red Sea in western Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest city, with a population of approximately 3,400,000, and the major commercial center of the country.

Understand

Jeddah has been a port and trading city for centuries, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants. Today, it is the major commercial center of Saudi Arabia. It also has many government offices. Jeddah is known in the kingdom for its shopping districts, restaurants and cafes. It also hosts the Jeddah Corniche (waterfront area), which is the largest in the Kingdom with a great bunch of hotels, beaches and resorts clustered around it.

It is also the main entry point, either by air or sea, for pilgrims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two sacred cities of Islam. Both are a few hours inland from Jeddah.

Orientation

Jeddah is a huge city that sprawls along the coast of the Red Sea, connected together by the Corniche, a seaside avenue full of bizarre sculptures and nearly 30 km long. The old city or al-Balad, on the southern side of modern Jeddah, is a crumbling but fascinating warren of multi-story houses made from coral. The main thoroughfare Medina Road starts from the northern side of al-Balad and runs all the way to the city.

Get in

By plane

Jeddah is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED) is the largest airport in the Kingdom and is well served by airlines around the world. Unfortunately, despite its importance and the Kingdom’s wealth, the airport is in miserable shape with dust, flies and poor to nonexistent signage, although as of 2008 it is undergoing a much-needed renovation.

There are two regular terminals, with the South Terminal, used by domestic Saudi airlines and all Saudi Airways flights, and the North Terminal, used by all other international flights. Located on opposite sites of the massive apron, the two are nearly 8 km apart and the only way to connect is by taxi. A taxi to the city from either will cost around SR50, so agree on the fare before you set off.

There are also two special terminals, used exclusively for Hajj pilgrims heading directly to Mecca, which are basically enormous tents of fiberglass fabric on reinforced concrete poles and steel cables. Driving to the normal non-Hajj terminal, you pass between the two. In season, this lets you admire rows of 747s parked alongside the Hajj terminals.

[edit] By bus

Also there are many bus routes to neighboring countries, especially Jordan. Usually bus trip starts in Syria down to Amman, Jordan then to most Saudi major cities. However, make sure before booking your seat that you don’t have a “by air only” entry visa. Most bus companies in Amman are located in Abdali. Ticket price is around 25 JD, some companies have daily trips to large cities like Jeddah. Make sure to check buses before booking, as some companies have old and small seats buses (this is a long trip, so make sure to pick a company with “business class” buses, some companies offer business class buses at a price cheaper than “normal buses” companies!). Trip is about 18 hours nonstop through Medina route (there are two routes for the trip, sea route passing by Yanbua which is a rough one but short, and Medina route)

By ferry

Travelers coming from Egypt have a choice to take a ferry.

Get around

By car

Many of the hotels chains have a “water taxi” or a small minivan that will take you to the mall and main shopping areas. Taxis are very inexpensive, with most 10 minute rides costing about SR10-20 (about $3-6). There are two types of taxis: one is yellow and will have a sign that says, simply, TAXI. They are usually cheaper, but a little “rougher” on the inside and out and and usually are not air conditioned. If you’re looking for better quality, opt for the white “Limousine” taxis which are of better quality. Limousine taxis are about $1-3 more expensive. There are also “unlicensed” taxis, those are normal cars (usually a Toyota Camry) without the “TAXI” sign. Those taxis are cheaper than “Limousine” and no problem with riding them (police isn’t concerned), normally they honk or flash lights when they see you standing in street (you can’t recognize them as they’re normal cars).

Take note that you can negotiate taxi driver for a fixed price, which is much cheaper than using counter. This needs some “experience” with Jeddah and its streets. Sometimes taxi driver will pretend to be “lost” so he would turn on the counter or make you pay extra in exchange of his “lost time”. whatever is the situation, never accept to pay more than you agreed on at the beginning of the ride. Also take note that some Saudi drivers ask for higher price and don’t treat clients very well. Instead go for Indian or Pakistani drivers.

Many rental agencies like Avis or Budget will rent you a 2008 mid-size car for the price of SR100-140 (about $30-50) per day. You’ll also find a bargain when it comes to fuel, as Saudi Arabia has some of the cheapest petrol prices in the world. The streets are wide and signs are written in both Arabic and English. Look for maps in the libraries or big supermarkets.

By bus

Buses are not a commonly-used means of transportation in Jeddah even though you can ride one for SR1-2 from certain main streets to Albalad (downtown). It is, however, a very interesting way to enjoy traditional Arab music and the sound of people mixing together all while enjoying sights during the ride. Smaller buses are mostly private so the owner is responsible for cleanliness. Larger buses are provided by the government, which are big and clean but don’t follow a schedule, so consider using the smaller buses if you’re on a specific timetable.

By boat

Boats are not particularly a means of transportation, but rather a way to to enjoy the views of the Red Sea. You can catch boats in Obhur north of Jeddah at the marina; a one hour ride in a small boat is around SR200 (US$55).

See

[] Al-Balad (Old Town)

Jeddah’s top sight is al-Balad, or the old town. The city wall has long since been torn down, but the old gates still mark where it once stood. Within you’ll find a warren of ancient buildings and traditional souqs (markets), and the teetering, multistory coral houses that Jeddah is famous for. Unfortunately, coral is not a very durable building material, and most of the buildings are in disrepair. Spend time wandering around the old city and get lost in the seemingly endless souks. You will find yourself in another world and entirely ‘in’ the world, surrounded by people form all over the arab world, Asia and Africa.

• Souq al-Alawi. At the heart of the old city, coral houses line both sides of this busy market street. A photography permit is theoretically necessary (inquire at the office behind Naseef house), but in practice nobody seems to bat an eyelid as long as you don’t stick your camera in people’s faces without permission. 
• Naseef House. 5-9 PM (closed Fri?). The former house of one of Jeddah’s main trading families is now being renovated as a museum of sorts. Great views from the top floors when it’s open. SR20. 

[] Other

The Jeddah Corniche offers spectacular views of the Red Sea. Check out the main shopping street on Tahliya for interesting wares, and if you’re looking for good quality gold, try the Gold Souq where you can bargain for 18k and 24k gold by weight. The King Fahd Fountain is not only the biggest fountain in Jeddah, but also the world!

[][] Do

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is a major draw for expats in the Kingdom, although the Saudis themselves seem oblivious to the treasures that await offshore. Because of Jeddah’s location on the Red Sea, the flora and fauna are quite similar to what you’d see on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast or off the Sinai Peninsula, only minus all the tourists. Visibility can be spectacular (30-40m is common) and the corals are virtually untouched. There are plenty of interesting sites to explore like the Chicken Wreck, a boat carrying tons of frozen chicken that hit the reef and sunk at a depth of 10-18m. Most of the better dive sites are around one hour out to sea by speed boat.

The Red Sea gets chilly in the winter, with water temperatures dropping to 22°C, so you’ll want to use a 5mm wetsuit with hood. In summer, temperatures climb up to a much more balmy 29°C, and 3mm shorty or 1mm diveskin is plenty.

• Desert Sea Drivers, Obhur (40 km north of Jeddah), ☎ +966-2- 6561807, []. The oldest and largest diving outfit in Jeddah, which puts three boats out to sea on a busy weekend. Uses fast and comfortable custom-built dive boats, and all trips include a tasty hot lunch. Gear rental and transfers to/from central Jeddah (SR150 return) extra. Offers on-site accommodation and can also arrange tourist visas to Saudi for diver groups with at least 2 months’ notice. SR200/250/300 for 1/2/3 boat dives. 

[] Parks

• Sail Island. When the blazing Saudi Arabian sun becomes too much for you to handle, try checking out the water park at Sail Island. The park was built on artificial peninsula and is covered by several sail-like tents, which offer shade while you enjoy the pool and recreation facilities. A great spot for children.

• Jungle Land. An amusement park with rollercoasters, a circus, and bungee jumping jhu 

• Al-Shalal Theme Park, Corniche,.

• Atallah Theme Park. 

[] Learn

[] Work

There are many places to find work in Jeddah and jobs are plentiful.

[][] Buy

There are a number of shopping malls in Jeddah to shop.

• Hera’a Mall. located on Madina St

• Mall of Arabia. Recently opened and claims to be the biggest shopping mall in Saudi Arabia on Madina St, rivaling Hera’a Mall

• Red Sea Mall. It is one of the biggest shopping malls in Jeddah on King Abdulaziz Road

• Star’s Avenue. One of the newest malls on Al-Malek Road, featuring a Saks Fifth Avenue

• Tahlia Center, Tahlia St. 

• Jeddah Mall, Tahlia St. Not a lot of variety but has a great food court to hang out in

• Al Khayyat Center, Tahlia St. Find international designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, LV, Fendi, and Dior 

• Al Basateen. A favorite hang out for teenagers. 

• Le Mall. Famous for the first Starbucks branch in Jeddah 

• Coral Mall. Rivals Le Mall’s Starbucks with a large Second Cup coffeeshop 
• Mega Mall. The best mall for all ages
• Hera’a Mall. 

• Aziz Mall- close to the Airplane roundabout opposite of Abdul Latif Jameel
• Roshan Mall – King Abdulaziz Road
• Roshana Mall – Altahlia st.
• Al-andlus Mall- on the road to King Abdul Aziz University (KAAU)

[][] Eat

Jeddah is full of restaurants with almost every cuisine imaginable and eating out is part of the city’s culture. All the restaurants have separate sections for single men and for families. Dating is forbidden, but most restaurants will allow a couple into the family section without question. All businesses close for prayer for about half an hour at noon and at sunset. They close again an hour after sunset for about 45 minutes. If you like to eat early, you can often stay in a restaurant during prayer time. Saudis tend to eat late, well after the evening prayer. To eat and have fun vertigo cafe and grille is one of the best american italian restaurant in jeddah they also serve shisha,they have a very nice music ,top class restaurant

The standard cheap meal is the shawarma – giant layers of beef or chicken turning on a vertical spit. Thin slices are cut off and served with vegetables, garlic and sauce in pita bread. You can also find a few falafel shops or eat at boofias (cornershops).And more thing is very cheap that is Homus which the paste of white chic peas and caster oil and is very tasty. Try the Filipino Souk near Saudia City. Ask for the Pakistani area Kababish. There’s a group of shops and restaurants with very low prices. Most of the American fast food franchises can be found in Jeddah including McDonald’s, Applebees, Subway, and numerous others.

[] Budget

• Al Baik – Broasted Chicken, one of the most popular fast food chain of Saudi Arabia available in Jeddah, Makkah, Madina & yanbu only. Al Baik has 25 branches in Jeddah.And Al- Tazaj is also famous for it’s dishes as it serve saudi dishes as well as fast food.

[] Mid-range

• Barrio Fiesta, Al-Mahmal Centre top floor (al-Balad). Very popular Filipino eatery offering a gamut of Filipino fare like kare-kare. Basic fried rice and such for under SR10, but most main courses (SR30-50) come in huge portions designed to be shared. 

[] Splurge

• Bice, Qasr al Sharq. Italian restaurant with sea views.
• Mataam Al Sharq, Qasr al Sharp. Lebanese cuisine.
• Al Khayyam Restaurant – Persian Cuisine at the Jeddah Hilton
• Cafe Vienna – Luxurious Italian Cafe at the Jeddah Hilton
• At Layaly Al-Hejaz ( Hejazi nights) located at Tahliya Street.
• At Al-Nakheel. Corniche area. Traditional food with sheesha.
• Villa d’Este Cafe ( Luxury Italian Coffee Shop with very special garden )Al Tahliah St. Al Khayyat Center 2-Behind Jeddah Mall.
• Bubbles-on Corniche Jeddah waterfront
• Senses-Japanese Cuisine
• Byblos
• Caffe Aroma – Theme-fusion food located on Corniche
• Papaya – International food next to Sawary Mall

• Yildizlar, front of Saudi American Bank, Al Hamra Area, tel. +966 2 6531150. Excellent Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian food.

[][] Drink

Like all Saudi Arabian cities, you aren’t going to find much nightlife revolving around alcohol in Jeddah. What you should be able to find are shisha cafes and a large variety of coffeeshops such as, Java Lounge, Vertigo, Starbucks, Mugs & Beans, Costa Coffee and Second Cup. Non-alcoholic beer is available in restaurants along with non-alcoholic cocktails and other drinks.

[][] Sleep

Outside Hajj season, hotels in Jeddah are generally cheaper than those in Riyadh. The usual international chains are well represented.

• Jeddah Hilton – Fabulous 5 star Luxury hotel with amazing Health club,Swimming pools,6 Restaurants,shops,Salon,Spa,unsurpassed and spacious interior.
• Jeddah Marriott, Falasteen Rd, ☎ +966-2-6714000, . Older but well-maintained property. Deep pool (no women), large gym, good breakfast. The main downsides are the mildly awkward location (little of interest nearby) and the poor soundproofing, esp. as there are four mosques nearby. US$120. 
• Al-Hamra Sofitel (Sofitel).
• Crowne Plaza. 
• Rose wood – Fabulous 5 star luxury hotel with amazing sea view and amenities.
• Arabian Palace.
• Westin Jeddah.
• Intercontinental Jeddah.
• Sheraton Heddah
• Durrat Al-Arouse, Jeddah’s main resort.

• Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club & Spa Resort, Al Hamra District, Southern Corniche, P.O. Box 5863, ☎ +966 2 263 9666 (jeddah.park@hyatt.com), [3]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. 142 rooms and suites with views of the Red Sea, Arab-Andalusian ambiance, walk-in-closet, tea and coffee making facilities. Separate ladies and gents spas and a gentlemen’s club.  edit

• Qasr Al Sharq, +966-2-6599999, [4]. The “Palace of the Orient” is Jeddah’s attempt at a “seven-star” luxury hotel. Decoration is (way) over the top, and so are the prices. Run by Hilton.

[] Stay safe

While not as strict as Riyadh, Jeddah still falls under Islamic law. Read, understand and follow the guidelines in the Saudi Arabia article to stay out of trouble.

Local women normally wear a hijab (headscarf) and abaya (long black overgarment) to cover her head and entire body. Abayas but not hijabs are also required for Western women, however, this is not strictly enforced.

While you may be able to find alcohol at private parties, it is still forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Corporal punishment for Westerners is rare, but it has happened on occasion.

[] Contact

Most shopping malls have Internet cafes. Coffee places such as Costa Coffe, StarBucks Coffee, Barnies, Second Cup and many more provide WiFi access to customers.

Cope

[edit] Consulates

• United States, American Consulate General Palestine Road Al-Ruwais District PO Box 149 Jeddah 21411, Saudi Arabia, ☎ (2)667-0080,

• Canada, 11th floor Ali Reza Tower Madinah Road, P.O. Box 9484 Jeddah 21413, ☎ +966 2 653-0597 (canada.consulate.jeddah@nazergroup.com, fax: +966 2 653-0538). Saturday to Wednesday: 08:00 – 15:30.

Get out

[Khobar [6]] – Second most beautiful city in the Middle East.

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