Jeddah

Jeddah (جدّة, also spelled Jiddah) is the main city of the Red Sea side of Saudi Arabia and the major commercial center of the country.

Culture and History

Jeddah has been a port and trading city for centuries, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants. Today, it is the major commercial center of Saudi Arabia. It also has many government offices. Jeddah is known in the kingdom for its shopping districts, restaurants and cafes. It also hosts the largest Corniche or waterfront in the Kingdom with a great bunch of hotels, beaches and resorts clustered around it.

It is also the main entry point, either by air or sea, for pilgrims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two sacred cities of Islam. Both are a few hours inland from Jeddah.

Orientation

Jeddah is a huge city that sprawls along the coast of the Red Sea, connected together by the Corniche, a seaside avenue full of bizarre sculptures and nearly 30 km long. The old city or al-Balad, on the southern side of modern Jeddah, is a crumbling but fascinating warren of multi-story houses made from coral. The main thoroughfare Medina Road starts from the northern side of al-Balad and runs all the way to the city.

Travel to Jeddah - Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Jeddah

Jeddah is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED) is the largest airport in the Kingdom and is well served by airlines around the world. Alas, despite its importance and the Kingdom's wealth, the airport is in miserable shape with dust, flies and poor to nonexistent signage, although as of 2008 it is undergoing a much-needed renovation.

There are two regular terminals, with the South Terminal, used by domestic Saudi airlines and all Saudi Airways flights, and the North Terminal, used by all other international flights. Located on opposite sites of the massive apron, the two are nearly 8 km apart and the only way to connect is by taxi. A taxi to the city from either will cost around SAR 50; agree on the fare before you set off.

There are also two special terminals, used exclusively for Hajj pilgrims heading directly to Mecca, which are basically enormous tents of fiberglass fabric on reinforced concrete poles and steel cables. Driving to the normal non-Hajj terminal, you pass between the two. In season, this lets you admire rows of 747s parked alongside the Hajj terminals.

By car

Many agencies like Avis Budget will rent you a 2008 mid-size car for the price of SAR 100-140 (about 30-50 USD) per day. Fuel is very cheap. The streets are wide and signs are written in both Arabic and English. Maps can be found in the library or big supermarkets.

Buses to Jeddah

Bus is not a commonly-used means of transportation in Jeddah even though you can ride one for 1-2 riyals from certain main streets to Albalad (downtown). It is a very interesting way to enjoy the traditional music and the sound of people mixing together while enjoying the ride. Busses are mostly private so the owner is responsible for cleanliness. Big busses are also provided by the government which are big and clean but has no schedule to follow so it is better to use the small busses.

By boat

Boats are not for transportation but means to enjoy the sea ride in Obhor at the North of Jeddah Sea, a one hour ride in a small boat is around SAR 200 (US$55).

Tours and Getting around Jeddah

Many of the hotels chains will have a "water taxi" or a small minivan that will take you to the mall and main shopping areas, etc. Taxis are also very inexpensive, with most 10 minute rides costing about 10-20 riyals (about $2-4). There are 2 types of taxis, some are yellow and have a sign that says TAXI, they are usually cheaper but a little "rougher" and usually are not airconditioned. Instead, opt for a "Limosine" which are better quality taxis, they are white (instead of yellow). Their prices are about $1-3 more expensive.

Jeddah tourist attractions and sightseeing

Al-Balad (Old Town)

Jeddah's top sight is al-Balad, or the old town. The city wall has long since been torn down, but gates still mark where it once stood. Within you'll find a warren of ancient buildings and traditional souks, including the teetering multistory coral houses that Jeddah is famous for. Alas, coral is not a very durable building material, and most of the buildings are in terrible condition.

• Souq al-Alawi. At the heart of the old city, coral houses line both sides of this busy market street. A photography permit is theoretically necessary (enquire at the office behind Naseef house), but in practice nobody seems to bat an eyelid as long as you don't stick your camera in people's faces without permission. 
• Naseef House. 5-9 PM (closed Fri?). The former house of one of Jeddah's main trading families, now a museum of sorts. Great views from the top floors when open.SR20.  

Other

• Tahliya, the main shopping Street.
• Corniche, the Red Sea shore.
• Gold Souk.
• Jeddah's fountain. The highest in the world

Jeddah city tours

Scuba diving

Scuba diving off Jeddah is a major draw for expats in the Kingdom, although the Saudis themselves seem oblivious to the treasures that await offshore. Being on the Red Sea, the flora and fauna are quite similar to what you'd see on Egypt's Red Sea Coast or Sinai, only minus all the tourists. Visibility can be spectacular (30-40m is common), the corals are virtually untouched and there are plenty of interesting sites to explore, like the Chicken Wreck, a boat carrying tons of frozen chicken that hit the reef and sunk at a depth of 10-18m. Most of the better dive sites are around one hour out to sea by fast boat.

The Red Sea gets chilly in the winter, with water temperatures dropping to 22°C, so you'll want to use a 5mm wetsuit with hood. In summer, temperatures climb up to a much more balmy 29°C, and 3mm shorty or 1mm diveskin is plenty.

• Desert Sea Drivers, Obhur(40 km north of Jeddah), ☎ +966-2- 6561807, [1]. The oldest and largest diving outfit in Jeddah, which puts three boats out to sea on a busy weekend. Uses fast and comfortable custom-built dive boats, and all trips include a tasty hot lunch. Gear rental and transfers to/from central Jeddah (SR 150 return) extra. Offers on-site accommodation and can also arrange tourist visas to Saudi for diver groups with at least 2 months' notice.SR 200/250/300 for 1/2/3 boat dives.  

Parks

• Sail Island (water park)
• Jungle Land Amusement park
• Al-Shalal Theme Park

Learn

• American International School
• British International School of Jeddah(Continental School), ☎ +966-2-6990019(fax: +966-2-6991943), [2].  
• Manarat International School
• Al Hejaz International School - Al Aziziah
• Thamer International School
• Al-Wadi International School
• Global International School
• French International School
• Many Arabic School (Around 300)
• Pakistan International Schools
• Indian International Schools
• International Philippine School in Jeddah
• Al-Hekma International School
• Gems International School

Work

There are many places to find work in Jeddah and jobs are plentiful.

Jeddah souvenirs and shopping

There are a number of shopping malls in Jeddah to shop.

• Hera'a Mall The largest mall in Jeddah, located on Madina St.

• Mall of Arabia Recently opened and claims to be the biggest shopping mall in Saudi Arabia on Medina St.

• Red Sea mall It is one of the biggest shopping malls in Jeddah on Al-Makek St.

• Star's Avenue One of the newest malls on Al-Malek St. Saks Fifth Avenue opened there.

• Tahlia Center Located on Tahlia St. and has a wide variety of shops.

• Jeddah Mall Also located on Tahlia St. It doesn't have a lot of variety but has a great food court to hang-out in.

• Al Khayyat Center where all the international designer brands opened a branch like D&G, Gucci, Dior...etc. It is located on Tahlia street.

• Al Basateen One of the very first malls on Tahlia St. and a favorite hang-out for teenagers.

• Le Mall Famous for the Starbuck's branch open there on Tahlia streey.

• Coral Mall Located off-Tahlia St. It has a large branch of Second Cup.

Jeddah Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Jeddah is full of restaurants with almost every cuisine imaginable, and eating out is part of Jeddan culture. All the restaurants have separate sections for single men and for families. Dating is forbidden, but most restaurants will allow a couple into the family section without question. All businesses close for prayer for about half an hour at noon and at sunset. They close again an hour after sunset for about 45 minutes. If you like to eat early, you can often stay in a restaurant during prayer time. Saudis tend to eat late, well after the evening prayer.

Budget

• Al Baik - Broasted Chicken, one of the most popular fast food chain of Saudi Arabia available in Jeddah, Makkah & Madina only. Al Baik has 25 branches in Jeddah.

The standard cheap meal is the shawarma - giant layers of beef or chicken turning on a vertical spit. Thin slices are cut off and served with vegetables, garlic and sauce in pita bread. You can also find a few falafel shops or eat at boofias (cornershops). Try the Filipino Souk near Saudi City. Ask for the Pakistani area Kababish. There's a group of shops and restaurants with very low prices. Most of the American fast food franchises can be found in Jeddah. Such as:

• McDonalds
• Burger King
• KFC

Mid-range

• Barrio Fiesta, Al-Mahmal Centre top floor(al-Balad). Very popular Filipino eatery offering a gamut of Filipino fare like kare-kare. Basic fried rice and such for under SR10, but most main courses (SR30-50) come in huge portions designed to be shared. 

• Fudruckers
• Chillis
• Fridays
• Applebees
• Ruby Tuesday
• Casper & Gambini
• Marhaba- Pakistani Cuisine
• Kandora-Seafood
• Yildizlar-Turkish Cuisine
• Al Wazzan - Sitteen

There are also several coffee shops or cafes where the youth like to hang out:

• Java Lounge
• Vertigo
• Starbucks
• Mugs & Beans
• Costa Coffee
• Second Cup

Splurge

• Bice - Italian Restaurant at Qasr alsharq(7 Star Palace)
• Mat'am alsharq - Middle Eastern Cuisine at Qasr alsharq(7 Star Palace)
• Al Khayyam Restaurant - Persian Cuisine at the Jeddah Hilton
• Al Amwaj Restaurant - French Cuisine at the Jeddah Hilton
• Cafe Vienna - Luxurious Italian Cafe at the Jeddah Hilton
• At Layaly Al-Hejaz ( Hejazi nights) located at Tahliya Street.
• At Al-Nakheel. Corniche area. Traditional food with sheesha.
• Villa d'Este Cafe ( Luxury Italian Coffee Shop with very special garden )Al Tahliah St. Al Khayyat Center 2-Behind Jeddah Mall.
• Bubbles-on Corniche Jeddah waterfront
• Senses-Japanese Cuisine
• Byblos
• Caffe Aroma - Theme-fusion food located on Corniche
• Papaya - International food next to Sawary Mall

• Yildizlar, front of Saudi American Bank, Al Hamra Area, tel. +966 2 6531150. Excellent Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian food.

Jeddah nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

In the whole of K.S.A., alcohol is forbidden as it is against the Islamic law and therefore against the country's law; if you try to bring, make, or buy alcoholic drinks you will probably end up getting corporal punishment (100+ lashes), fined and/or jailed. Non-alcoholic beer is available everywhere; other juices, drinks, and/or cocktails are available in almost all restaurants.

Jeddah cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Outside Hajj season, hotels in Jeddah are generally cheaper than those in Riyadh.

• Jeddah Marriott, Falasteen Rd, ☎ +966-2-6714000, [3]. Older but well-maintained property. Deep pool (no women), large gym, good breakfast. The main downsides are the mildly awkward location (little of interest nearby) and the poor soundproofing, esp. as there are four mosques nearby.US$120.  

• Qasr Al Sharq - Palace of the Orient(7 Star Palace Property) A place fit for royalty.
• Rose wood - Fabulous 5 star luxury hotel with amazing sea view and amenities.
• Jeddah Hilton - Fabulous 5 star Luxury hotel with amazing Health club,Swimming pools,6 Restaurants,shops,Salon,Spa,unsurpassed and spacious interior.
• Arabian Palace.
• Westin Jeddah.
• Intercontinental Jeddah.
• Sheraton Heddah
• Durrat Al-Arouse, Jeddah's main resort.
• Crowne Plaza.  
• Explore Jeddah, Falasteen Rd, [4]. Older but well-maintained property. Deep pool (no women), large gym, good breakfast. The main downsides are the mildly awkward location (little of interest nearby) and the poor soundproofing, esp. as there are four mosques nearby.US$120.  
• Al-Hamra Sofitel(Sofitel).  

Contact

• For business and investments: Jeddah chamber of commerce & industry.
• For media coverage: Arab news newspaper, or independent activists.
• For tourism: Saudi supreme council of tourism.
• For Ummrah and hajj: The hajj ministry.

Stay safe

Local women normally wear a hijab (headscarf) and abaya (long black overgarment) to cover her head and entire body. Hijabs, however, are not required for non-Muslim or Western-looking women. Only the abaya is required to all women. Men should avoid wearing shorts.

Cope

Get out

Egypt - One of the most historically significant countries (The Great Pyramids), right across the Red Sea.

Riyadh - The capital of Saudi Arabia

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