Discover the Red Sea from Jeddah's Corniche
Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and the main commercial hub of the country. Renowned for its shopping districts, restaurants and cafes, as well as the miles of glorious beaches, it's the perfect destination for a family holiday or just a city break. Book with bmi now and travel in style to this rich and colourful city.
You'll land at King Abdulaziz International Airport and the transport options are good. Taxis are cheap, with a short journey costing about SR15 (about £2.50). Depending on where you're staying, some hotels have courtesy transport so transfers can be arranged directly before you travel.
Head straight for the beautiful Jeddah Corniche; a seafront oasis with gorgeous golden sandy beaches. There are some great hotels and resorts in this area, such as the opulent 5-star Rosewood Corniche. Overlooking the Red Sea, this lavish accommodation has 127 individually designed rooms with a luxe, contemporary feel. And, use of the luxury BMW limousine airport transfer service is included. A good business option is the inexpensive Golden Tulip. Close to many restaurants, it offers comfortable rooms and free wireless internet.
Shop ‘til you drop at the recently opened Mall of Arabia. The biggest shopping mall in Saudi Arabia, it houses over 300 stores with famous retailers like GAP, Marks & Spencer and Footlocker. Located near to the airport, this huge complex also contains an ice-rink.
Wander round the old town, Al-Balad. Fascinatingly, the old gates of the ancient city wall are still visible. There are many traditional markets (known as souqs) and you'll marvel the famous towering coral houses on Souq al-Alawi, many of which are now in disrepair.
For a delicious meal, Barrio Fiesta in the Al-Mahmal Centre is the place to go for authentic Filipino food. The portions are huge and are made for sharing with main courses costing around SR30-50 (£5.50 -£8.75). If you're on the move, pick up a shawarma (thin slices of spit-roasted beef or chicken served with salad, garlic and sauce in pita bread). Falafel and homus are also inexpensive and popular cheap eats.
Spend some time in Jeddah with a little help from bmi. With regular flights from London Heathrow and our great seasonal offers, it's the perfect time for a trip to the exotic.