Home to more than 3 million people, “Jeddah”. I am not native to this city but I moved to this city since my childhood in early 90’s and consider myself as native. Major part of my life is spent here, this city is more like my hometown.
Geography
Jeddah is second largest city in the Kingdom after the capital city of Riyadh. this city is located at the mesmerizing coast of Red Sea. This is Hijazi/Makkah region of Saudi Arabian famously known as western region of the Kingdom. Another significance of this city, or I would say the the main significance, is the Holy city of Makkah ( the most holiest place for muslims of the world) which is just 45 minutes away from Jeddah. The Hajjis (Pilgrims) from all over the world who visit Makkah for Umrah or Hajj, Jeddah is port of entry for them, so anyone coming for Umrah or Hajj this article will help them explore more about this city.
Culture
This city is the most multi-cultural city of Saudi Arabia, since you can find working class from laborer to CEOs from all nationalities, therefore even being and Arabic speaking country more than 50% of people in Jeddah speak and understand English. The third most popular language spoken here after Arabic and English is Urdu/Hindi because the major expat population here is from South Asia.
Climate
Jeddah features a tropical temperature range throughout the year. In contrast to other cities of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah retains its warm temperature in winter as well, which ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82°F). The Summers are extremely hot, breaking the mark of 45°C (113°F).
According to Wikipedia - The lowest temperature ever recorded in Jeddah is 9.8°C (49.6°F) on Feb 10, 1993 and the highest temperature ever recorded is 52°C (125.6°F) on June 22, 2010.
Popular Attractions of Jeddah
1 - Jeddah Waterfront
Jeddah is on the shore of Red Sea, the total coastal area is approximately 30km long. An area above 4km long, near the Al-Nawras Square, has been refurbished with the cost of SR800 million in year 2018 and named “Jeddah Waterfront”. It has water-sport parks, beaches, children’s play parks, interactive water fountains, restaurants, kiosks, a floating marina dock, larger-than-life animal and art sculptures, as well as dozens of designated restrooms and phone charging stations.
It is a must visit place especially for children those can enjoy slides, swings and beautifully architected amusement areas, where nearby the adults can sit and enjoy quality time. For those who just want to walk or ride bicycles, have a designated area in between the two sides of road.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DgvB4hQd66K2
2 - King Fahad Fountain
King Fahd Fountain as it’s name says, was gifted by King Fahd in 1985 to the people of Jeddah. The fountain is visible throughout the vicinity of Jeddah, the fountain jets water to a maximum height, according to different sources, of either 260 metres (853 ft) or 312 m (1,024 ft) above the Red Sea, whichever figure is considered the actual height for the fountain, it is the world’s tallest.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zs8omLUSqyS2
3 - Masjid Al-Rahmah
Build in 1985, Masjid Al-Rahmah (sometime referred as floating Mosque) is unique of it’s kind as build above water on the Jeddah Corniche. This masjid is famous tourist spot among the visitors and locals. The speciality of this Masjid is the location and the architecture.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6nPEUxWhXL92
4 - Al-Balad (Historic district of Jeddah)
Balad is the historic central part of Jeddah, this is oldest area of Jeddah with some of the building more than 100 years old. It has been given status of “UNESCO World Heritage Site” in 2014. Although most of population has moved in the modern areas of Jeddah but this area is still full of life especially in the month of Ramadan. Al-Balad is also popular for shopping as there are so many markets and Bazaars are around the area/
If someone visits Jeddah, it is fully recommended must visit place to know and see the real Arab Culture.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/j6ArUCGrLYG2
5 - Fakieh Aquarium
The only Aquarium in Saudi Arabia for public, started its operation in 2013. Having more than 200 species of marine life including Sharks, Groupies, String Rays, Napoleon Wrasse, Sea Horses, Murrays is a unique tourist attraction in the city. Families can also enjoy Dolphin show which runs twice daily.
The price for dolphin show is charged separately and is optional, but its fully recommended tourist attraction of Jeddah.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4A65xFH5UVm
6 - Jeddah Flagpole
Completed in 2014, Jeddah Flagpole is latest addition to horizon of Jeddah. Standing 171m high, it has been the tallest flagpole in the world since its erection in King Abdullah Squre - Jeddah. A Saudi Arabian flag size 49.5m x 33m, weighing 570Kg was raised for the first time on (Sept 23, 2014) the National day of Saudi Arabia.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AoWa5fX6ziK2
7 - Shopping in Jeddah
The shopping experience in Jeddah is really diversified. You can find same product in different locations with different price. Although there are a lot of small Bazaars and shopping locations Tahliyah street is known for international brands outlets. Another expect of Jeddah is, shopping Malls, where you can find top of line International brand of clothings, shoes, perfumes, gifts, food, electronics and many more things. You name the brand and you get it in Jeddah.
Al-Balad district is also famous place to shopping especially for bulk purchasing. Some of the famous shopping malls where you can get almost every brand are, “Red Sea Mall”, “Mall of Arabia”, “Al-Salam Mall”, “Galleria Mall” and “Al-Andulas Mall”.
Locations are easily available on Google Maps.
8 - Foods of Jeddah
Jeddah being a multicultural city, you can find verity of Asian, Continental, western, Mexican and Arabian food in Jeddah. Despite having stupendous food verity and international food chains in Jeddah, my recommendation is you must try some local foods of Jeddah. The most popular restaurant chain in Jeddah is “Al-Baik” which have variety of chicken and seafood but known for its signature “broasted chicken”. A famous local food here is “Al-Harbi Kabab” native arab food, Al-Wazan Restaurant for Turkish food, another famous local food chain is “Amo Hamza” famous for seafood.
There are many more local and international food chains and you have verity of food to choose from.
So next time you come and visit Jeddah, make sure to make most of your visit and enjoy it to the fullest!
Disclaimer: None of the places listed above had sponsored this post by any means. The recommendations given above are based on my personal experience and liking.