See and Do in Jeddah
Jeddah is an old city based on the Red Sea with a multinational population that has expanded extensively over the recent years; the result being a number of things for expats to see and do on a weekend in Jeddah.
As the city typically regarded as Saudi Arabia’s most liberal and cosmopolitan metropolis, and as a port with a significant history, Jeddah has a host of attractions that expats can explore.
Many moving to the commercial centre will be initially taken aback by the apparent absence of desert and the overwhelming presence of greenery and a Red Sea shoreline that gives way to white sandy beaches. As a result the water-hugging promenade known as the corniche is one of the most popular ways to wind away days in Jeddah, but definitely not the only way to spend time.
Expats can also ingrain themselves in the rich history of this former fishing village by wandering around the Old Town or actively observing remnants of the different cultures that have passed through in previous times.
As the city typically regarded as Saudi Arabia’s most liberal and cosmopolitan metropolis, and as a port with a significant history, Jeddah has a host of attractions that expats can explore.Many moving to the commercial centre will be initially taken aback by the apparent absence of desert and the overwhelming presence of greenery and a Red Sea shoreline that gives way to white sandy beaches. As a result the water-hugging promenade known as the corniche is one of the most popular ways to wind away days in Jeddah, but definitely not the only way to spend time.
Expats can also ingrain themselves in the rich history of this former fishing village by wandering around the Old Town or actively observing remnants of the different cultures that have passed through in previous times.
Shopping in Jeddah
Widely believed to be the number one pastime in Saudi Arabia, there are many opportunities to explore the multifaceted realm of shopping in Jeddah.
The traditional old souks of the Balad, where traders hawk everything from gold to designer watches, clothes, fabrics, pashmina's, oriental foods and spices, is an area full of hustle and bustle. It’s certainly not for the faint- hearted, but if you’re up for real Jeddah experience and the chance to bag a bargain, this is the place to go to try out your bartering skills.
Don’t miss the gold souks, where gold is sold by weight and all the shops are bunched together. These special bazaars of sort are both in the Balad area and in a number of shopping malls. Most traders are honest, as they seek repeat business - so bate hard and enjoy the experience.
Red Sea in Jeddah
Entertainment on the weekend in Jeddah is often spent around the Red Sea coast.
The second most common activity for Saudis living in Jeddah is picnicking. In the winter when the weather is cool, the corniche area of the city, together with any and every spare inch of green, is covered with Saudi families in groups having picnics. Thus, go early in the day, when the severe congestion of the evening can be avoided.
Alternatively, to the north of Jeddah sandy beaches exist where men can swim and boats and jet skis act can be hired.
Even further north, roughly 12 miles (~20km) from the city centre but still within the city limit, are a large number of private beach clubs with protected swimming areas, sandy beaches restaurants and cafés that can be accessed by becoming a member or paying for a day pass. The clubs are great family places and tend to cater for specific nationality groups. Some, but not all, are operated by the major international hotel chains.
Diving in Jeddah
Diving is probably the most sought after activity by western expats living in Jeddah. The Red Sea is one of the world’s premier dive locations, and even for those scared of underwater life, it is hard not to succumb to the draw of the deep. The Red Sea is home to all types of fish, from small, coloured specimens to turtles, sharks, octopuses etc.
There are excellent dive schools in the area, and thus it’s even easy for the inexperienced to learn. Plus, the water is warm, diving can be done from most beach clubs, and many dive boat operators run weekly trips to offshore reefs and weekend stay-aboard trips to further reaches of the area.
If you do not have the inclination to dive, then snorkelling still allows for fantastic insight into this underwater world, with most reefs coming to within a few inches of the surface. Snorkelling gear can be rented or purchased at most of the beach clubs, or from one of the many dive shops in Jeddah.
Sailing in Jeddah
An active sailing club operates out of Silver Sands beach club. The turnout for boat races varies depending on people's availability, but upwards of 10 boats race some weekends. It’s unfortunately not possible to rent a boat, as there are no ‘club’ boats, but some vessels are available in Saudi with a little hunting around. Silver Sands is also a centre for wind surfing, and boards can be hired locally.
Fishing in Jeddah
Fishing is a popular activity, and interested expats can go out with any of the fishing boat operators of Jeddah.
Sightseeing in Jeddah
A surprising amount of history is readily accessible to expats living in Jeddah.
The Al-Balad area of Jeddah, which houses buildings that are centuries old and made of coral, is where the city was originally born. Wandering down the ancient alleyways of the area is a great way to get a feel for the beautiful Arabian architecture of old, and to understand just how much the city has changed.
►Jeddah Fountain
The Jeddah Fountains sprays seawater 853 feet (260m) into the Saudi skyline, creating a powerful parabola to complement the beauty of the nearby Salam Palace. Engineers took special care to accommodate the unique challenges that a seawater based fountain presents – including a main pump house that uses three massive multistage centrifugal pumps and 18 auxiliary pumps. The fountain looks especially stunning when illuminated at night.
►Al-Balad
This historical area of the city, the Arab name of which translates to “The Town”, is a labyrinth of alleys and passages that give visitors a glimpse into the towns and villages reminiscent of stories like Arabian Nights. The architecture of the old quarter is sculpted from the coral and limestone traditional of the merchant houses of the 19th century; though the city makes a concerted effort to maintain their structure, some wear the signs of the former village’s age. This is also the perfect place for tourists to shop due to its many retail outlets, shopping centres and street vendors.
►Floating Mosque
The Floating Mosque in Jeddah is both a must-see attraction as well as one of the most sacred sites in the city. The mosque sits just adjacent to the Red Sea, and during high tide appears to be floating whimsically on the water below. The architectural beauty and the storied interior décor only makes it more marvellous - even for those that don't identify with the Muslim religion.
