Information Portal about Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Overview of Jeddah
Jeddah is a one of Saudi Arabia’s largest urban cities and is located in the western Tihamah region of Saudi Arabia on the red sea coast. It has a population of 4.3 million (as of 2012) as is considered the commercial capital of the Kingdom.
The literal translation of the city’s name is fortune, well-being and happiness. The majority of foreigners living in Saudi Arabia pronounce the city’s name as Jeddah, which is the Arabic word for Grandmother and is believed to be a reference to the traditional location of Eve’s tomb within the city. The correct pronunciation is actually Jiddah, meaning seashore
The origin of Jeddah dates back to around 3000 years when groups of fishermen used to settle in it after their fishing trips. 500 years later the tribe of 'Quda'ah' arrived and settled in it. The historical transformation of Jeddah was in the generation Othman Bin Affan, the third Muslim Caliph in 647 AD, when turned the city into a port to embrace pilgrims (Hajjis) coming by sea for the Holy Pilgrimage in Mecca. Today Jeddah a gateway city to Mecca and Medina, and a very common landing destination for religious pilgrimage.
Many changes in the last two decades have contributed this metropolis becoming a major business hub in the Kingdom and also a vital seaport for all import/export of non-oil products.
Key Facts:
- GPS Coordinates: 21°32′36″N 39°10′22″E
- Establishment: 6th Bentury BC
- Date of Joining Saudi Arabia: 1925
- Urban Area: 1,686 sq km
- Metropolitan: 3,000 sq km
- Elevation from Sea Level: 12 meters
- Population (as of 2012): 5,318,636
- Urban Population Density: 2,921/km2
- Time Zone: EAT (UTC +3)
- Postal Code: 5 Digits
- Area Code: +966-2
The government in Saudi Arabia is focused about Jeddah's development into a leader in Science and Engineering for the region. The city has increasingly been ranked as a top player in innovation in the Middle East.
A definite face about Jeddah is that it has many Gems to exhibit to its visitors. The corniche houses the world highest fountain at 312 meters, the King Fahd’s fountain. You will also find numerous educational and historical sites, and it is known for having many grand museums such as the Municipality Museum. The Jeddah Museum is the regional landmark that demonstrates historical archaeology and ethnography.
Jeddah is known for the best souks in the country. Stretched across the old city, you will find Souk Al-Alawi, which is divided into paved sections and sections with offbeat green and white columns. Among many examples of tradition, history and old architecture, Jeddah's has preserved 3 old city gates by reconstructing them.
Something about Jeddah has definitely made it hold its place from a landmark that has survived the sands of time and progressed to becoming a modern city and has well earned its name as the pearl of the red sea.
Restaurants
In Jeddah, there is a wide variety of restaurants for you to have a good bite, whether with your friends or family. From theses restaurants, we selected and highlighted some of them for you to get to know during your stay or visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We will be adding more, so be sure to check us for new favorite restaurants in the city of Jeddah.
Shopping Malls
In Jeddah, there are numerous malls in which people of all ages can visit for shopping, dinning or just for a change, especially during the hot summer days of Jeddah. From these malls, we selected and highlighted some of them for you to get to know during your stay or visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Corniche
The Corniche of Jeddah is a 30 km coastal resort area of the city. It is located beside the Red Sea as well as King Fahd’s Fountain, the highest fountain in the world. With its many features, some include a coastal road, recreation areas, pavilions and large-scale civic sculptures. Moreover the Al-Rahmah Mosque (previously known as the Fatimah Mosque) is also located close to the corniche, which is a very popular attraction to tourists.
The Corniche is currently undergoing renovation; but, it will be renewed, expanded, and upgraded with restaurants, play areas, and entertainment by early 2014. The renovations will include a ferris wheel similar to the London Eye. It is divided into southern, central, and northern corniche which stretches almost 110 km, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, picnic areas, a science museum, and mosques.
People
Popular Saudi opinion regards Jeddah as the most abundant and multicultural of Saudi cities. For over a thousand years, Jeddah has received millions of travellers of different societies and backgrounds, from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, many of whom stayed in Jeddah and became citizens of the city. As a result, Jeddah is much more ethnologically diverse than most Saudi cities and its culture is the most extensive in nature. In addition to the traditional diversity, the oil boom from the past 50 years has brought hundreds of thousands of immigrants and foreign workers from non-Muslim countries and the majority coming from continents such as North America (Unites States of America), Europe (Western Europe), and Asia (South and South-East Asia).
History
The history of Jeddah takes us back more than 2,500 years, the Red Sea port began as a small fishing settlement and became a trading centre between this region, modern day Yemen and Europe. It wasn’t until 647 AD that it began to be used as a gateway for Muslim pilgrims making the required hajj to Mecca, which immensely increased the town's significance.
By 1000 AD Jeddah was equipped with limestone coral walls to protect residents, while this kind of protection was added in the 16th century to defend against the Portuguese.
Jeddah came under the rule of the Sa'ud dynasty in 1924, when King Ibn Sa'ud took over Mecca, Medina and Jeddah. As the political boundaries of provinces in Saudi Arabia have changed, Jeddah now falls within the Makkah province.
King Fahd’s Fountain
King Fahd’s Fountain, also known as Jeddah’s Fountain, the tallest water fountain in the world; fashioned after the fountain in Lake Geneva. It dominates the skyline of Jeddah, the capital of Saudi Arabia and the wealthiest city in the Middle East and western Asia, located on the coast of the Red Sea. The fountain was built in the 1980's and is listed in Guinness World Records as the highest water fountain in the world, with a maximum reach of 312m. This water fountain was built in the 1980s and donated to the City of Jeddah by the late King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz.
Scuba Diving
If a day exploring the underwater world defines your idea of an unforgettable scuba diving experience, it’s time you hit the sizzling seashore of Jeddah. Home to the most unusual and rare species of flora and fauna, Scuba diving in Jeddah offers an experience of a lifetime.
Jeddah sits proudly on the Red Sea coast. The name is attributed to the remarkable red corals in the sea that never fail to strike a chord with anyone. This makes Jeddah one of the most talked-about sites for scuba diving in the kingdom.
Read more...Spa & Wellness
Saudi Arabia may not be the first name that comes to your mind for an indulgent spa break but that doesn’t mean it is second to anyone. Away from the hustle and bustle of life, the city of Jeddah has some spaces to refresh your soul, rejuvenate your body and makeover your mind in an unbelievably luxurious manner.
The Perfect Option to Spend Quality Me-Time
There are a lot of times when all you want is a break from honking horns, shoving crowds, never-ending meetings and hectic schedules. Things start taking their toll on you and it takes great effort to keep yourself from pulling hair out of your head. If you are feeling so, a deliciously indulgent spa breaks await you in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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