"life @ the beach" a Jiddah Travel Page by TomorrowsAngel

I've been lucky enough to spend my last four Arabian summers in Jeddah.
Jeddah is more humid than Riyadh, and therefore the summer is more bearable.
Jeddah is on the Red Sea coast which means it has many beaches to snorkel, dive, swim and walk along.
The shopping is really good, in the souks and the more modern malls.
There are heaps of cool modern cafes and restaurants with world-class food and decor.

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Jeddah has grown from humble origins, it began about 2,500 years ago as a tiny fishing settlement, in the 16th century, the Ottomans built a stone wall around the town in order to fortify it against attacks from the Portuguese.
Jeddah's early traditions as a trading centre continue today, and it is possible to buy almost anything in its souqs and shopping malls.
Jeddah's status as a trading centre has been maintained down the centuries and many of today's major trading companies have their headquarters there.
Two large, government-owned companies are based in Jeddah, too: the Saudi Arabian Marketing and Refining Company (SAMAREC) and Saudia, which is the national airline. Both these companies employ a huge work force, and their presence exerts a considerable impact on the local economy.

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al bilad beach

By contrast, industry still plays only a minor part in Jeddah's economy, although one industry which does seem to be thriving is tourism. Increased mobility, as a result of lower domestic air fares and better connecting highways, means that many Saudi nationals are now able to enjoy the delights of Jeddah as a holiday resort. Attracted by the Red Sea, the excellent restaurants and shops and the cosmopolitan flavour of the city, Saudis are now taking several short holidays a year, and Jeddah is an increasingly popular destination. Hotels report an increased demand for accommodation, and builders are finding that the demand for new residences is on the increase, as many wealthy families from Riyadh and other cities in the Kingdom are building holiday homes in Jeddah.