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.  edit

         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  

• Al-Shalal Theme Park.