"Jiddah--the narrator of my tedious life's story" Top 5 Page for this destination Jiddah by Manyana
Jiddah Travel Guide: 955 reviews and 1,191 photos
I have lived in this stunning hometown for nearly 20 years, that is, my whole life,lol. Funny enough, I have found myself falling short of taking pictures of my surroundings back then. Probably I did, but left them behind for some reasons! I used to take lots of pictures of my museum bedroom, our home garden, my college entrance and corridors, and loads of the corniche coast of the Red Sea. Yes, I do remember noting down the moments of connection with each one of these places as if they had their own time and age only with me. But when the time of leaving came, I just had to leave them all, otherwise, they would have kept me back with them. Surprisingly I have not written enough, nor considered to share my sweet memories and and convictions which I have always held with me about Jeddah. I am not sure why, probably I was just soaked in it that I could never look at it as an outsider or tell its story through objective spectacles! After leaving my soft comfortable bed and cosy sofa in Jeddah for nearly a year now, thriving memories have started to pull me back and to call me again to remember them one more time. So here I go again, take the courage to wipe the dust away from my green diary book and yellow torn scrabbled papers on my lovely town, on Jeddah:^)
Growing up in this controversial culture, I have learnt to defend my views, no matter what they were, to have a very strong sense of identity and purpose. This was good in itself, yes...to sustain who I was, but sadly I might have hurt lots of signficant others without prior knowledge. Honestly, Jeddah is a grand witness to my rebellious childhood, romantic teenage and wise early adulthood. How can I resist to love it? Even if I want to, I won't be able to.
In these pages, they may act as personal journals having a very private touch, sad tears or hysteric laughs. Somehow, i take pride in continuing being who I am. I will narrate my story with Jeddah as I used to see it and as I am seeing now, what should be said and what could be different. I will also write about History, Culture, Education, Corniche, Dating, Weddings and Death, Eid and Money gifts, Ramadan and Tents and many other things that I have lived and been meant to pass on.
The city is historically divided in two parts; Old Jeddah in the south, and New Jeddah in the north. The first used to be a small city sheilded by a wall to defend the inhabitants from any outside attacks. This part is mainly historical now and inhabited by 90% non-Saudis and major companies that have the lead for the last 70 years. It also used to have its own airport for the Hajj season. Nothing remains of the wall but only the big gates as Jeddah is expanding northward and the old airport is idle now and has moved 50 km away from its previous location. North Jeddah (New) is technically divided into social classes. Depending on the district, you are more likely to tell the social class of a particular family. Al Rawdha, Al Hamra, part of Al Zahra are the high-class districts. Other areas can be a mix of upper and lower middle-class like Al Salama, Al Shatee, and Al Naeem and many others. However, Jeddah is rapidly growing and has auto-created residential areas beyond the airport borders specially it used be a barren desert! Al Mohammadiyya or Al Basateen are the modern districts now, newly built villas and houses are seen over there. This part of Jeddah is exploding with shopping malls and as Jeddawy people say,
"for every Saudi , there is a shopping mall.
In 5 years, there will be one mall for every GCE,
So in 10 years a mall for every Arab":^D
Kol Shai Jaayiz! possible!
Almohem...anyway, Quickies:
- Language spoken: Arabic Hijazi is widely spoken, which is close to Makkah or Medina's dialect with slight differences in use of expressions.
- Population: 2,800,000
- Ethnic groups: Jeddah acts the door for international pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques. Around 70 years ago, immigrants have settled down in Jeddah from Yemen, Egypt, Malaysia, post Soviet Union countries, Morocco, Turkey and many others. You can hardly spot the ethnic origin of families. The bottom line, we are proudly 80% melted. We are Jeddaweyyeen:^)
- Education: host for one of the biggest universities in the Kingdom; King Abdul Aziz University
- Coastal line: 40 km long
- International Airport: King Abdul Aziz Airport with two terminals; Saudi Airline South Terminal and Foreign Airlines North Terminal. Well both need instant emergent refurbishment,lol.
- Known as: Arous al Bahr al Ahmar; the Bride of the Red Sea
- Festivals: Summer and Ramadan Shopping Festivals; nahhh discounts and cars.
- Temprature: Summer 40C - Winter 17C.
- Famous for: the Islamic Seaport and sealife, and shopping.
Yimken, perhaps I might be a bit bias in areas or better to say subjective. But isn't this what makes us unique? I love knowing about cultural traditions, religious practices and local customs. So you may find me write thoroughly on the traditions and conventions. Just be ready if you like this aspect about traveling....across the Arab-mixed culture in Jeddah
- Pros:shopping malls, restaurants
- Cons:rocky beaches
- In a nutshell:Aros al Bah'r al Ahmar (Bride of the Red Sea)
Reviews (76)
Ramadan traffic is unbearable
Warnings Or Dangers
(4)
watch out for the traffic jam during the holy month of Ramadan. it's just beyond your imagination. all those who never... more travel advice
nice chill-out
Restaurants
(20)
this place has been people's favourite for so many years and i have never been there! since i have been in jeddah for... more travel advice
Hiking in the Desert
Sports & Outdoors
(8)
this has been the coolest outdoor experience i've had since i left london. i like to be outdoor, in a suburb or where i... more travel advice
Baby boom
Local Customs
(17)
i guess every reader is aware that Saudia has got the highest birth rate in the world. perhaps Saudis are so proud of... more travel advice
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Off The Beaten Path (9)
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where to get information on Jeddah
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Things to Do (7)
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Travelogues (2)
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Written Dec 27, 2004
4 photos
inside the Nature of Jeddah
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Written Apr 25, 2005
5 photos
Flowers of Jeddah's streets
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Manyana
“Love like you've never been hurt, work like you never need money, dance like no one is watching, and just LET GO”
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Beaches
Water Sports
ArchitectureLatest Jiddah hotel reviews
- Holiday Inn Jeddah Al Salam
- 42 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 12, 2012 - Moevenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah
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Latest: Aug 21, 2011 - Al Waha Hotel
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Latest: Jul 30, 2010 - Ewa Safari Hotel Apartment
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- InterContinental Hotel Jeddah
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Latest: Dec 29, 2011 - Red Sea Palace Hotel
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Latest: Jan 8, 2012 - Sofitel Alhamra Jeddah
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Latest: Jan 12, 2012 - Ramada Continental Jeddah
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Latest: Nov 22, 2011 - Moevenpick Hotel Jeddah
- 23 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 7, 2012 - Durrah Beach Resort
- 7 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 8, 2011 - Casablanca Hotel
- 7 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 6, 2011 - Park Hyatt Jeddah - Marina, Club & Spa
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Latest: Dec 17, 2011 - Landmark Suites Hotel
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Comments (38)
Photos are a lasting memory of your wedding, get the best from Premier Jeddah Photographer, Samia http://photographybysamia.com
Loved reading through your local customs tips! I had no hair until I was almost a year old, there wouldn't have been a lot of money for charity with me!
I have heard about great bSaudi food made of Dumba meat & Rice. Saudi Biriyanis are also great. Excellent page on Jiddah. Shall come back for more. Write on something very Saudi!! I enjoyed my virtual trip to Saudi.
I Love to pretend I am deaf and can't find my hearing aid when I get unwanted calls-salesmen etc . Phone Dating-thats a FANTASTIC TIP!
I love your tips. You get those people who just keep calling and calling all over the world. Whistle into the phone. They don't like that ;)
hope to cu out there again
id like to know more about women riding Horses in Saudi, my husband is saudi and I am american. Are you allowed to ride in an arena here..alone? DO you have a web address for this place or e-mail address? e-mail me conniealgoflah@msn.com
Very, very interesting tips from the perspective of a young Arab woman! I especially liked your thoughts on 'why men should be veiled!' Good idea! Cover the men' uncover the women:):)
I though you were in london because of your profile, you seem to live there. How's your job then?
I was in Jeddah many years ago (left in 1975 to be precise). All changed I'm sure. The tallest building that impressed everyone so much was the Queens building in the souk. North of the Creek there were a few beach compounds but nothing else.
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