312 metres 2
SIGHTS AND INTERESTS Jeddah Corniche The 35-kilometre area of the Corniche is considered one of the main landmarks of Jeddah. A recent refurbishment of the area took fi ve years to complete and has added facilities to make it more family-friendly. The Corniche is a culturally vibrant spot with several open-air exhibitions of sculptures and installations by internationally acclaimed artists. There is also an abundance of water sports on offer, from jet skiing to sailing tours. The Al-Rahmah Mosque is also located here and there are plans to add attractions such as a London Eye-style ferris wheel.
Afternoons off Any time throughout the day Pick up a work of art from one of the local artisans
King Fahd’s Fountain Thousand of litres of salt water from the Red Sea are pumped into the air to a skyscraper-like height of 312 metres by this offshore fountain, the tallest in the world. This impressive water feature is visible from almost anywhere in Jeddah City. Completed in 1983, it was
donated to the city by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, predecessor to Saudi’s present king, after whom it is named. Three huge pumps propel some 625 litres of water at speeds of 375 kilometres per hour to make this towering
spectacle, which has run almost continuously day and night since 1985. With more than 500 spotlights illuminating it, the fountain comes alive after dark and offers an
appealing backdrop for anyone strolling along the seafront.
Part of a city tour Any time of the day, but is most spectacular at night Take a tripod for snaps
WHY NOT TRY?
SOUKS
As with many trading hubs, souks are a key
attraction in Jeddah. Souk Al Nada predominantly sells gold and silver ornaments, while Souk Al Jamia is the city’s primary textile market. Cutting
through this district from east to west is Souk Al Alawi, while the Gabel Street Souk, which sells
everything from perfumes, dates and household items to electronics and spices, is close by.
21st
Although the goods may well be from the century, bartering is
still practised between shopkeepers and
customers. Haggling for the best price on that unusual gift or curio can be an enjoyable experience, especially for those who know how to close a deal. With so many merchants offering similar goods, it’s best to walk away and try elsewhere if a trader is
unwilling to budge on price.
Al Balad (Old Town) The Al Balad area dates back 2,500 years when the settlement was a fi shing village. It grew into a fortifi ed town enclosed by walls, the gates of which still stand, as do a number of ancient houses and traditional souks. While time has taken its toll, there are still several buildings to explore, such as Souk Al Alawi, the main market street lined by coral houses on either side. Most of present-day Al Balad, however, is a mix of upmarket shopping and open-air souks.
A half-day tour Best viewed in the afternoon when the shops all open after prayer Great for seeking out unusual gifts
Bayt Naseef
Bayt Naseef is a grand residence that was once home to Omar Naseef Efendi, a former Governor of Jeddah who would host King Abdulaziz Al Saud at the house whenever he visited Jeddah. The impressive seven-storey structure has 106 rooms that feature
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carved woodwork windows and walls. It makes extensive use of cut stones and mud bricks and also boasts some of the best
examples of tile work and Arabic calligraphy around. Restored in the 1990s, the house now accommodates a cultural centre.
Part of a city tour Arrive early to ensure entry Combine the visit with a trip to the nearby old town
Scuba diving The waters of the Red Sea around Jeddah provide some of the best diving experiences in the world, with fantastic visibility, sometimes up to 40 metres in places, coupled with a spectacular diversity of marine fl ora and fauna. With the coast dotted with several reefs, some of them manmade, divers have many areas to explore. The ‘chicken wreck’ is a popular diving point, where a boat carrying tons of frozen chicken is said to have hit a reef and sunk to a depth of between 10 to 18 metres.
Diving buffs and marine enthusiasts of all abilities Arrive early morning in full daylight before the midday heat Make sure qualifi ed divers bring their PADI certifi cates with them to enable them to dive
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T e now iconic King Fahd's Fountain is the largest fountain in the world with its
three pumps propelling plumes of water more than 312 metres into the air. At night it is illuminated by 500 spotlights
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