Jeddah is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after the capital city of Riyadh. Located in the Hijaz Tihamah region, it is the largest city in the Makkah province and is the largest seaport on the Red sea. Its population is roughly estimated to be around 3.4 million.
The city was founded about three thousand years ago by fishermen who settled here after their fishing expeditions. Later, it was inhabited by the Quda’ah tribe about 2,500 years ago. It was during the Caliphate of Othman Bin Affan (May Allah be Pleased with Him) in 647 A D that this city and its port witnessed a major uplift and transformation. This was primarily done in order to welcome the pilgrims coming by sea to perform Hajj at Makkah. Even today, Jeddah is the main passage leading to Makkah for people coming by air, sea or land.
Jeddah is one of those cities in Saudi Arabia that attracts a large number of tourists each year. It is amongst the Kingdom’s primary resort cities and was named a Gamma world city by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC). Its preference for seafood is greatly influenced by its close proximity to the Red Sea and is unique to the city. The food culture here is unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom. The city offers all those elements that promise tourists and vacationers an unforgettable and pleasant experience.
One of the must visit sites in Jeddah is Al-Balad. The word ‘Balad’ literally means ‘City’. Built in the 7thcentury, it was a historic center for the port city. Today, it is a marvelous blend of history and modernization. Al-Balad is genuinely a shopper’s paradise. From clothes and accessories to oils and spices, you can find almost anything and everything available here.
Another place which cannot be ignored is the Corniche of Jeddah. Located along the Red Sea, it is a vast coastal resort area of this majestic city. Some of its features include a coastal road, pavilions and recreational areas. The Al-Rahman Mosque (previously known as the Fatimah Mosque) is also located in the vicinity of the Corniche and is a huge tourist attraction.
Atallah Happy Land Park is yet another offering which cannot be passed. It offers various different kinds of rides for children and adults and is an absolute must visit, especially for families. It is an amusement park that has numerous indoor and outdoor rides and attractions, as well as a bowling alley and an ice skating rink. It boasts a wonderful 6D theatre and is also a perfect place for dining and shopping.
All in all, Jeddah is a city that has something for everybody. It has much to offer, there is a lot to see and a lot to do. Your stay here is bound to be an interesting and a pleasant one.
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