In a country often perceived as remote and mysterious, Jeddah stands out as a vibrant seaport city with a rich tradition of global exchanges. This connectedness is highlighted by its Gamma+ ranking in 2012 by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

A Hub of Innovation and Research

Jeddah is a leader in scientific research and engineering in Saudi Arabia. It was recognized by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Emerging 11 Index, placing fourth in the Africa-Middle East region. This recognition underscores Jeddah’s role as a center of innovation and technological advancement.

Natural Beauty and Marine Wonders

Located on the Tihama plain along the Red Sea shore, Jeddah is known for its colorful coral reefs and white sand beaches, earning it the nickname “Bride of the Red Sea”. The richness of the Red Sea waters can be admired directly from the shore, where reefs are home to vibrant corals and fish. Obhur, north of Jeddah, is famous among divers for its resorts with private beaches and dive centers.

The Fakieh Aquarium celebrates the marvels of the Red Sea, showcasing over 200 species, including sharks, groupers, stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, seahorses, and moray eels.

Gateway to Makkah

Jeddah is renowned in the Muslim world as the gateway to Makkah, with hundreds of thousands of Muslims arriving each year to perform the pilgrimage to the Prophet’s Mosque and the Ka’aba.

History of Jeddah

The origin of Jeddah’s name is linked to three different explanations:

  1. Jeddah: Named after the Sheikh of the Quda’ah tribe, Jeddah bin Jarm bin Rayyan bin Helwan bin Ali bin Issac bin Quda’ah.
  2. Joddah: Meaning “seaside” in Arabic, as quoted by the 12th-century geographer Yaqout Al-Hamawi and the 14th-century traveler Ibn Battuta.
  3. Jaddah: Meaning “grandmother” in Arabic, linked to the belief that Eve, the mother of all humans, landed there from heaven and is buried in the city.

Jeddah’s area has been inhabited for thousands of years, as evidenced by ancient stone structures and Thamudic inscriptions. In 630 CE, Jeddah became part of the early Muslim conquests led by the Prophet Muhammad and was designated the seaport of Makkah in 647 CE by the third Muslim Caliph, Othman Ibn Affan.

Throughout history, Jeddah has been a significant trade hub, benefiting from extensive maritime trade networks established by the Fatimid Caliphate and later the Ayyubid Caliphate. The city’s strategic location and historical significance continue to make it a vital gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

Turning Points in Jeddah’s History

Unlike previous changes in political power, the crossing of the Cape of Good Hope by Portuguese admiral Vasco de Gama in 1497 CE marked a significant turning point in Jeddah’s relationship with the outside world. In response to Portuguese incursions in the Indian Ocean, a joint fleet was formed by the Mamluks, Gujarat (in today’s northwestern India), and Zamorin (today’s Calicut). This fleet first stopped at Jeddah to erect a stone wall as a harbor of refuge but was destroyed in 1509 at the naval battle of Diu.

Despite their victory, the Portuguese never succeeded in controlling Jeddah. A cemetery known as the Christian Graves, where Portuguese soldiers were buried, still remains today.

In 1517, Ottoman ruler Selim I conquered the Mamluk Sultanate, including the Hejaz. The Ottomans rebuilt Jeddah’s walls in 1525, adding six watchtowers and six city gates, including the Makkah Gate and the Madinah Gate. They also built the Qishla of Jeddah, a small castle for soldiers that still stands in the old city.

In 1802 CE, Nejdi forces of the Saudi State founded by Ibn Saud in Diriyah conquered both Makkah and Jeddah. However, the Sultan of Mahmud II ordered his viceroy of Egypt, Ali Pasha, to retake the cities, which was accomplished after the Battle of Jeddah in 1813 CE.

In 1916, the Sharif of Makkah, Hussein Bin Ali Al-Hashimi, led an Arab revolt that overthrew Ottoman rule in the region, becoming the King of the Hejaz. However, in 1925, Jeddah was seized by the Nejdi troops of Abdelaziz bin Saud, who later founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

From 1928 to 1932, the Khuzam Palace was built as the residence of King Abdul Aziz in Jeddah, which became the Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in 1995. The remaining walls and gates of the old city were demolished in 1947. Despite a fire in 1982 that destroyed some ancient buildings in Al-Balad, much of the old town center is preserved and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.

Places of Interest in Jeddah