This summer, Jeddah is once again making waves on the tourism calendar with its most immersive and multifaceted edition of Jeddah Season to date. With a spotlight on its newly invigorated West Coast beach zones and the expansive Jeddah Shopping Festival, the 2025 edition promises a compelling blend of leisure, retail therapy and cultural immersion that’s already drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and abroad.
The Jeddah Shopping Festival: retail meets entertainment
Running from 11 July to 31 August 2025, the Jeddah Shopping Festival complements the seaside action with more than just markdowns. Spanning 35 malls, over 4,500 retail outlets, and a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, the festival reflects a vibrant convergence of authentic Saudi charm and contemporary global retail.
Participating hubs include:
- Red Sea Mall
- Mall of Arabia
- Jeddah Park
- U Walk
- Al-Andalus Mall
- Souq 7
- The Village
Retailers across these destinations are offering exclusive seasonal promotions, bundle deals, and large-scale prize raffles. Several hospitality providers—hotels, airlines and car hire companies—have also joined the campaign, offering package discounts that encourage extended stays and family trips.
But it’s not just about shopping. The festival’s entertainment calendar includes fireworks displays, drone light shows, street performances, and live music—bringing a sense of celebration to the act of browsing and buying.
Al-Balad and the city’s cultural heartbeat
As ever, Al-Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage district, forms the cultural soul of the season. Traditional souqs along Qabil Street, heritage homes made from coral limestone, and art installations by local creators breathe life into this historic quarter. Shoppers can discover Saudi spices, gold jewellery, fine textiles and handcrafts in a setting that feels more like a film set than a marketplace.
Cultural performances, storytelling events, and heritage tours further enrich the offering—drawing a line between Jeddah’s ancient trade legacy and its modern role as a commercial and cultural hub.
Signature experiences and family-friendly venues
In addition to its core attractions, Jeddah Season 2025 introduces several new thematic zones:
- Wonder Forest: an air-conditioned tropical park hosting lemurs, turtles, raccoons, jungle cafés, and interactive family shows.
- Gold Expo: a curated showcase of Saudi and international jewellers, complete with exhibits tracing the history of gold craftsmanship.
- City Walk: a high-energy open-air zone for concerts, sports events and entertainment, including wrestling and illusionist shows.
These additions extend the season’s appeal beyond sun-seekers and shoppers, positioning Jeddah as a well-rounded summer destination with something for every age and interest.
A new era for Red Sea leisure
The West Coast activation, one of the standout features of this year’s season, transforms Jeddah’s shoreline into a dynamic destination—offering beachgoers everything from paddleboarding and jet-skiing to family-friendly entertainment and open-air concerts.
Divided into themed coastal areas—such as Kashta, 17Sixty, and Souk Kashta—the beachfront programme balances sport and relaxation. Women-only beaches, wellness-focused mornings, live music, and gourmet food trucks lend each zone a distinct identity, contributing to an atmosphere that’s both festive and refined.
The emphasis on newly developed private beaches has proven a key drawcard, catering to visitors seeking both exclusivity and comfort. Luxury beach clubs and secluded coves now offer high-end experiences tailored to couples, families and discerning tourists.
Economic impact and Vision 2030 alignment
Jeddah Season is not merely an entertainment calendar—it’s a strategic initiative contributing to the Kingdom’s wider Vision 2030 goals. By combining leisure, retail, culture, and tourism into a unified experience, the season supports job creation, local business development, and the international repositioning of Jeddah as a premium urban tourism destination.
The Shopping Festival, in particular, is designed to stimulate spending across sectors, drawing both Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visitors and domestic travellers with its mix of traditional markets and world-class retail outlets.
Practical tips for visitors
- Timing: Visit malls during weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the busiest periods.
- Access: Most West Coast beach zones are accessible by car, with parking provided. Booking is recommended for private beaches and club areas.
- Apps & platforms: Several malls and retail zones offer mobile apps that list promotions, flash sales and real-time entertainment schedules.
- Exploration: For the full spectrum of Jeddah’s shopping culture, pair a visit to Tahlia Street’s luxury boutiques with a wander through Souq Al-Alawi or Souq Bab Makkah in the old city.
All in all, it’s a season of synergy—a confluence of sun, sand, shopping and storytelling. Whether you’re in search of the latest designer release, a traditional thobe, or simply a serene sunset on the Red Sea, Jeddah in summer 2025 has it all.
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Photos (in text) courtesy of SPA, top of page, courtesy of STA
Read also: Riyadh Season drives Saudi tourism growth with 47.6% surge in international visitors
