Experience historical Jeddah and be taken back in time to the old era of Saudi Arabia. Hear and learn amazing stories about days long gone.

Jeddah, city and major port in the central Hejaz region, western Saudi Arabia. It lies along the Red Sea west of Mecca. It has been established as the main city of the historic Hijaz province and a historic port for pilgrims arriving by sea to perform their Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Jeddah the second largest city of Saudi Arabia, itself is the ancient face of the country and historically so rich that it holds it’s place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2014.

A 3000-year-old city situated on the east coast of the Red Sea, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's most cosmopolitan city of Saudi Arabia with millions of international visitors passing through it each year. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, as indicated by Bronze Age tombs found nearby at Harrat Al-Jabriya, Harrat Nuqrah and the 2000-year-old inscriptions carved into stone amongst the Wadis. Legends also suggest that Eve descended from heaven here and is buried in the city at Maqbart Ummana Hawa’a, the Cemetery of our Mother Eve.

In the seventh century AD, the city rose to prominence as a commercial port city and later became the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims of Islam. Today the cultural heart of this ancient port city can be explored at t Al Balad, the Old Town, where the 19th-century tower houses of wealthy merchants still rise above the street with elaborate, colourful wooden Roshans. The waterfront around Al Balad is dotted with cafes, restaurants and shops and is great for people-watching in the evenings when locals come out to enjoy the cool air along the corniche.

Jeddah's Museum of Archaeology housed in the former Khuzam Palace and the Fekieh Aquarium displaying over 200 species of sharks, stingrays, and other marine life are a must.

The waters around Jeddah are blessed with beautiful and colourful coral reefs and marine life.  Visitors can enjoy these on boat cruises out into the Red Sea. Diving enthusiasts can explore  just north of the city at Obhur, where you will also find some beautiful private beaches and well-run resorts.

Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea “Where ancient and modern meet”.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's oldest city and a thriving, vibrant hub of activity, has welcomed traders and pilgrims for centuries, a great gathering place infusing traditions and cultures from all over the world.

Located on the coast in the western region, Jeddah is often referred to as The Bride of the Red Sea, a nod to its location on the Red Sea coast.

With a wealth of world-class dive sites along its coastline, ideal water temperatures, ancient shipwrecks to be explored and uninhabited desert islands surrounded by spectacular technicolor reefs, it is also one of the final frontiers for scuba diving.

The city's historic old town, known in Arabic as 'Al Balad', was established in the 7th century. It served as a gateway for Muslim pilgrims making the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, as well as a trading route for goods. The official seaport for the holy city of Makkah since 647CE, the booming sea trade afforded wealth to the area, which led to many of its merchants building lavishly decorated homes and helped transform it into the metropolis it is today.

As the commercial heart of the Kingdom, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jeddah’s blend of old and new makes it among the country’s most magical places to explore.

Today, Al Balad is an open historic town which has been reconstructed to serve as a reminder of how the city's ancient walls would once have looked. Al Balad is particularly famous for its intricately designed 500-year-old buildings, many of which were built using coral from the Red Sea.

Al Balad Jeddah: The Gate to Divine Makkah

Al Balad Jeddah is steeped in history and is a testament to Jeddah's rich cultural heritage. In this virtual journey, we will take you to explore the different districts including Al-Mazloum neighborhood, Al-Sham neighborhood, Al-Yemen neighborhood, and Al-Bahr neighborhood. Embark on a captivating trip amidst the alleyways decorated with the traditional coral houses, bustling souks, and historic landmarks. Al Balad is the oldest district in Jeddah, with a history that dates back centuries.

It was once a thriving trading hub, connecting the Red Sea to Africa, Asia, and beyond. It's a place where cultures, goods, and people mix, leaving an indelible mark on its identity. One of the defining features of Al Balad is its architectural heritage. It is famous for its traditional coral houses, known as "Bayt Al-Bag" or "Bayt Al-Sha'ar." These houses are crafted from the coral reefs of the Red Sea, reflecting the unique building techniques of the region. Al Nassif House and Al Jamjoom House is Yemen neighborhood, Al Baeshen House, Al Qabal Mosque, Al Shafi'i Mosque in Al Mazloum, Dar Al Banaja and Al Zahed Houses in the Al Sham neighborhood are few of the famous oldest buildings to date. If you have a little interest in architecture and History, you will notice the similarity between Jeddah’s Hijazi Houses and the Mashrabiya found in Egypt, Iraq, and other countries.

Nestled within the vibrant streets of Jeddah lies the majestic Al Rahman Mosque, a beacon of spiritual serenity amidst the bustling cityscape. Built in a fusion of contemporary and traditional architectural styles, the mosque's graceful minarets and intricately adorned domes beckon worshippers and visitors alike to experience its tranquil ambiance. As one of the largest mosques in Jeddah, Al Rahman Mosque serves as a gathering place for the faithful, offering a sanctuary for prayer, reflection, and community engagement. Its spacious prayer halls adorned with elegant calligraphy and soothing hues provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Beyond its religious significance, Al Rahman Mosque stands as a symbol of Jeddah's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing modernity, inviting all who enter to partake in its timeless grace and beauty.

Al Rahman Mosque

In conclusion, exploring historical Jeddah offers a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. From its ancient roots as a pivotal port city facilitating pilgrimage to Mecca to its present-day status as a bustling metropolis, Jeddah seamlessly blends the old with the new. As we traverse the winding streets of Al Balad, we are immersed in the city's rich history, where coral houses and historic landmarks bear witness to centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Jeddah's significance as the gateway to Mecca infuses it with a spiritual aura that reverberates through its mosques and bustling souks. Ultimately, Jeddah stands as a timeless testament to the enduring spirit of Saudi Arabia, where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations in a city that never fails to enchant and inspire.