Jeddah

Jeddah


Jeddah is a city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. With a population of 3.4 million people (2011 estimate), it is the second biggest city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh. The city is also the largest sea port on the Red Sea and the biggest city in Makkah Province.

Jeddah is the gateway for pilgrims to Mecca. Nonetheless it is regarded as the most cosmopolitan and tolerant of all cities in Saudi Arabia.

The city of Jeddah dates back to 500 BC, when it was a fishing hamlet established by the Quada tribe from central Yemen. In AD 647, it began to play the role of gateway port for Muslim pilgrims. For centuries it is the port for pilgrims arriving by sea on their way to Mecca.

Jeddah was part of Hejaz Province, which became part of the Ayyubid Empire in 1177, the Makluk Sultanate in 1254, and the Ottoman Empire in 1517. It became part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1925.

Going to Jeddah

The King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah is the biggest airport in Saudi Arabia. It has two regular terminals - one for domestic flights and another for international flights - and two special terminals, exclusively for Hajj pilgrims. A taxi ride from the airport of downtown Jeddah costs SR50 - agree to a fare before you board.

Sights in Jeddah

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