 Saudi Arabia’s primary port and commercial centre, Jeddah (also known as Jiddah) is one of the country’s more liberal and cosmopolitan destinations. The city is not only the headquarters of many government offices, but also of some big commercial businesses, while also being the gateway for Hajj pilgrims on their way to Mecca during the Hajj season. Unfortunately tourist visas aren’t usually issued by the Saudi government, unless you have a sponsor, but these restrictions are under review. Most visitors arrive for either business or religious pilgrimage.
 Situated on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, bordering with the Red Sea, this Saudi metropolitan area, built upon the successes of trading and oil, is the second largest city in Saudi after the capital, Riyadh. With a population nearing three and a half million, it is no surprise this city offers a wealth of lavish shopping and dining opportunities, complemented by natural attractions such as beaches and parks.
 Areas that will appeal to religious tourists include the Old City, which is characterised by well-preserved merchants’ houses that sit alongside modern developments, while the city’s beach resorts also make for popular holidaymaker hotspots. If you want to stay directly on the coast, private beaches include Durat Alarous, Alremal, Shums, Bait Albahar, Salhia, Family Cabins and Alnakil, all of which offer unhindered access to the offshore coral reefs and abundant sea life.
 Whether you are looking for a mid-priced hotel or the top end of luxury, Jeddah has a very good selection of accommodation, the majority of which is aimed at visitors who are looking for high standards and star ratings. Among the most highly regarded establishments include the Holiday Inn Jeddah Al Salam Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel, and the Radisson Sas Hotel Jeddah.
History
 With a history dating back more than 2,500 years, this Red Sea port began as a small fishing settlement and became a trading centre between this area, modern-day Yemen and Europe. It wasn’t until 647 AD that it began to be used as a gateway for Muslim pilgrims making the required hajj to Mecca, which vastly increased the town’s significance.
By 1000 AD the city was fortified with limestone coral walls to protect residents, while these fortifications were added to in the 16th century to defend against the Portuguese. Although the Portuguese never managed to gain control of the port, the Turkish Ottoman Empire did, followed by Egypt's Mamalukes and Saudi's of Central Arabia until the city eventually fell to the Sa’ud dynasty, which still rules to this day.
 Jeddah came under the rule of the Sa'ud dynasty in 1924, when King Ibn Sa'ud conquered Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, deposing of the Sharif who was in charge at his time. As political boundaries of provinces in Saudi Arabia have changed, Jeddah now falls within Makkah province. Today, the city still serves as the gateway for the millions of pilgrims who arrive by air and sea for the trek to Mecca, which is only a few hours away by car.
Weather
 As you might expect for an Arab country, temperatures can get pretty hot here, with extremes of up to 42°C. If you don’t like the heat, it is best to visit in the winter months, when temperatures are around 25°C in the day and a comfortable 15°C at night. December sees a negligible amount of rainfall in Jeddah, while most other months of the year see no rainfall whatsoever. The summer months can be extremely hot and uncomfortable, which is why things tend to wind down in the heat of the day, with activities often coming to a standstill at 14:30 and not resuming until the cool of the evening arrives. However, things do not cool down much at night even, with temperatures averaging around 30°C at night in July. Desert storms are common and can arrive very quickly at any time of the year, sending the city into darkness until the storm passes. It is important you take shelter immediately if one of these storms set in.
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