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World / Asia / Saudi-Arabia / Jeddah

A modern, fast-moving business hub, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's liveliest city. Millions of pilgrims, from all corners of the world, pass through en route to the holy city of Mecca nearby, fuelling this Red Sea port's surprisingly liberal, cosmopolitan outlook.

Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Visa Requirements

Language

Arabic

Timezone

Arabic

Weather

Hot and humid, year-round

Dialling Code

00 966

Electricity

220V and 110V with both three-pin (fitting UK plugs) and American-style two-pin plugs

Health and Safety

Excellent hospitals are found throughout the Kingdom. All residents (including foreign nationals) are entitled to both public and private health care, though as the latter is expensive, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly advised. In recent years, sporadic attacks by Al-Qaeda on Western targets have resulted in a tightening of security around residential compounds and embassies. Register with your embassy and keep an eye on warnings issued by them

Useful Links

Excellent hospitals are found throughout the Kingdom. All residents (including foreign nationals) are entitled to both public and private health care, though as the latter is expensive, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly advised. In recent years, sporadic attacks by Al-Qaeda on Western targets have resulted in a tightening of security around residential compounds and embassies. Register with your embassy and keep an eye on warnings issued by them

Flights to Jeddah touch down at King Abdulaziz International Airport, situated 30km north of the centre, from where taxis head into the city for around SR50. Jeddah is often gridlocked by traffic jams: expect delays.

The Corniche

The Corniche:  Jeddah's long Corniche (the seafront road and promenade) is the perfect place for an evening wander. As the sun goes down, people stroll along the waterfront, families buy ice cream and chat, friends meet up to gossip. Come here for the people-watching and the free art - the Corniche is dotted with sculptures by the likes of Henry Moore, Joan Miró and Jean Arp alongside wackier installations of public art featuring recycled Cadillacs or abstract designs.

Al-Balad

Al-Balad: For a taste of old Arabia, head over to Al-Balad, Jeddah's old quarter. Away from all those glass and steel office blocks, here the streets are narrow and lined with century-old buildings made from coral stone dredged from the Red Sea, each adorned with elaborate lattice-work balconies of carved wood.

Souk Al-Alawi

Souks: Jeddah's souks (traditional bazaars) fill the dense network of streets and alleyways running inland from the Corniche. Aim in particular for the atmospheric Souk Al-Alawi, off Dahab Street, where you can pick up jewellery, silks and souvenirs at bargain prices.

Quick Lunch - Il Villaggio

Jeddah's best Italian by a long streak is Il Villaggio , a fresh, airy restaurant in the city centre with a choice of dining areas and menus.

Top Table - Spears

One for the carnivores: Spears, in Jeddah's InterContinental hotel, is a Brazilian-style steak house, where succulent, juicy meats are carved directly from the barbecue spit onto your plate. Eat as much as you want, with or without salads, sauces and garnishes.

Cheap Eat - Yildizlar

Sample superb Lebanese food for modest prices at Yildizlar, famed for its grilled pigeons and fresh fish - and often packed with diners.

On Business - Hotel Corniche

Ideally situated near the business districts north of the centre, the Hotel Corniche is a hi-tech haven complete with well-appointed meeting rooms and stunning 17th-floor fitness centre.
Book now

Lap Of Luxury - Qasr Al Sharq hotel

A jaw-droppingly opulent array of gold, marble, rich fabrics and hand-carved arabesques in wood, the Qasr Al Sharq hotel is the last word in Arabian luxury. Check out the swimming pool with retractable glass roof.
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Cheap Sleep - Red Sea Palace

Conveniently located within walking distance of the old quarter and the souks, the Red Sea Palace hotel offers comfort and good facilities at midrange prices.
Book now

Coffee And Chat - Casper & Gambini's

The Lebanese chain café, Casper & Gambini's (Andalus St), is a fresh, relaxed setting in which to sit and have a chinwag.

Formal Presentation - Jeddah InterContinental

The Jeddah InterContinental (Al Hamra Corniche, 00 966 2 661 1800) is an award-winning business hotel, with a reliably good range of meeting and presentation facilities.

Evening Drinks - Vertigo

Well, banter anyway: Saudi is ‘dry' so there's no chance of beer. Vertigo (00 966 2 663 3241) is about as racy as Jeddah gets, with a funky ambience to suit its day-glo colour scheme.

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