Jeddah

Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and a major commercial centre. It is most famous as the gateway to Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam. Located close to the Red Sea, Jeddah is a resort city and is visited for its shopping malls, restaurants and cafes.

Jeddah is spread along the coast of the Red Sea and is connected by the 30km long Corniche (waterfront area). Al-Balad, or the old city, is located on the southern side, while the main and the modern city starts from the northern side. Al-Balad is one of the top sights in Jeddah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is dotted with ancient buildings, traditional souks (markets) and the coral houses that Jeddah is famous for. The beautiful waterfront is a great picnic spot offering a breathtaking view of the Red Sea. Also, because of its location, Jeddah is a great place for scuba diving.

The modern or the main Jeddah city is home to marvellous attractions like the King Fahd Fountain, the tallest fountain in the world and the Al Rahma Mosque, which appears to be floating in the red sea. There are also numerous malls, museums and over 1300 mosques scattered throughout.