Jeddah Hotels

Introduction to Jeddah
One of Saudi Arabia’s liveliest cities, Jeddah is a cosmopolitan commercial hub with a busy port on the Red Sea. It’s known for modern shopping malls and family-friendly entertainment, the historic Al-Balad neighbourhood and the 30km seafront Jeddah Corniche. Jeddah is 90km from the holy pilgrimage site of Mecca.

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Official language: Arabic; English widely spoken

Climate: Desert climate, virtually no rain. Jul–Sep average 32C; Dec–Feb average 24C; highest rainfall Nov–Dec

Religion: Islam. Friday is Islamic holy day; conservative clothing is essential, especially for women, who must wear loose clothing to cover their body, and cover their hair

Getting around: Buses; metered taxis; car hire

From King Abdulaziz International Airport: Taxi to Al-Hamra’a or city centre approx 30 mins (30km)

Top things to see & do

Historic quarter, sea creatures and a palace museum

• Jeddah Corniche – stroll along a promenade lined with beaches and amusement parks
• Saudi Center for Fine Art – gaze at calligraphy, photography and digital imagery
• Al-Balad – explore the alleyways in Jeddah’s historic centre, with ornate Ottoman gates and merchant houses
• Fakieh Aquarium – spot sharks and watch dolphin shows
• King Fahd Fountain – see an amazing display shooting water 300 metres into the air
• Khuzam Palace – explore a 20^th-century palace housing archaeology and ethnology exhibits
• Al Nakheel Beach – bathe or dive in the Red Sea

Where to shop

Dazzling malls, designer boutiques and Arabic handicrafts

• Souq Al Alawi – traditional market with aromatic frankincense, Arabic perfumes and coffee beans
• Old Jeddah Turkish and Afghani Souk – a huge array of carpets, rugs and tapestries
• Red Sea Mall – global brands, plus bowling and go-karting
• Gold Souk – gold and silver by weight, jewellery and collectibles
• Bab Makkah Souk – traditional market specialising in silks and spices
• Al Andalus Mall – modern mall with global brands and a Staybridge Suites hotel

Where to eat

Lebanese specialities and a sushi bar

• Sakura Japanese Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Jeddah – elegant restaurant with a sushi bar
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• Fish Market at Intercontinental Jeddah – for local seafood delicacies
• Byblos Restaurant – authentic Lebanese dishes at a contemporary restaurant in Al-Hamra’a
• Shababik ­– Lebanese cuisine in a popular restaurant off Tahlia Street, with a roof terrace

Special events in Jeddah

History, shopping and summer entertainment

• Historic Jeddah Festival (Jan) – cultural events celebrating the history of the Rabi Al Awwal neighbourhood
• Let’s Go to Jeddah (Jan) – festival with shopping at the Red Sea Mall and regional events
• Jeddah Summer Festival (Jul) – a month of entertainment, cultural events, firework displays and a circus