A Perfect Day In JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia's Cultural Capital is Changing Fast - Get here Now!)

Saudi Arabia is finally open for tourism - and I couldn't wait to get to Jeddah! The "Bride of the Red Sea" is a fascinating city with some of the most beautiful historic architecture in the Middle East. The City is safe and very welcoming to tourists. Share my day!

The day begins at Jeddah airport and its brand new stylish terminal 1. As Jeddah opens up to the world it’s the perfect gateway. From there I head straight for the historic UNESCO district of Al Balad. The architecture of this district is unique and striking. Join me as I wander the streets in the morning and the evening. In between I head for a stroll along the famous Corniche.

Jeddah’s population is approaching 5 million and the city covers a vast area. It’s mostly a low rise urban landscape, very different to Doha or Dubai, which came as a surprise to me. It’s easy to catch a cab, which is just as well as the distance from Al Balad to the top of the corniche is around 30 kilometres. If you attempt it in rush hour you’ll see why Jeddah would really benefit from a metro system.
Now you may not normally like malls but in the blazing Jeddah sunshine let me tell you that a dose of air-conditioning is absolutely essential, and there are plenty to choose from.
Jeddah’s high rise hotels and apartment blocks are found on the famous Corniche, which now hosts the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. With its palm shaded promenade and long pristine sandy beach this is made for sun worshippers but, of course, this is Saudi Arabia. Will these deserted sands look like Bondi Beach in 10 years time, I doubt it, but such is the pace of change here that nothing is impossible.

Saudi Arabia aims to make tourism its second highest revenue stream by 2030. The challenge will be to make sure that districts like Al Balad don’t become overwhelmed by tourism and thereby lose their character. If you can, I’d recommend coming now!

I hope you enjoy this cultural guide.

Filmed November 2023
Jonathan Wheeler
Travel Obscurer
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