Jeddah - Our first moments in Saudi Arabia

Why we decided to go

Saudi Arabia opened its borders in 2019 for western tourists. We heard so many travelers talking about visits shortly after border openings, so that we used the moment for our own one. To leave the grey winter of Berlin behind us, we chose Saudi as our first stop of our 6-months world trip and you will see and read, why you should do the same.

How to enter Saudi Arabia?

You need the eVisa, a one-year, multiple entry visa, which allows you as a tourist to spend up to 90days in Saudi Arabia. It was the most expensive visa so far, but worth every cent. Even if Saudi is the second biggest tourist destination in the Middle East with more than 16million visitors, it was closed for the western world until 27th of September 2019. Because it is hosting the most important pilgrim places of Islam, Mecca and Medina, many religious pilgrims visit Saudi for the Hajj and Umrah. The visa process is completely online, very fast and easy. We recommend to print the visa for the border security.

When we recently got the opportunity to visit Saudi, we have been super excited because it was a destination that has been high on our bucketlist (on Gabi’s bucketlist :) ) due to it’s epic landscapes, rich heritage, delicious food and vibrant culture. I had a lot of thoughts in my head because of religion, human rights or state politics, and I myself wanted to see with my own eyes what is truth and what is myth.

Things to consider about Jeddah

Jeddah is very huge - it has a population of 5.3 million and is located on 1,600 km².
The city has no public transportation - no buses, no tram, no metro or trains. Uber and taxis are a very popular and cheap means of transport. It's important to negotiate the fare with taxi drivers before getting into the cab. But our recommendation is definitely to use Uber or Bolt, it‘s cheaper and easy to use. How to get internet? Thanks to our friend Julian, we are using FlexiRoam, an app, which installs an eSIM on your phone and with the global offering we just switch on mobile data roaming to use our GB in more than 100 countries throughout our world trip.
Jeddah is a conservative city, and both men and women are expected to dress modestly. Men should avoid wearing shorts and tank tops in public. Women should cover their knees and shoulders at all times. The hijab and niqab, both female head coverings, are optional for tourists, as are headscarves, though they are highly recommended and may be necessary in religious places.
Jeddah is a predominantly Muslim city, and it's important to be respectful of Islamic customs and practices. For example, during Ramadan, it's polite to avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but many people in Jeddah also speak English. It may be helpful to learn some basic Arabic phrases to help you communicate with locals.

Breakfast / Brunch places we recommend:

Our absolute favourite: https://meez.sa/locations/jeddah/

Brioche https://brioche.me

F6or faris https://www.f6orfaris.com

TOP 5 to visit

Al Balad "Al Balad" (UNESCO Old Town) is an Arabic term that translates to "the city" or "the downtown." It is commonly used to refer to the historic district or city center of a city or town in the Middle East. Many cities in the region have an "Al Balad" area that features traditional architecture, narrow streets, and markets selling local goods and crafts.

Visit The Floating Mosque in Jeddah, also known as the White Mosque or Al Rahma Mosque. It is a stunning architectural marvel that sits on the Red Sea coast. The mosque appears to be floating above the Red Sea waters. The architecture of the mosque is a mix of traditional Islamic and modern styles, creating a beautiful blend of the old and the new. The mosque has become an iconic landmark in Jeddah, and its stunning beauty attracts tourists from all over the world. The mosque is open to visitors, and non-Muslims can also visit the mosque during specific hours.

Drink coffee / mint tea at the sunset on the rooftop of Loyal Tarikhia coffee shop https://g5g5.net/مقهى-ليالي-تاريخية-جدة-البلد-layali-tarikhia-المقه

The Jeddah Art Promenade - is a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Jeddah and discover the works of talented local and international artists. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and unique cultural experience, the Jeddah Art Promenade is definitely worth checking out.

Diving/Snorkling - Jeddah is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, with several excellent dive sites located along its Red Sea coast. Some of the top dive and snorkeling spots in Jeddah include:

Al Lith: This area is located about 180 kilometers south of Jeddah and is known for its beautiful coral reefs and clear waters. It's a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, and you may even be able to spot dolphins and sea turtles.

Fakieh Aquarium: This aquarium in Jeddah offers a unique opportunity to experience the underwater world without getting wet. Visitors can watch a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish, in a large underwater tunnel.

Sharm Obhur: This area is located north of Jeddah and is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. It's a popular spot for both diving and snorkeling, and you can expect to see a variety of coral and fish species.

Jeddah Corniche: The Corniche in Jeddah is not only a popular spot for walking and jogging, but it's also a great place to snorkel. You can find several snorkeling tours that take you to different spots along the Corniche to explore the underwater world.

Abu Hashish: Located south of Jeddah, Abu Hashish is a popular dive site known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and coral reefs.

We did it through our friend Majdi at Bhadur Resort. If you need the contact - let us know we will provide you the number ;-)

Where to stay

Jeddah has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular areas to stay in Jeddah include:

Al Hamra: This area is located in the heart of Jeddah and is known for its luxurious hotels, shopping centers, and upscale restaurants.
Al Balad: Al Balad is Jeddah's historic center and is home to many traditional buildings, markets, and souks. It's a great place to experience the city's rich culture and history.
Al Rawdah: This area is located near the King Abdulaziz International Airport and is home to many business hotels and modern shopping centers.
Corniche: The Corniche is Jeddah's waterfront promenade and is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the sea views. There are several hotels and resorts located along the Corniche.
Obhur: This area is located north of Jeddah and is known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and water sports activities.

When choosing where to stay in Jeddah, consider your budget, the purpose of your visit, and the location of your activities. It's always a good idea to read reviews and check the amenities and services offered by each hotel or resort before making a booking.