Jeddah
Te first settlers in Jeddah arrived during the Stone Age. Today, it is the kingdom’s second-largest city with a cosmopolitan population of more than three million
NASEEF HOUSE Well worth a visit, the Naseef House (Bayt Naseef), which belonged to one of Jeddah’s famous merchant families, used to regularly play host to King Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Completed in 1881 for Omar
Naseef Efendi, former Governor of Jeddah, the house features 106 rooms across seven floors. In the 1990s, Bayt Naseef underwent a major renovation and has been transformed into a cultural centre. Some of the best examples
of tilework can be found here, together with Arabic calligraphy.
Half-day afternoon tour Group size: minimum of 10 Arrive early to ensure entry to this popular attraction
AL BALAD Al Balad translates simply as ‘the city’ and was originally a fishing village 2,500 years ago, although the remaining ruins date back to the 7th
century. Today, the gates to Al-Balad’s
old town still stand and visitors can catch a glimpse of one of the most thriving and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the Arab world. Modern-day Al Balad has an
eclectic mix of upscale shopping centres and open-air souks.
Best visited in the after- noon after prayers Take time to stop and soak up the atmosphere
JEDDAH CORNICHE One of the main landmarks for this city of 3.2 million people, the Corniche is a vibrant hot spot,
carrying tonnes of frozen chickens hit the reef and sank, finally coming to rest at a depth of between 10 and 18 metres. Visitors can discover it for
themselves with diving instruc- tors who are able to cater for all levels of ability.
Ideal for adventurous swimmers Dive early before the midday heat and know the rules for safe diving
KING FAHD FOUNTAIN The world’s tallest fountain, this impressive monument shoots thousands of litres of salt water, taken straight from the Red Sea, 312 metres up into the air. Not surprisingly, it is visible from almost anywhere in Jeddah. The fountain was donated to
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complete with recreation areas and restaurant pavilions. The 35-kilo- metre seafront, which has recently undergone a five-year refurbish- ment programme, now features several sculptures and monuments.
Enjoy an early evening promenade Ideal for all ages Buy a work of art from local artisans
SCUBA DIVING Divers from across the world have described sea visibility of up to 40 metres in the Red Sea off the coast of Jeddah, making it one of the world’s best scuba diving sites. Particularly popular is the
so-called ‘chicken wreck’ site. As the story goes, a boat
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1 Naseef House 2 King Fahd Fountain
the city by King Fahd, after whom it is named and was completed in 1983. Since 1985, it has run almost continuously day and night when it is illuminated by more than 500 spotlights.
Can be enjoyed any time of the day or night Part of city tour
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