Islamic New Year: held at the end of January, this day marks the start of the new year and the beginning of the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram. Although this day has no particular religious significance, Muslims use it as a time to remember the life of Muhammad.
Eid al-Adha: held on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja, Muslims remember Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael, his son, for Allah. It marks the end of the pilgrimage, or Hajj, for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Mecca, making it a significant time in Jeddah’s calendar as several thousands of pilgrims pass through the city on their way home.
Mawlid: also known as the Prophet’s Birthday, this day marks Muhammad’s birth. Popular activities on this day include processions, while homes are decorated, feasts are prepared and stories about the life of prophet are shared.
Food Arabia: hosted in Jeddah, this international food event has been running for over a decade and provides attendees with a chance to sample traditional dishes and beverages as well as being an important event for the hotel catering industry.
Ascension of the King: held on 9 June, this day celebrates the King of Saudi Arabia’s accession to the throne. In a country where insulting the king is punishable by death, visitors should make sure they pay due respect to his majesty on this day.
Army Day: Saudi armed forces are honoured on this day, which is a popular time for parades and military events.
Army Day: Saudi armed forces are honoured on this day, which is a popular time for parades and military events.
Jeddah Summer Festival: a popular city festival, Jeddah’s summers are marked by this event, which fireworks, races, ballooning and sales on items throughout the city’s shopping malls.
Isra wa al-Miraj: the name of this day refers to two parts of a journey Muhammad took in one night, from Mecca to Jerusalem. The siras relay the prophet’s journey in detail, describing how the angel Gabriel brought him a winged horse-like creature, Buraq, which then took him to heaven and hell; his accession to heaven followed. The people of Jeddah pray throughout the night on this day and decorate their houses with lights.
Ramadan: the ninth month in the Islamic calendar is observed as a month of fasting, where Muslims are not permitted to eat, smoke, etc. between dawn and dusk. Visitors must also observe these rules when in public and should expect the vast majority of dining establishments to be shut.
Eid al-Fitr: marking the end of the month-long fasting period, Ramadan, the whole country celebrates with feasts, holidays and daytrips, with most businesses being shut at this time.
