Jeddah Travel Guide
As the main point of entry, by air and sea, to Saudi Arabia, the flashy city of Jeddah is more cosmopolitan than Saudi's capital, Riyadh. Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims making the traditional pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina pass through two enormous, futuristic special terminals with a fibre-glass tent-shaped roof at the international airport during the Hajj season. Other visitors are few and far between, since Saudi Arabia has extremely strict entry requirements.
Those who do gain entry to this splendid modern metropolis are rewarded with experiencing a city where luxury is the norm. Fabulous seven-star palatial hotels give on to wide boulevards, encircling the ancient central city, Balad, which is filled with colourful souqs (bazaars) and mysterious medieval buildings built of Red Sea coral.
The Red Sea shoreline is lined with a seemingly endless corniche, which spills onto gorgeous sandy beaches. While Jeddah's restaurants and shopping malls will keep visitors suitably occupied, perhaps one of the most unmissable sights in Jeddah is the King Fahd Fountain in the harbour, which is spectacular at night when it sends illuminated coloured jets of water 853 feet (260m) into the air.
Its name meaning 'grandmother', Jeddah is named after Eve. According to legend, she is buried near the historical old city, although the actual site of the tomb is not marked by the Saudi government.
Things to do in Jeddah
Jeddah is considered the most cosmopolitan city in Saudi Arabia, and the constant expansion of the concrete threatens to engulf the beautiful coral architecture of the Old Town, which is in a sad state of disrepair. However, some buildings like the Naseef House have been restored to their former glory, complete with camel-friendly ramps.
The Souk Al Alawi is a fascinating place, even if you aren't there to buy. The biggest bazaar in Jeddah, the narrow streets are bursting with merchandise, the market is especially busy during hajj. Another market worth seeing is the fish market in Al-Balad, where dozens of species ranging from hammerhead sharks to squid are sold at auction between 5am and 9am.
Another popular place for sightseeing in Jeddah is the 22-mile (35km) Corniche, a busy meeting place where families and friends gather for picnics and other activities on warm summer nights. A number of interesting sculptures line the promenade north of the port.
To learn something about Jeddah's history, visit the Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation, which has more than 300 rooms filled with fascinating artefacts ranging from beautiful Islamic manuscripts to ancient pottery and furniture.
Travellers wanting to see a different side of Jeddah can explore the abundant sea life in the Red Sea. Scuba diving in Jeddah is a popular activity, with several stunning coral reef systems and shipwrecks in the area. Above the surface is the incredible King Fah's Fountain that sprays seawater over 1,000 feet (312m) into the air. While the fountain is visible throughout the city, visitors can go to Al Andalus pier to get a closer look.
Souq Al Alawi
The oldest and most traditional market in Saudi Arabia, the Souq Al Alawi in Jeddah is a wonderful way to immerse oneself into local culture and see how shopping among traders and pilgrims is done in this unique part of the world. In this bustling market, visitors can find anything from beautiful Islamic art, to one of a kind Arabic jewellery. Crowded and buzzing, the market has made a name for itself and is truly a sight to behold. Visitors are encouraged to bargain, with haggling being the name of the game.
Mecca
As the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of his first revelation of the Quran, Mecca is the holiest city in the Islamic world and is the direction towards which the world's Muslims pray five times per day. The pilgrimage to Mecca as part of the Hajj is the centrepiece of Islam's Five Pillars and a peak experience in the life of any devout Muslim. Unfortunately, the city cannot be visited by non-Muslims.
The key sites in Mecca are the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the world and can accommodate one million worshippers; Jabal Rahmah At Arafah, the tall white pillar marking the place where Adam and Eve met after 200 years of separation; and Muzdalifah, where pilgrims pray and collect stones to be used in the Hajj rituals. Hira, another important landmark, is a cave on the mountain Jabal Al-Nûr where Mohammed received his first revelations from the angel Jibreel.
Mecca is located in the Sirat Mountains, 45 miles (72km) from Jeddah. The city's entire economy depends on the Hajj, and the large number of pilgrim immigrants from all over the globe have made it one of the most diverse in the Muslim world. The area is also considered an important archaeological site, with fossil discoveries dating back nearly 30 million years.
Ta'if
Located in the mountains near Mecca, Ta'if is a popular summer holiday resort in Saudi Arabia. One of the few places in the region open to non-Muslims, Ta'if is a lush region known for its rose farms, as well as grapes, pomegranates and honey production; there are said to be more than 3,000 gardens in the area. The fragrant valleys are especially good for hiking, but those less keen on a workout can take a cable car to the top of the mountain in Al Hada. There are also some good restaurants and shops in Ta'if, and a popular souvenir is the rose water and perfume made from the rose farms in the area.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ta'if, such as the Al Rudaf Park, a large natural park with interesting rock formations and a small zoo. Around 25 miles (40km) to the north is the Rock Carving Site that was the site of a huge pre-Islamic souq or gathering place. Another interesting place is Wadi Mitna, the sanctuary for the Prophet Mohammed in the year 662. Visitors to Ta'if should also be sure to visit Al Shafa, a small village high in the mountains with incredible views. Non-Muslim visitors to Ta'if should be aware that they will need to take the non-Muslim Bypass when driving from Jeddah, which adds a few miles to the journey.
Shopping
Shopping in Jeddah is a serious sport. As there aren't many entertainment options for women in Saudi Arabia, shopping malls have turned into 'destination malls': enormous structures with not only hundreds of shops, but full-scale amusement parks, ice skating rinks, and dozens of restaurants. The facilities are ultra-modern, and most importantly completely air-conditioned, allowing both men and women in Jeddah to beat the heat while they enjoy themselves.
The newest and largest mall in Jeddah is the Mall of Arabia, which has more than 330 shops, and a Snow Village where guests can cool off and enjoy themselves in the snow. The mall has plenty of entertainment for children as well, including puppet shows and children's theatre.
Other popular malls in Jeddah include the Red Sea Mall, the Heraa International Mall, and Roshan Mall. The selection of shops at the malls is huge, with many international brands that visitors will recognise, including Diesel, Nike, Banana Republic, and much more. Most shops in Jeddah are open from 9 or 10am to 1pm, and then from 5pm to 10pm.
For a more authentic Middle Eastern shopping experience, the old town centre of Jeddah is home to a number of crowded souks (bazaars) where touts are waiting to haggle over leather goods, gold jewellery, and textiles, as well as knock-off designer goods. The most popular bazaar in Jeddah is the Souk Al Alawi.
Getting Around
Jeddah does not have an extensive public transport system and the easiest way of getting around the city is by private vehicle. It's relatively easy to rent a car and a number of well-known international car hire companies are located at the airport and in the city centre. Most hotels and expatriate compounds also offer shuttle services to the airport and the main shopping and business districts.
Public buses are available, but are mostly used by foreign workers for travel within the city. There are plenty of taxis in Jeddah, which can be hailed from the street or pre-booked by telephone. These offer the best means of transport for those not wanting to hire a car. Fares are quite reasonable and generally do not exceed SAR 40.
Jeddah Climate and Weather
Jeddah features an arid climate, and unlike many other Saudi Arabian cities it retains its warmth during the winter months from November to February. Summer temperatures see the mercury reaching extreme temperatures, sometimes soaring above the 104°F (40°C) mark in the afternoons and hovering around 86°F (30°C) in the mornings and evenings. Winter temperatures are slightly less extreme, ranging from 59 °F (15 °C) to 82 °F (28 °C). Dust storms from the Arabian Peninsula's deserts or from North Africa punctuate the summer months. Rainfall occurs infrequently, even in winter, but is most likely in the month of December when thunderstorms are common.
Saudi Arabia travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Three-pin, flat-bladed plugs are in use, in addition to round/flat-bladed two-pin plugs, as well as flat-bladed two-pin plugs with a third, round pin for grounding.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but English is widely understood.
Money
The Saudi currency is the Riyal (SAR), divided into 100 halala. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and exchange bureaux. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Wednesday from 8am to 12pm. Some banks also choose to open again later in the afternoon and stay open into the evening, from 5pm to 8pm. All major credit cards are accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants in Saudi Arabia, with ATMs being widely available.
Tipping
Service charge is usually included in bills at hotels. Elsewhere a tip of 10 percent can be offered for services rendered. Taxi drivers can be given 10 percent of the fare.
Health
Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country infected with yellow fever requires a vaccination certificate for entry. People travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah are required to be inoculated against meningitis before travel and must present a vaccination certificate on arrival. Respiratory infections are common among pilgrims during the Hajj and Ramadan season.
There is a malaria risk in the south and parts of the western region of the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial precautions at least four weeks before leaving. Both an outbreak of cerebral malaria and Rift Valley Fever have occurred in Jizan, with Dengue fever also having been reported.
Food poisoning is a risk outside the good hotels and visitors should only drink bottled water. The standard of medical care and facilities in Saudi Arabia is high, but treatment is expensive so travel insurance is strongly advised.
Safety
Safety in Saudi Arabia is a concern to some extent. All travel within 60 miles (100km) of the border with Yemen is not advised due to the clashes along the Saudi-Yemeni border.
Travellers should ensure they have individual security arrangements, remain vigilant and avoid public gatherings. Visitors should be particularly alert in public places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, restaurants and hotels and in the desert outside Riyadh.
Pilgrims are increasingly being targeted by pickpockets in Mecca and Medina and are advised to take care of personal possessions. In recent years pilgrims have died due to overcrowding and stampedes at events during Hajj. Religious police patrols rigorously enforce codes of behaviour and dress prescribed by Islamic law and visitors should respect these.
Local customs
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, meaning Sharia law is strictly enforced. No alcohol, pork products or religious books and artefacts not related to Islam are permitted in the country. There are no bars in Saudi Arabia, and alcohol is served nowhere to anyone of any religious persuasion.
Dress should be conservative at all times, and women should take particular care not to offend. Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with behaviour and dress codes before entering the country. Homosexual behaviour and extramarital sexual relations are illegal and can carry the death penalty. It is also illegal to be transgender.
Photography of local people, government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The right hand should be used for everything, including eating and the giving and receiving of things, as the left is considered unclean. It is illegal to hold two passports, and second passports will be confiscated if discovered by immigration authorities.
Doing business
If you are looking to do business in Saudi Arabia, prepare yourself for a unique experience. The Saudi corporate world is perhaps the most foreign of any of the Gulf nations, and in all likelihood you are going to have to remain flexible and to learn new skills, in order to make a real success of your time in the country. It is vitally important to understand that Saudi society is underpinned by fervent belief in the tenets of Islam.
The business culture of Saudi Arabia is prototypically Arabic, in that a great emphasis is placed on personal relationships between business associates. Saudi businessmen will always prefer to do business with people they are familiar with, or people who they feel they can trust, so it's worth putting in the time and effort to cultivate business relationships. In Saudi Arabia, business meetings will most likely be lengthy and subject to numerous interruptions and personal digressions. You will be judged on your conduct in meetings, so treat them as necessary parts of the relationship-building process.
Despite the heat, business dress in Saudi Arabia is strictly smart, formal and conservative, especially for women, who must take extreme care not to wear anything too revealing. The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, though English is widely spoken and widely understood in the business world. Hours of business are generally from 8am to 12pm, and then 3pm to 6pm, from Sunday to Thursday.
Duty free
Travellers to Saudi Arabia do not have to pay duty on 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco, perfume or cultured pearls for personal use, or goods up to the value SAR3,000. Duty is payable on cameras and other electronic goods, and refunds on these are available if the articles are re-exported within 90 days.
Strictly prohibited are pork, narcotics, alcoholic drinks, anti-Islamic goods and publications, gambling devices, weapons and ammunition, explosives, fireworks, unlabelled medication, goods which prominently display flags of another country, goods bearing names and pictures of celebrities, wild animal hides, counterfeit money. Other prohibited items include formula milk, natural sand, and natural pearls.
Communications
The international dialling code for Saudi Arabia is +966. Mobile telephone coverage is extensive, even in remote parts of the country. Internet facilities are available in most towns and cities.
Passport & Visa
All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist visas are hard to get, granted only to selected groups on a limited basis. Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket, with all necessary documents. Muslim women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or visiting holy sites. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia as entry may be refused.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and must be valid for the duration of their stay.
British passport holders require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Canadians require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Australians require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
South Africans require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Irish passport holders require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
New Zealanders require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival, and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Useful contacts
The Supreme Commission for Tourism, Riyadh: +966 (0)1 480 8855 or www.scta.gov.sa.
Emergencies: 999 (Police), 997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Saudi Arabian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 342 3800.
Saudi Arabian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7917 3000.
Saudi Arabian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 4100.
Saudi Arabian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6250 7000.
Saudi Arabian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa +27 (0)12 362 4230.
Embassies / consulates in Saudi Arabia
United States Embassy, Riyadh: +966 (0)1 488 3800.
British Embassy, Riyadh: +966 (0)11 481 9100.
Canadian Embassy, Riyadh: +966 (0)11 488 2288.
Australian Embassy, Riyadh: +966 (0)1 488 7788.
South African Embassy, Riyadh: + 966 (0)1 422 9716.
Irish Embassy, Riyadh: +966 (0)1 488 2300.
New Zealand Embassy, Riyadh: +966 (0)1 488 7988.