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📍 Location & Meaning of the Name

• Jeddah (also spelled Jidda, Jiddah, or Juddah) is a major port city on the Red Sea coast of western Saudi Arabia.
• The name is often linked to the Arabic word “Jaddah” (grandmother), as tradition holds that Eve (Ḥawwāʾ), the grandmother of humanity, is buried there.

🏛 History

• Jeddah’s origins go back over 2,500 years, first as a small fishing settlement.
• In 647 CE, the Caliph Uthman ibn Affan designated it as the official port for Makkah, boosting its role in trade and pilgrimage.
• For centuries, it served as a gateway for pilgrims arriving by sea for Hajj and Umrah.
• Under Ottoman rule (16th–20th centuries), Jeddah flourished as a fortified port city.
• In modern times, Jeddah became Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and a hub for international trade and culture.

🌤 Weather & Climate

• Jeddah has a hot desert climate, but moderated by the Red Sea.
• Summers: very hot and humid, often 35–42 °C.
• Winters: warm and pleasant, 20–30 °C.
• Rain is rare and usually brief, mainly in November–January.
• Best time to visit: November to March.

👥 People & Culture

• Population: around 4.7 million (2022), making it Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city.
• A cosmopolitan city with a mix of Saudis and expatriates from all over the world.
• Known as Saudi Arabia’s most open and diverse city, influenced by centuries of trade and pilgrimage.
• Culture blends traditional Hijazi customs with modern, international lifestyles.

🏞 Best Places to Visit

• Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) – UNESCO World Heritage Site with coral-stone houses, traditional souks, and old city gates.
• Corniche & Jeddah Waterfront – modern seafront with parks, fountains, and recreation.
• King Fahd Fountain – the tallest fountain in the world, shooting water up to 300 m.
• Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque) – built on stilts over the Red Sea.
• Jeddah Sculpture Museum – open-air art gallery along the Corniche.
• Souq Al Alawi – traditional marketplace full of spices, perfumes, and textiles.
• Jeddah Tower (under construction) – planned to be the tallest building in the world.

🍽 Food

• Jeddah’s cuisine reflects its maritime and multicultural heritage:
• Sayadiyah – spiced rice with fish.
• Saleeg – creamy rice with chicken.
• Kabsa/Mandi – signature Saudi rice and meat dishes.
• International restaurants and seafood are especially popular due to its coastal location.

🎭 What It Offers Tourists

• Gateway to Hajj & Umrah – main entry point for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah.
• History & heritage – ancient Al-Balad with its coral-stone architecture and souks.
• Modern lifestyle – malls, waterfront resorts, and luxury dining.
• Art & culture – vibrant art scene, music, and Jeddah Season festival events.
• Nature & adventure – Red Sea diving, snorkeling, and beaches.

👉 Jeddah is often called the “Bride of the Red Sea”, offering a unique mix of history, spirituality, modernity, and coastal charm. For tourists, it is both a gateway to the holy cities and a destination in its own right for culture, shopping, and seaside leisure.