Jeddah – Saudi Coastal City on the Red Sea

The old port and trading city of Jeddah stretches between the desert, mountains and the Red Sea. It is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and is still considered an insider’s tip among holiday destinations. Muslim pilgrims have long known it as the gateway to the Islamic pilgrimage sites of Mecca and Medina. Jeddah can look back on around 2,500 years of history. The old town, with its traditional merchants’ houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The harmonious interplay between tradition and modernity is reflected in a cityscape characterised by impressive mosques, traditional souks and futuristic skyscrapers. Walking along the 35-kilometre-long coastal promenade, there is not only fresh sea air to enjoy, but also beaches, amusement parks and the world’s highest fountain to discover. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a desert state that takes up most of the Arabian Peninsula. Jeddah is located in Mecca Province on the Red Sea and is the gateway to the Islamic pilgrimage sites of Mecca and Medina, which can be reached quickly and easily with an express train connection from Jeddah Airport. However, the city of Mecca itself is only open to Muslims.

The Hajj pilgrimage takes place here every year. Non-Muslims have also been allowed to travel to Medina since 2022 with the exception of the holy area Al-Haram with the Prophet’s Mosque.

Around 50 kilometres north of Jeddah is the town of Thuwal, location of the renowned King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. If you head east, you will come to the Hejaz Mountains, where the city of Taif is located at an altitude of 1,680 metres. Situated on a fertile plateau, the mountain village is famous for growing citrus fruits, pomegranates, figs and roses. Those travelling further north from Jeddah will discover one of the country’s most famous sights: the rock tombs of Hegra near Al-Ula.

Picture source title:
© sainuddeen/stock.adobe.com  

The information published on this page is current as of the date of publication or update.