Flights to Jeddah (JED)

Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and its cultural hub, Jeddah is a glistening jewel looking out over the Red Sea.

Home to one of the largest and busiest ports in the Middle East, Jeddah has expanded into a thriving metropolis strewn with dazzling modern architecture, world class malls and pulsating marketplaces.

The Jeddah Corniche epitomises the city’s appeal, with the promenade offering kilometres of classy restaurants and cafes. It’s also the perfect vantage point to experience the staggering King Fahd’s Fountain. Visit at nightfall to see a huge plume of sea water propelled over 300 metres into the air and illuminated by coloured lights.

While sleek structures punctuate the Jeddah skyline, various nods to Saudi Arabia’s fascinating history remain intertwined with the city’s newer developments. The Al Balad Market is a UNESCO World Heritage site which has seen ancient mud brick and stone buildings delicately repurposed as cafes and art galleries. Wade through a sea of spices, ornaments and textiles at one of the oldest markets in the Middle East.

The city has also become a staple destination of elite sport. F1 cars rip through the stunning Jeddah Corniche circuit in the annual Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while the world’s best boxers have clashed at the state-of-the-art King Abdullah Sports City.

As for high-end shopping experiences, the Red Sea Mall features an incredible mix of international and local brands, as well as an unparalleled variety of entertainment options. Wander an exquisitely designed indoor space, with greenery-lined seating areas and spacious food halls providing a calming retreat from browsing.

Given Jeddah’s coastal location, there are an array of stunning beaches, none more so than Al Saif. Head to this glorious strip of unspoiled golden sand and bathe in the turquoise waters. The Red Sea’s thriving sea life, pristine reefs and temperate climate means it’s a hotspot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Swim alongside stingrays, barracudas and turtles as you explore the fascinating variety of shipwrecks laying on the seabed outside Jeddah’s port.

A vast selection of international cuisines is available at Jeddah’s many top-class eateries, but there are also plenty of tantalising local dishes to sample. Matazeez is a traditional Saudi Arabian stew featuring a rich combination of meats, vegetables and spices, while madfoon is one of several Arabic dishes that comprise of a mouth-watering blend of meat and rice.