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.
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.
Built in 1985, the Floating Mosque stands as a remarkable symbol with its foundations submerged under the sea. Officially known as Al-Rahmah Mosque, it is distinguished by its radiant white walls and striking turquoise dome, which create a stunning visual especially during sunrise and sunset, reflecting the mosque’s blend of Islamic and traditional architecture.
Equipped with modern sound and lighting technologies, the mosque offers a serene and profoundly beautiful experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the mosque between daily prayers to enjoy its tranquility. Inside, the mosque features innovative architecture with inscriptions, large glass windows offering sea views, and a large chandelier supported by eight pillars.
There is a designated prayer hall for women and extensive outdoor marble spaces shaded for comfort. Located on a scenic coastal area, the mosque is near various leisure spots, including restaurants, cafes, and the Jeddah Art Promenade, making it an accessible and enriching visit within Jeddah’s vibrant landscape.
Meet Samir: Saudi Arabia’s #1 tourist guide – based in Jeddah
His services have been availed to the likes of King Charles of the United Kingdom, Zurab Pololikashvili – Secretary General of UN Tourism, footballer Lionel Messi, Sheikhs and Princes from throughout the GCC… the list goes on.
Officially named as Saudi Arabia’s #1 tour guide, Samir Komosani is renowned for his expertise in coordinating tours for high-profile visitors. His exceptional ability to facilitate tailored experiences for notable personalities from various sectors such as sports and royal institutions has established him as a preferred connoisseur for VIP tourism engagements in the Kingdom.
His efforts have facilitated over 2,300 tours across various regions of the Kingdom, underscoring his dedication to promoting Saudi Arabia’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Contact: s.komosani@gmail.com
The mysteries of Al-Balad
Al Balad, the historic district of Jeddah, stands as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. Originally established as the center of Jeddah in the 7th century, Al Balad has evolved through centuries into a bustling neighborhood, characterized by its traditional multi-story buildings made from coral stone and intricate wooden lattices, known as ‘Roshan,’ that uniquely define the area’s architecture.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, Al Balad is not just an architectural marvel but a living museum, echoing the stories and lives of generations past. The district is famed for its labyrinthine alleyways that wind between ancient buildings, leading visitors through bustling souks where artisans sell everything from intricate jewelry and traditional attire to spices and incense. These marketplaces, such as Souk Al Alawi, remain the pulsating heart of Al Balad, offering a glimpse into the traditional commerce that has sustained the district for centuries.
Restoration efforts in Al Balad focus on preserving its historic structures while introducing modern conveniences to enhance visitor experiences without compromising the district’s historical integrity. These efforts include turning historical buildings into boutique hotels, cultural centers, and museums, providing immersive experiences that celebrate the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.
Community events and cultural festivals are regularly held in Al Balad, showcasing traditional Saudi music, dance, and crafts, which attract both locals and tourists alike, further enlivening the district’s streets and squares. By night, Al Balad transforms, with the historic buildings beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that further enhances the district’s appeal as a cultural and tourist destination.
In addition to its myriad attractions, Al Balad is home to one of the oldest mosques in Jeddah, the Al-Shafei Mosque. This ancient mosque, rooted deep in the history of the region, stands as a cornerstone of the spiritual and cultural landscape of Al Balad. Dating back several centuries, the Al-Shafei Mosque exemplifies traditional Islamic architecture with its simple yet profound design, marked by its iconic minaret and the use of coral stones in construction, a common material in Jeddah’s historical buildings.
The mosque’s location in the heart of Al Balad makes it a pivotal site for the local Muslim community, serving as a place of worship and a gathering point for centuries. It is not just a religious site but also a symbol of the enduring Islamic heritage that permeates the district. The mosque has undergone several renovations to preserve its structure and historical integrity while continuing to accommodate worshippers and visitors.
Visiting Al-Shafei Mosque offers a unique glimpse into the religious practices and community life that have been central to Al Balad since its inception. The mosque, with its serene courtyard and traditional Saudi Arabian architecture, provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling market streets of the surrounding district. It stands as a testament to the deep-rooted Islamic traditions and the architectural ingenuity that have shaped Jeddah’s cultural and historical identity. This integration of faith and heritage makes Al Balad a compelling destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s rich past and vibrant present.
The Al Balad district is embracing a new chapter in luxury tourism with the opening of three heritage hotels: Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al-Rayess, and Beit Kedwan. These hotels, part of the Jeddah Historic District Programme managed by the Ministry of Culture and Al Balad Development Company, represent a significant blend of preservation and modern luxury.
Each hotel has been carefully restored to reflect its unique historical architecture while providing an immersive experience into the storied past of Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of a broader effort to refurbish over 600 buildings within the district, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its cultural heritage alongside luxury tourism.
The developments aim to transform Al Balad into a premier global destination for tourism and business.
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: The Jeddah Corniche, a 30-kilometre waterfront area, is great for leisurely strolls, family picnics, and enjoying sculptures that dot the landscape. 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.
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.
High speed 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. 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.
Access by sea:
Since 2021, Jeddah has become an increasingly popular layover for Red Sea cruises. The establishment of Cruise Saudi, a government-backed entity, has facilitated this growth, particularly with the launch of a new cruise terminal at the Jeddah Islamic Port. This development allows for smooth embarkation and disembarkation processes for passengers. Jeddah is positioning itself as an essential stop on any Red Sea cruise itinerary and is working towards becoming a premier luxury cruise hub. This ambition extends to serving both the domestic and growing international market, with five international cruise lines having incorporated Jeddah into their routes to date.
Furthermore, Jeddah is becoming a favourite port of call for private luxury yachts, which offer affluent travellers the opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s western coastline, including its idyllic islands and stunning coral reefs noted for their exquisite beauty.
Accommodation in Jeddah
Just like in many parts of the kingdom, the hotel scene is evolving quite rapidly in Jeddah. There are already several luxury hotels to choose from, with a number in the pipeline.
Shangri-La
Currently topping the list is the Shangri-La, which is a Virtuoso approved property.
Upon opening, in 2022, the Shangri-La Jeddah was named in the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading New Hotel.
With a fabulous view over the Jeddah F1 circuit, the property is ideally located at the heart of the new Jeddah Waterfront project, offering a blend of seaside relaxation and urban flair. It’s conveniently close to major attractions like the Red Sea Mall, and the Floating Mosque.
There are 220 spacious rooms and suites starting at 56 square metres, each bathed in natural light and furnished with amenities designed for comfort, including walk-in wardrobes, indulgent bathtubs, and beds adorned with high-quality linens.
The Spa at Shangri-La offers a serene environment for relaxation, with treatments in softly lit, wooden rooms designed to help you unwind. For those seeking to maintain fitness routines, the Wellness Club provides state-of-the-art equipment, ocean views, and unique classes like poolside spinning.
For an even more luxurious stay, the Shangri-La Jeddah’s two-level Royal Suite spans 630 square metres and includes lavish features such as a private elevator, personal gym, and an ensuite spa area with a jetted hot tub and sauna.
Verified by SAFE.
Phone: 966 12 696 8888
Rosewood Jeddah
The longest standing 5-star property in Jeddah is the Rosewood, which is situated on the Corniche. While not new, the quality of accommodation at this property has been very well maintained. Views over the Red Sea are excellent.
Rosewood Jeddah thus offers a good mix of convenience and luxury. Its design and sophistication provide a regal experience tailored for both leisure and business travellers.
The hotel’s 101 tastefully appointed guest rooms and 26 suites blend classic elegance with modern technology, ranging from 40 to 50 square metres. The Royal Suite, spanning the 18th and 19th floors, boasts 5,242 square feet of luxury with two lounges, a dining area, a home theatre, and a Jacuzzi with views of the Red Sea.
The hotel includes a rooftop pool area reserved for male guests with views of the cityscape, a well-equipped fitness centre, and versatile meeting spaces.
Guests can savour the sunset with delectable desserts and teas at Soleil or enjoy a romantic dinner at the Al Malaki Lounge Terrace, where dishes like lobster bisque and sea bass are served against the backdrop of waterfront views from an elevated 21st-floor vantage point.
Rosewood Jeddah enhances the guest experience with 24-hour personal butler service for all rooms and suites, ensuring a stay defined by comfort and attentiveness.
Verified by SAFE. 4-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide.
+966 12 260 7111
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq
This is where a number of stars have stayed (in the Royal Suite), and it is regularly occupied by Royalty and heads of state. President Biden stayed here during his visit to Jeddah in July 2022 for his visit with Saudi and GCC leaders.
The Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr al Sharq, designed by the creators of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, epitomises luxury with its Red Sea location and extravagant features such as a three-story Swarovski crystal chandelier and 24-karat-gold-leaf-wrapped TVs in the suites. Beyond its lavish design, the hotel is renowned for its exceptional service, including a women’s-only spa and 24-hour butler service, ensuring a private and regal experience for guests.
The accommodations are spacious, with the smallest rooms being nearly 60 sq m, all featuring marble bathrooms and sea views. The hotel’s architecture and interiors boast luxurious details, and it offers fine dining experiences including a Middle Eastern restaurant and a modern Italian dining room with Venetian cuisine, both offering stunning sea views.
Additionally, it hosts Saudi Arabia’s first women’s-only hotel spa, highlighted by an AquaMed Hydrotherapy bed. The hotel’s style is very “opulent” and ostentatious, and as such is very attractive for travellers who prefer this kind of luxury.
Verified by SAFE.
The Ritz Carlton
Receiving 4 stars from Forbes Travel Guide in 2024, The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, situated along the Al Hamra corniche with views of the Red Sea and King Fahd’s Fountain, is celebrated for its palatial heritage and royal design elements.
Since its opening in 2017, it has become a preferred destination for international travellers, newlyweds, and families seeking a break from city life, thanks to its stunning crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and verdant gardens.
The hotel is renowned for its high-end dining options, including Reyhana, Saltz, and Karamel Lounge, and features a gentlemen-only spa that uses local ingredients like Taif Rose in its treatments.
Additionally, the Karamel Lounge offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and specialty drinks, and there’s a special check-in counter for children. Guests can enjoy global cuisine during the street food night at Reyhana.
With over 7,600 square metres of space, the hotel boasts the city’s largest conference centre. The Cake Boutique is another highlight, offering an array of desserts. While the hotel lacks a pool, guests can access a private beach through a special promotion
Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Assila, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Jeddah, stands out as a unique blend of a luxury hotel and an art gallery, showcasing over 2,000 artworks by Saudi artists.
This 304-room establishment is not only a testament to Jeddah’s emerging status as an artistic centre but also a celebration of its prime location among fashionable boutiques and cultural landmarks.
The hotel excels in offering a sophisticated experience, combining traditional Arabian hospitality with modern comforts and impressive city views. Highlights include its art-filled interiors, abundant natural light, specialized fitness and spa facilities for both men and women, and an outdoor pool on the 20th floor with panoramic city views.
Dining options include Pampas, an Argentinian restaurant known for its exquisite beef and seafood, and Twenty Four, which offers a diverse international buffet. Aubergine presents a more relaxed dining atmosphere with a focus on Arabic and Mediterranean dishes.
For business needs, there are 11 well-lit meeting rooms available. The rooms and suites, ranging from 45 square meters to 230 square meters, beautifully integrate modern design with traditional elements, all featuring luxurious marble bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and separate showers in the suites.
+ 966-12-231-9800
+ 966-12-231-9970
