Jeddah

Jeddah
Name	Jeddah
Native name	جِدَّة
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	21, 32, 36, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Saudi Arabia
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Makkah Region
Established title	Established
Established date	6th century BC
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Saleh Al-Turki
Area total km2	1600
Population total	4,697,000
Population as of	2022

Jeddah. Jeddah is a major urban center in the Hijaz region along the coast of the Red Sea and serves as the principal gateway to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. As the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, it is a bustling metropolis known for its historic Al-Balad district, modern architectural landmarks like the Jeddah Tower, and its role as a critical port on the Indian Ocean trade routes. The city blends deep historical roots with rapid contemporary development, functioning as a key hub for finance, culture, and international diplomacy within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

History

The area's history dates to its use as a fishing village by the Quda'a tribe, with its modern foundation often attributed to the Banu Quda'a in the pre-Islamic era. It gained significant prominence after the Third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, designated it as the official port for Mecca in 647 CE, facilitating the arrival of pilgrims via the Red Sea. Throughout the medieval period, it flourished under successive Islamic empires, including the Umayyad Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, and later the Mamluk Sultanate, becoming a vital node in trade networks connecting Africa, India, and the Mediterranean. The city came under Ottoman control in the 16th century, during which its fortifications, like the Wall of Jeddah, were expanded. In 1925, following the Battle of Jeddah, it was conquered by forces loyal to Ibn Saud and incorporated into the modern Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd, which later became Saudi Arabia. The discovery of oil in the 20th century, particularly after agreements with the Standard Oil Company of California, transformed the city, accelerating its growth into a global commercial center.

Geography and climate

Jeddah is situated on the flat Tihamah plain of the Hijaz region, bordered by the Red Sea to the west. The city's coastline features extensive coral reefs and is adjacent to shallow lagoons and mangrove stands. Its arid climate is classified as hot desert, characterized by extremely high humidity due to its coastal location, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F). The city receives minimal annual rainfall, which can occasionally lead to severe flash flooding, as historically seen during events like the 2009 Jeddah floods. The surrounding marine environment supports diverse ecosystems within the Red Sea, which have been the focus of research by institutions like the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Economy

As the commercial and financial heart of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah's economy is driven by its status as the nation's primary seaport, with the King Abdulaziz Port serving as a critical conduit for imports and a hub for the Islamic pilgrimage industry. Major corporations, including the national carrier and the Abdul Latif Jameel conglomerate, are headquartered here. The city is a center for Islamic banking, hosting the headquarters of the Islamic Development Bank, and its economy is further diversified through heavy industry in the adjacent King Abdullah Economic City. While historically reliant on trade and services for Hajj pilgrims, modern sectors like finance, corporate management, and petrochemical refining, supported by entities like SABIC, are paramount. The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a key role in facilitating business activities.

Culture and society

Jeddah is renowned for its relatively cosmopolitan and liberal social atmosphere compared to other Saudi cities, a legacy of its centuries-old role as a trading and pilgrimage port. The annual Jeddah Season festival, part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, showcases music, theater, and culinary events. The city is a center for contemporary Saudi art, with numerous galleries and the influential Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum. Social life traditionally revolves around the corniche and historic districts, while culinary culture reflects diverse influences from Yemen, India, and Southeast Asia. Educational institutions like the King Abdulaziz University and cultural bodies such as the Al-Meftaha Arts Village foster intellectual and artistic discourse. The presence of consulates for nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France underscores its international diplomatic role.

Landmarks and tourism

The city's landmarks are divided between its historic core and modern developments. Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its traditional Hejazi houses with ornate wooden latticework, such as Nasseef House and the historic Al-Shafei Mosque. Along the Jeddah Corniche stands the iconic King Fahd's Fountain, the tallest of its type in the world. Modern architectural feats include the under-construction Jeddah Tower, poised to be the world's tallest building, and structures like the Al Jawhara Stadium. Major attractions include the Fakieh Aquarium, the Jeddah Sculpture Museum featuring works by artists like Henry Moore, and shopping destinations such as the Red Sea Mall. The city serves as the primary entry point for millions of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.

Transportation

Jeddah is a major transportation hub for the region. The King Abdulaziz International Airport is one of the busiest in the Middle East, operating dedicated Hajj terminals. The city's extensive road network connects it to Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh via highways like the Highway 40. Public transport includes the SAPTCO bus service and the newly opened Jeddah Metro, a major component of the city's infrastructure development. The King Abdulaziz Port is the busiest seaport on the Red Sea, handling the majority of the kingdom's commercial imports. Urban mobility is also served by ride-hailing apps like Uber and its local competitor Careem, which operate extensively within the city.

Category:Jeddah Category:Port cities in Saudi Arabia Category:Populated places on the Red Sea