Jeddah

Jeddah’s origins trace back to ancient times, with its significant development occurring in the 7th century. It began as a fishing village and grew over the centuries. The Al-Balad neighbourhood, one of the city’s oldest areas, retains much of its historic charm. Here, you can find some of Jeddah’s oldest and most architecturally significant buildings, many constructed from traditional coral stone and intricately carved wooden elements.

Beit Nassif stands as one of Al-Balad’s most significant restored coral houses, a 19th-century merchant’s mansion that later served as a royal residence for King Abdulaziz. Its Ottoman-inspired design includes distinctive bay windows and ramps built for camel messengers to access the upper floors. The interior reveals grand rooms and a library, while a 130-year-old neem tree — once Jeddah’s only tree — guards the entrance. Visiting can be a logistical exercise; access is not always straightforward, and some areas, like the rooftop terrace with its panoramic views, may be closed without notice. It’s wise to call ahead to confirm opening times and avoid a fruitless journey.

Often referred to as the Floating Mosque or Masjid Al-Rahmah, this architectural marvel is known for its stunning white marble exterior. Perched on the edge of the Red Sea, it creates a mesmerising illusion of floating, particularly when lit up at night. This picturesque mosque is not only a popular spot for visitors to admire its beauty but also serves as a significant place of worship for pilgrims travelling to Mecca.

Tayebat Museum offers an extensive overview of Jeddah’s history and heritage, covering around 2,500 years. It features exhibits on pre-Islamic history, various pre-modern civilisations, and the rich Islamic cultural heritage of the city. The museum complex also includes a mosque and the façade of a historic castle.

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, often called "The Shining Jewel", is Saudi Arabia's largest stadium, with a capacity for over 60,000 spectators. Located north of Jeddah, it serves as the home ground for the prominent Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli football clubs and is designed to host major international events. Its architecture incorporates geometric Islamic patterns and functions like a modern mashrabiya, providing shade and ventilation in the coastal climate. The stadium is the centrepiece of a larger sports city that includes an indoor arena, practice pitches and tennis courts. While primarily a sports venue, it has also hosted international wrestling and music concerts, establishing itself as a key multipurpose arena.

TeamLab Borderless in Jeddah is a digital art museum where projected artworks extend beyond individual rooms, creating a continuous, immersive environment. Created by the international art collective teamLab, the exhibition features interactive installations that respond to the presence of visitors, with light and imagery flowing seamlessly from one space to another. The experience is designed for exploration without a set path. The second floor is particularly geared towards younger visitors, with physical, climbable structures. As the displays shift and evolve, no two visits are precisely the same, encouraging guests to wander and discover the connections between the works.

The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) is an annual event, established to support the development of a film industry in Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2019, its primary focus is on new storytelling and emerging talent from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia and Africa. The festival’s main initiatives include the Red Sea Fund for financing projects and the Red Sea Souk, a dedicated industry market. Held in the historic Al Balad district, the festival presents a programme of international and regional films. It functions as a key platform for connecting local filmmakers with the global industry.

Darat Safeya Binzagr is a distinctive cultural institution in Jeddah, founded in 2000 by the pioneering Saudi artist. Housed within her former family home, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into her five-decade career, showcasing paintings that vividly document a vanishing Saudi heritage. The collection extends beyond her artwork to include historical artefacts, traditional costumes, and a private library. More than a gallery, the Darat functions as an active cultural platform, hosting workshops, lectures and events designed to inspire new generations of artists and preserve the nation's visual history.