Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's vibrant Red Sea gateway — the kingdom's most cosmopolitan and easygoing city, where a UNESCO-listed old town of coral-stone houses meets a glittering modern Corniche, world-class diving and the tallest fountain on Earth. Long the historic gateway for pilgrims to Mecca, it has a uniquely open, multicultural feel and sits at the heart of a country opening rapidly to the world.
Jeddah has a hot desert climate tempered by Red Sea humidity, with warm winters and long, very hot summers. It is home to a huge international community — expats make up a large share of the population — with English widely spoken in business and the city's many international schools alongside Arabic. A tax-free salary, a low cost of living and a fast-changing, increasingly relaxed social scene make it one of the most rewarding places to live and teach in the Gulf.
Location Info
- Tax-free salary and a low cost of living in Saudi Arabia's most cosmopolitan city
- Very safe, with low crime and famously warm Saudi hospitality
- A car-based city with extremely cheap fuel and ride-hailing everywhere
Top Experiences
Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad)
Wander the UNESCO-listed old town, a magical maze of tall coral-stone houses with intricate carved-wood balconies (rawasheen), atmospheric souqs and centuries of Red Sea trading history — best explored at dusk.
The Corniche & King Fahd Fountain
Stroll or cycle the revamped 30km waterfront, dotted with art, beaches and cafés, and watch the King Fahd Fountain — the tallest in the world — jet seawater over 250m into the sky.
Red Sea Diving & Snorkelling
Jeddah is a world-class diving base, with vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks and warm, clear water just offshore — and pristine, undeveloped islands a short boat ride away.
Al-Rahma (Floating) Mosque
Admire the serene white mosque that appears to float on the Red Sea at high tide, one of the city's most beautiful and photographed landmarks, especially at sunset.
Souqs & Modern Malls
Haggle for gold, spices and oud in the bustling traditional souqs, then cool off in some of the largest, glitziest shopping malls in the Middle East.
Desert & Coast Escapes
Head out of the city for desert drives, hidden coves and resort beaches, or take the Haramain high-speed train up the coast — the wider region is opening fast to visitors.
Getting Around
Jeddah is a spread-out, car-oriented city, so most expats drive — fuel is famously cheap. Ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem) are inexpensive and the easiest way to get around, taxis are plentiful, and a new metro is under construction. The Haramain high-speed railway links Jeddah to Mecca, Medina and King Abdullah Economic City in comfort.
When to Go
November to March is the best time, with warm, sunny days ideal for the Corniche and the sea. Summers (June to September) are long, very hot and humid, often topping 40°C, so daytime life moves indoors to the air-conditioned malls and cafés, with the city coming alive after dark.
Good to Know
- The Saudi riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar, so prices stay stable and predictable.
- Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business and international schools.
- The weekend is Friday and Saturday, and the city runs on GMT+3.
- Saudi Arabia is a dry country — alcohol is not available, but the café and dining scene is superb.
- Dress is modest; the once-required abaya is now optional for women, though respectful clothing is expected.
- Jeddah is very safe, with low crime and famously generous hospitality.
