The historical tapestry of Jeddah stretches back centuries, with its origins shrouded in myth and antiquity. But why the Bride of the Sea? According to folklore, it was Jeddah where Eve, the matriarch of all humankind, is said to have settled upon her descent to Earth, with Adam alighting in what is now the Indian subcontinent..
… A little history
Archaeological discoveries have unearthed a rich 5,000-year narrative of Jeddah’s past. It is believed that even Alexander the Great traversed this land between 356 and 323 BC. The region became a refuge for the Arabian Quda’a tribe following the collapse of the Marib Dam in Yemen in 115 BC.
In the 16th century, Jeddah faced the onslaught of Portuguese forces, followed by Dutch pirates in the 17th century. To safeguard the city, Qunsah Al-Ghuri, a late Burji Mamluk sultan, erected formidable fortifications that repelled Portuguese advances. However, this was not to last, as Ottoman rule eventually enveloped the city. The historic walls that once stood guard remained until 1947 when they were dismantled, opening a new chapter in Jeddah’s enduring legacy.
Whether it’s for the heritage, the beaches, the culture, or the cuisine, Jeddah promises a memorable experience for every traveller. Strategically positioned on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, sports a vibrant urban tapestry woven with the threads of history, culture, and modernity, attracting tourists from all over the world to its sun-kissed shores.
The mysteries of Al-Balad
A journey through Jeddah’s heart begins in Al-Balad, the historic district and UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the narrow streets, visitors can admire the unique Roshan tower houses, constructed from coral and adorned with intricate wooden lattice windows designed to capture the cool sea breeze. Nearby, the Bait Nasseef showcases traditional Hejazi architecture, offering a glimpse into the opulent past of Jeddah’s merchant families.
Cultural festivities – A melting pot of traditions
Jeddah’s diverse population is reflected in its cultural festivals, such as the Jeddah Season, which celebrates the city’s identity through art, food, and entertainment. The Red Sea Film Festival brings glamour to its shores, showcasing regional and international cinema in a city known for its support of the arts.
Seaside splendour: the corniche and its resorts
The Jeddah Corniche, a 30-kilometre waterfront area, is great for leisurely strolls, family picnics, and enjoying sculptures that dot the landscape. For those seeking relaxation, luxury resorts such as the award-winning Shangri-la (overlooking the F1 circuit), the Rosewood, the Ritz-Carlton and the Waldorf Astoria, just to name a few, provide world-class amenities and levels of comfort. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the breath-taking coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Shopping and dining – from traditional souks to modern malls
Retail therapy in Jeddah ranges from the traditional souks, where bargaining is part of the experience, to the sleek shopping malls like the Red Sea Mall. Culinary adventurers can savour traditional dishes such as Kabsa and Mandi in local eateries or enjoy international cuisine in upscale restaurants.
Gateway to Mecca
For many Muslims, Jeddah is the gateway to the holy city of Mecca. The city accommodates millions of pilgrims throughout the year who visit the Al-Rahma Mosque, famously known as the Floating Mosque, which stands on stilts above the sea.
Modern Marvels: Jeddah Tower and King Fahd’s Fountain The city’s skyline is set to reach new heights with the completion of the Jeddah Tower, poised to be the world’s tallest building. Meanwhile, the King Fahd’s Fountain, the tallest of its kind, offers a spectacular display, especially at night when illuminated.
Conservation – protecting marine life
Jeddah also takes pride in its environmental initiatives to protect the Red Sea’s marine life. The Fakieh Aquarium is not only a tourist attraction but also a centre for marine conservation, showcasing the sea’s biodiversity and educating visitors on the importance of preserving this natural wonder.
Air connectivity and access
King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED), locally simply known as Jeddah International Airport, is a modern facility serving as a hub connecting travellers to this historic city. Phase Two of the airport will open in 2025, taking capacity from the current 30-million passengers per year to 43-million.
Due to its close location to Makkah, the airport features a specialised Hajj Terminal designed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims participating in the yearly Hajj pilgrimage.
Over 70 international airlines serve Jeddah, due largely to its proximity to Makkah. Airlines such as Saudia, Flynas, and Emirates, connect Jeddah to over 100 destinations globally. Specifically, Saudia offers flights to more than 90 locations worldwide, including key cities across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Flynas caters to over 35 destinations, featuring popular spots like Dubai, Istanbul, and Cairo. Emirates extends its services to over 150 destinations from Jeddah, renowned for its luxury and high-quality service.
Highspeed train link
Jeddah airport terminal 1 links to the mainline of the Haramain High-Speed Railway through a branch line that extends for 3.75 kilometres (2.33 miles). The station located within the airport’s terminal has been designated as the Airport–Jeddah station, setting it apart from the Al-Sulimaniyah–Jeddah station, which is located nearer to Jeddah’s city centre. This station offers frequent services to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as to the King Abdullah Economic City.
