Jeddah
Saudi Arabia · Country profile
Jeddah is the great port city of the Red Sea and the commercial capital of the western Saudi Arabia, a historic walled town of the coral architecture that has grown into the vast, wealthy metropolis of the present. The old town, the historic quarter of the Al-Balad with its tower houses, its souks and its wooden balconies, is a world heritage of the architecture of the coral, and the modern city spreads the enormous skyscrapers, the waterfront of the corniche, the malls and the seaside life of the present. Jeddah has always been the gateway of the holy cities, the port that received the pilgrims for a thousand years, and its cosmopolitan, merchant soul carries a warm welcome unusual in the region. The sea, the art and the historic lanes make Jeddah the most layered and the most open city of the country.
About Jeddah
Jeddah is a city in Saudi Arabia. The city's documented population is around 4,402,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR) and Arabic is spoken; the dialling code is +966. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: King Abdulaziz International Airport.
The Al-Balad, the Corniche and the Towering Skyline
Jeddah is the lively, cosmopolitan port of the kingdom, a city of the coral-walled old town, the glittering waterfront and the enormous modern metropolis behind them. The historic quarter with its tower houses and its souks is the essential walk, and the corniche with its art, its beaches and its skyscrapers carries the modern life of the sea. The city is safer and more open than many assume, and its restaurants, its art scene and its long Red Sea evenings give it a character all its own. It is also the historic gateway of the pilgrims and the natural base for the coast and the reefs of the Red Sea.
The Cooler Months, the Riyal and the Modest Dress
The best periods are the winter and the early spring, mild and dry, with the summer months intensely hot and humid on the coast. The old town and the corniche are the essential walks, and the tours of the historic quarter are best taken in the mornings and the evenings. The Saudi riyal is the currency and the cards work everywhere, with the cash used in the souks. The Arabic is the language and the English is limited but growing, so a translation app helps. Dress is modest in the public spaces, the city is safe and the taxi apps cover the enormous spread with ease. The reef of the Red Sea and the islands just offshore are the classic escapes of the region.
The Coral Towers, the Reefs and the Art of the City
The historic quarter of the Al-Balad, with its coral-built tower houses, its wooden balconies and its teeming souks, is the great heritage walk of the city, and its lanes of the shops, the dates and the spices give the most atmospheric sense of the old Jeddah. The corniche of the waterfront, with its celebrated sculptures, its beaches, its marina and its towering skyline, is the great modern promenade, and the floating mosque and the fountains of the sea frame the views of the sunset. The art scene of the city, the galleries and the enormous arts district that has opened in recent years, is among the most ambitious of the region, and the dive boats of the pristine reefs of the Red Sea run the best reef diving of the whole coast.
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- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Population
- 4,402,000
- Coordinates
- 21.6796, 39.1565
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +966
- Country code
- SA
Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism.
Getting to Jeddah
Airports we list for Jeddah:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Saudi Arabia
Other cities we cover in Saudi Arabia:
Frequently asked questions
Is Jeddah the capital of Saudi Arabia?
No — the capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh.
What currency do I need in Jeddah?
The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Languages spoken in Saudi Arabia include Arabic.
What is the dialling code for Saudi Arabia?
The international dialling code for Saudi Arabia is +966.
Which airport should I fly into for Jeddah?
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is the airport we list for Jeddah.
How far is Jeddah from the nearest airport?
Jeddah is about 852 km from King Khalid International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Australia (e-visa), Canada (e-visa), France (e-visa), Germany (e-visa) and India (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Jeddah? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.