Jeddah was probably never a city on any list of destinations for travel, because it simply was never a place a tourist could ever just go to...until the end of 2019 when visitor visas were established in alignment with Saudi growing their tourism.
Jeddah is a coastal city that borders the Red Sea on the far West of Saudi Arabia and has a population of around 5 million, making it the largest city of the Makkah province. It is also the gateway to Mecca - the holiest city of Islam, where the pilgrimage known as Hajj travels through.
Many of the rules you may have heard of in relation to Islamic law are becoming a bit more relaxed here, especially since the introduction of the e-visa. Tourists - particularly females - are no longer required to wear an abaya or cover their hair, though it is still respectful to ensure your knees and upper arms are loosely covered and keep a high neckline. Keeping in mind that the locals are not used to seeing much skin. It is recommended to carry a light scarf with you for when you may be required to cover your hair, like when visiting a mosque. General rule of thumb - dress modestly and respectfully.
The city is made up of both old Jeddah and the newer parts of Jeddah, with the former being a well sought tourist attraction. A maze of streets in Al-Balad line the historical buildings made from coral stone, adorned with spectacular window boxes that were designed for keeping the home cool, and unique entrances that tell of the wealth of the families that once inhabited. Many of these buildings are being restored to preserve the historic site, some have been converted into museums and art galleries, a lot remain empty.
From what I have read before even landing in Saudi Arabia, the city is rich in history, culture, customs, beautiful scenery, and kind people. I can't wait to experience it all and share with you along the way.
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