Jeddah is a bustling metropolis in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, more specifically on the eastern shore of the Red Sea coastal plain (Tihāmah). It is about 12 m (39 ft) above sea level. The second largest Saudi Arabian city after Riyadh, it forms an eponymous of 17 governorates of Makkah (Mecca) province with Makkah City as its capital. Jeddah Governorate counts much more than 4 million inhabitants.
Modern Life in Jeddah
The city’s motto in Arabic is “Jeddah Ghair,” which means “Jeddah is different“. The motto is widely used by both locals and foreign visitors. The city is considered the most “open” city in Saudi Arabia.
Located on the Red Sea, Jeddah’s Islamic Port is the second largest in the Arab world (after Dubai’s Jebal Ali Port). In addition, Jeddah is conveniently located between the two holy cities of Mecca and Madinah (Medina), making it a gateway – as it has been in the past – to Mecca, which is about 70 km to the east, while Madinah is about 360 km to the north.
As a city built around a large port and a gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Jeddah has a longer tradition than many other cities in Saudi Arabia of welcoming foreign visitors. Jeddah is said to be the most relaxed city in the Kingdom and a cosmopolitan part of the country with a very diverse foreign population.
Due to the city’s proximity to the Red Sea, seafood dishes dominate the dining culture, though international cuisine is not overlooked. From gourmet restaurants to eateries, the entire spectrum of gastronomy is on offer.
Economically, Jeddah is focused on further developing investment in scientific and technical excellence within Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Jeddah is developing into a thoroughly modern city, offering a wide range of jobs and a wide range of leisure activities for its citizens and residents. Buildings with modern architecture and, above all, sophisticated new high-rises and parks reflect the awakening that not only this city but the entire country is experiencing in connection with the so-called Vision 2030. The urban development of Jeddah has been pushed enormously over the years. North-Jeddah in particular has undergone massive redevelopment to make the Corniche (beach) more attractive to visitors, and work there is still ongoing. Upscale department stores, shopping malls and modern avenues are a clear sign that (not only) North-Jeddah has become an attractive part of the city; indeed, this part of the city is an affluent, low-density residential area.
There are numerous entertainment and cultural events throughout the year, such as the annual Jeddah Season, which features 60 days of events in the city.
The city has many popular hotels and resorts for everyone’s taste and budget.
Traditional Life in Jeddah’s Al Balad
In addition to the modern part of the city, Jeddah also has a different, traditional face where old Arabic architecture dominates, including a number of mosques. Visitors will find most of the historically significant sites in Al Balad, the center of the city. The Al Balad district, a UNECO World Heritage Site and the heart of downtown Jeddah, reflects the city’s history over the past centuries. The beautiful historic architecture of the coral buildings casts a welcome shadow over the bustling souks (bazaars)where merchants offer their wares.
If you would like to know more about the city in general and in particular, or if you would like a suggestion for a two- or three-day visit program, I would like to recommend my ebook “Dr. Hans-F. Loth – Travel Guide Riyadh and Jeddah”.
