Jeddah Saudi Arabia

A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring Jeddah: The Bride of the Red Sea

Jeddah, a vibrant coastal city on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, is a captivating blend of traditional charm and modern dynamism. As the gateway to Mecca, it boasts a rich history intertwined with Islamic heritage. This guide aims to be your trusty companion for navigating the wonders of “The Bride of the Red Sea” - Jeddah’s nickname due to its stunning location on the coast.

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Location: Situated on the coast of the Red Sea, Jeddah is a major port city in Saudi Arabia and the second-largest city in the country.

  • Culture: Known for its welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Jeddah embraces both its traditional Saudi roots and a modern, diverse culture. Be respectful of local customs: dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees), avoid public displays of affection, and be mindful of prayer times.

  • Religion: As the largest city in Saudi Arabia with a predominantly Muslim population, it’s crucial to understand and respect Islamic traditions. Public prayer five times a day is obligatory for Muslims, so try to avoid praying publicly while in Jeddah.

  • Language: The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood in business settings and by younger generations.

  • Weather: Be prepared for the hot and humid climate of Jeddah, especially during the summer months (May-September). Temperatures can soar above 120°F (50°C), so lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are essential.

  • Currency: The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR) but major credit cards are accepted in many places.

Visa Requirements:

  • While tourism visas are now available for visitors to Saudi Arabia, it’s important to check the latest requirements on the Saudi Ministry of Tourism website or with your local Saudi embassy or consulate.

Accommodation:

  • Hotels: As a major international city, Jeddah offers a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxurious 5-star resorts.

    • Luxury:

      • The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah: This iconic hotel boasts stunning views and top-notch amenities.
      • Four Seasons Hotel, Jeddah: A renowned option for upscale travelers with a focus on personalized service.
      • Jeddah Hilton: Offers a comfortable stay with beautiful sea views and access to the Red Sea Mall.

    • Mid-Range:

      • Park Hyatt Jeddah - Marina, Club, and Spa: Modern rooms and suites overlooking the city’s vibrant waterfront.
      • Hilton Jeddah: Conveniently located near the airport for easy access.
      • Hotel Fairmont: A luxurious option with a focus on comfort and service.

  • Apartments: For longer stays or those seeking more independence, short-term apartment rentals are readily available, offering a “home away from home” experience.

  • Airbnb and similar platforms: Explore diverse accommodation options through online platforms like Airbnb, which have become increasingly popular in the city.

  • Local Culture:

    • Respectful Dress: While visiting religious sites, remember to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees at all times. For women, it’s recommended to wear an abaya (a loose black robe) and a headscarf while in public.

  • Cultural Practices:

    • Ramadan: Be mindful of Ramadan timings for the Islamic prayer times. During this period, respect the local customs as Muslims are fasting.
    • Ramadan Etiquette: It’s important to remember that consuming food or drink in public during Ramadan is frowned upon and considered disrespectful. It’s best to eat and drink in private spaces.

Things to Do in Jeddah:

  • Explore the Old City (Al Balad): Wander through the narrow, historic streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, with its traditional architecture and bustling markets.

  • Enjoy the Beaches: Jeddah boasts stunning beaches along the Red Sea coast. Relax on the sand, swim in the turquoise waters, or try snorkeling and diving at popular spots like:

    • Al-Rawdah Beach: Perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the sunset.

    • Corniche: This beautiful beachfront promenade offers panoramic views and access to numerous beaches along the Red Sea coast.

  • Dive into History:

    • The Jeddah Historical Museum: Discover the rich history of the city through artifacts and exhibits.

    • Al-Balad: Immerse yourself in the traditional architecture and vibrant culture of this historic district.

    • Floating Mosque (Masjid Al-Masjid al-Nabawi): Experience the unique design and setting of this mosque, which appears to float on water during high tide.

Places to Visit:

  • Jeddah Corniche: This iconic waterfront promenade offers a stunning view of the Red Sea. Enjoy a walk along the paved pathway, bike rides, or picnics with the sparkling water as your backdrop.**

    • Things to do: Stroll along the beach, take a dip in the Red Sea, enjoy the view from the King Fahd’s Fountain, visit the nearby parks and playgrounds.

  • Al-Balad (Old Jeddah): This historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional architecture and historical significance.

    • Explore: Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of this historic district to discover traditional markets, restaurants serving authentic Saudi cuisine, and historical landmarks like the Al-Balad Gate.

  • Jeddah’s Old Markets (Souks): Get lost in the maze of stalls selling spices, textiles, perfumes, and traditional crafts.

  • The Floating Mosque: A unique mosque built on a lagoon with beautiful architecture.

  • King Fahd’s Fountain: Located on the Red Sea, this fountain is a must-see for its mesmerizing water display.

Experience the Culture of Jeddah:

* **Explore the Souks:** Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and vibrant colours of the traditional souks like the "Souk Al-Alawi" and "Al-Balad Market"
* **Visit a Traditional Coffee Shop:** Enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee and savour the local culture.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jeddah’s architecture:

  • Al-Balad: Immerse yourself in the history of the city by exploring the historic buildings and mosques.

  • Explore the Red Sea:

    • Jeddah Corniche: Enjoy the stunning sunset views over the Red Sea, perfect for a romantic walk or a family outing.

  • King Fahd’s Fountain: This impressive fountain is a symbol of Jeddah and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Red Sea.

  • Jeddah Corniche: The Red Sea coast is a beautiful place to visit, with its beaches and parks offering many opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Things to Note:

  • Modesty: Jeddah is a conservative city, so remember to dress modestly when visiting. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and it’s generally recommended to wear an abaya (a loose black robe) as a sign of respect.

  • Climate: The weather in Jeddah can be extremely hot during the summer months. Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen even indoors.

  • Ramadan Considerations: During Ramadan, be respectful of the fasting period by avoiding eating or drinking in public and being mindful of prayer times.

Enjoy local delicacies:

  • Jeddah Corniche: A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with something for everyone.

  • Traditional Food:

    • Seafood: Given its location on the Red Sea, it’s no surprise that Jeddah is renowned for its fresh seafood. Enjoy traditional dishes like “Saleeg” (a savory rice dish) or “Jareesh” (a cracked wheat soup), often served with lamb or chicken, and experience the flavors of the local cuisine.**

  • Enjoy the Red Sea:

    • Dive into history: Take a tour to explore the historical sites and learn about the city’s rich past.

  • Dining:

    • Jeddah Corniche: Be sure to visit during the evening for a stunning view of the city lights reflecting on the water.
    • Local Markets:

Sample traditional dishes:

  • “Kabsa”: A fragrant rice dish with meat and spices, considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia.

  • “Jareesh”: A delicious cracked wheat soup that is a staple in the region.**

  • Traditional Cuisine:

Discover the local flavors of the Red Sea region:

  • Enjoy:

    • The vibrant flavors of “Kabsa” (Saudi Arabian rice dish) are a must-try.

  • Explore different restaurants:

From street food stalls to high-end dining experiences,

  • Local Cuisine:

Jeddah offers a variety of restaurants serving delicious traditional dishes.

  • Experience the Red Sea:

  • Respect Local Culture:

Remember to be mindful of local customs and dress accordingly.**

Enjoy Traditional Food in Jeddah:

  • Al Balad: A vibrant beachfront district with stunning views.
  • Exploring the local culture:

Jeddah is known for its welcoming atmosphere, but it’s important to remember:

  • Respect for local traditions:

  • Red Sea Cuisine:

Jeddah offers a vibrant culinary scene, reflecting the diversity of its people and history.

Enjoy the Red Sea:

  • Explore the Jeddah Waterfront: The city has a beautiful coastline with plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood.**

  • Weather Considerations:

“Jeddah” is known for its diverse dining options and delicious cuisine. Remember that Jeddah’s weather can be extremely hot, especially during summer.

Respect Local Customs:

  • Dress code:

While visiting the city, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture. Wear a “thobe” (a long white robe) and dress modestly.

  • Dining Etiquette:

Remember that in Saudi Arabia, it is customary to eat with your right hand.

  • Dietary Restrictions:

Alcohol is not permitted in Saudi Arabia, so be mindful of this when choosing restaurants or ordering drinks. Be aware of cultural sensitivities.

Important things to remember:

  • Respect the local culture:

  • Dining:

  • Cultural Considerations:

    • Always eat with your right hand.
    • Remove shoes before entering a mosque.

  • Dress code:

  • Restaurants:

    • “Al-Salam” (a traditional Saudi Arabian dish) is a popular choice, but it’s important to note that:

Respecting the local culture:

  • Eating with your right hand:

Jeddah is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea and the unique experience of dining in a traditional setting.

  • Cultural Experiences:

“Al-Salam” is a delicious traditional dish that is worth trying.

Remember:

  • Respect for Islamic customs:

Avoid pointing your finger or feet at anything while inside a mosque, as this is considered disrespectful in their culture.

  • Dress code:

  • Dining etiquette:

For women:

  • It’s important to dress appropriately in

Jeddah.

Remember:

  • Traditional restaurants are generally gender-segregated, but it’s always best to check with the restaurant beforehand.**

  • Respect for Islam:

Tips:

  • Dress:

Wear an abaya (a loose-fitting robe) over your clothes when visiting a mosque or religious sites.

  • Modesty: Dress conservatively outside of mosques, and it’s important to be respectful of the local culture.

  • Clothing:

The most common clothing for women in restaurants is an abaya.

Remember:

  • Dress code:

  • Clothing:

  • Dress for modesty

  • Dress modestly: Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.**

  • Wear appropriate attire: In general, it’s important to dress conservatively in Saudi Arabia. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and wearing loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t reveal the shape of the body.

Food and Dining:

  • Traditional Cuisine:

It’s essential to respect the local cuisine by:

  • Respecting Islamic dietary laws:

  • Be mindful of alcohol consumption:

Alcohol is not served in restaurants, as it is prohibited in Islam.

  • Ask for guidance: When in doubt about a restaurant’s dress code, ask the staff or check online reviews.**
  • Be open to new experiences: Try some traditional “Jareesh” (a cracked wheat dish)

Cultural Experiences:

  • Traditional Dishes:

Enjoy the local culture and try traditional dishes.

  • Dress:

Remember that restaurants in Saudi Arabia often have specific dress codes for different times of the day or week.

  • Family dining:
  • Respect for Islamic customs:
  • A popular option:

Try a “Kabsa” dish, a popular choice:

  • Dining:

Jeddah is known for its delicious seafood and traditional dishes.

Dress Code in Public Places:

While visiting the city of Jeddah, it’s important to remember that while the abaya is not mandatory outside the home, wearing one will show respect for the local culture.

Respectful Behavior:

  • Eating:

Jeddah offers a variety of “Dining” experiences, from traditional restaurants to street food vendors:

  • Dress Code: Always wear an abaya when entering a mosque or restaurant that serves traditional food and observe the dress code.

For example:

Respect for Local Culture:

  • Be respectful:

    • Remember that it’s important to be respectful of local customs, especially in public spaces.

  • Family Dining:

  • Traditional Restaurants:

  • Dress Code:

It’s a good idea to wear loose clothing.

  • Dining:

Remember to dress conservatively and enjoy the local cuisine.

Respect for Local Customs:

Food and Culture:

Many restaurants in Jeddah offer traditional food, like “Kabsa”, which is: *

*

Dress code:

“Eating”:

  • Dining:

Remember that

Important Considerations:

  • Respect the local culture.

  • Covering your shoulders and knees:

  • Drinking alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

Respect for Local Culture:

Many restaurants serve traditional food, like “Jareesh”, which can be a

  • “Kabsa”:

    • This is a rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and spices.

Remember that the dress code in the Middle East and

North Africa is generally conservative, so covering your shoulders and knees will be appreciated.

  • “Jeddah”: It’s important to respect the local culture by dressing modestly.

  • Traditional Dress:

The “Jeddah” dress code applies to restaurants as well as when visiting religious sites. *

Respecting the local culture:

  • Many restaurants in Jeddah offer traditional food.

  • Local Restaurants:

    • These are popular for serving authentic dishes, like “Kabsa”, which are often cooked on open fires.

  • “Traditional”:

“Jareesh” is a delicious and filling dish that can be found in many restaurants. *

Respecting the local culture:

  • Dress:

    • Follow the dress code:

  • “Jeddah”: *

For the best experience, it’s important to follow the local customs when visiting a restaurant. * Traditional Dress:

It’s best to wear an abaya over your clothing in order to be respectful of the local culture.

**

**

** *

  • Respecting Islamic practices:

  • It is crucial to remember:

  • Dress code:

The “thobe” (a loose robe) and “headscarf” are standard attire for men and women, respectively.

  • Be respectful of local customs:

Remember that the abaya is a traditional garment for women in Saudi Arabia, and it’s important to be aware of the cultural context around its use.

  • Respect:

Jeddah has a rich history and culture: *

Dress Code:

  • Wear an abaya:

Respectful attire for men and women is a “Thobe” (a long white robe) and “drinking alcohol” is generally not acceptable in Saudi Arabia.

For more information about the city of Jeddah and its culture, you can visit the Jeddah Tourism website.

Respecting Islamic Practices:

  • Wear:

To ensure a respectful experience, it’s important to dress conservatively. *

For example:

Jeddah is a diverse city with many cultural attractions and restaurants.

Keep in mind:

  • Respectful behavior: It’s important to be aware of the local culture and customs.

Consider wearing a “Thobe” or traditional clothing when visiting a restaurant.

  • Be respectful:

Remember that it’s customary to greet people with “Salam” (peace) and remove shoes before entering a mosque.

**

**

  • Gender segregation:

Restaurants are often segregated by gender. *

Respecting Gender Segregation:

  • Wear:

A traditional “Thobe” is typically offered for women:

Remember to dress modestly in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah is a city with a rich culture and history,

and it’s important to be respectful when visiting restaurants in the city. *

Respectful Behavior:

It’s best to avoid wearing clothing that reveals the body**:

  • Remember:

that restaurants in Jeddah generally have a specific dress code for those entering. *

Remember, respecting these cultural norms is important for a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. *

“Asalam:

  • Dress code:

It’s customary to respect local customs.

Jeddah:

Removing shoes is not considered a disrespectful custom in most restaurants. *

Traditional Dress:

Respecting the local culture and tradition will enhance your visit.

This guide provides some general information about the city of Jeddah and its culture, but it’s always best to check with specific establishments for their dress code policies.

Remember:

  • Respectful Behavior:

Consider removing shoes before entering a restaurant.

For Travelers: *

Be mindful of the cultural context:

Jeddah:

**

**

Dress code:

The abaya and hijab (headscar