Jeddah

Jeddah, a vibrant port city in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Province, has a population of around 3,751,722 as of 2022, rendering it the largest city in the Hejaz region and the second-largest in the nation. Jeddah, which lies along the stunning Red Sea coast, has long been a major hub of trade and culture, acting as a portal for millions of pilgrims heading to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Its strategic position and rich past have helped it to become a dynamic city that deftly combines modernism with history.

Jeddah’s beginnings are unknown, and no clear date of establishment exists. But the city’s popularity grew in 647 CE when Caliph Uthman decided it was a vital stop for Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca. This choice launched Jeddah into a position of immense significance inside the Islamic world, one she has kept for millennia. The city has developed throughout time from a small harbor town into a vibrant metropolitan center, adjusting to both pilgrim and trade demands.

Geographical location has been crucial in Jeddah’s growth as a commercial powerhouse. Only Dubai’s Port of Jebel Ali ranks second and busiest in the Middle East; the Jeddah Islamic Port is the thirty-sixth largest seaport in the world. Establishing Jeddah as Saudi Arabia’s commercial center and enabling commerce and economic development all throughout the country has been made possible in great part by its maritime infrastructure.

The city’s importance is increased even further by its proximity to Mecca and Medina. Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is barely 65 kilometers to the east; Medina, the second-holiest city, is 360 kilometers to the north. Jeddah’s strategic position has not only made it a necessary stopover for pilgrims but also helped to create its cosmopolitan environment since it attracts guests from many backgrounds and cultures all year long.

Jeddah has been emphasizing lately on diversifying its economy outside its conventional roles in trade and pilgrimage. With an eye on establishing Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East as a center of innovation and technology development, the city is aggressively supporting scientific and engineering leadership. Jeddah’s potential as a hub for innovation and forward-looking projects was highlighted in 2009 when it came fourth in the Africa, Middle East, and “Stan countries” region in the Innovation Cities Index, attesting to this dedication to development.

The city boasts a varied economic scene with a particular focus on maritime trade and allied businesses. Jeddah’s lengthy history as a port city has formed its commercial character; trading of items including mother-of-pearl, tortoise shells, frankincense, and spices has been a major influence in its past. Today, the city is still a major import and export hub, processing a variety of items meant for markets all throughout the area and beyond.

Fourth in Saudi Arabia among cities after Riyadh, Jubail, and Yanbu, Jeddah’s industrial sector is particularly notable. Along with its strategic location, this industrial might has solidified Jeddah’s prominence in the economic scene of the Kingdom. The sophisticated infrastructure and business-friendly surroundings of the city have drawn both domestic and foreign investors, therefore supporting its fast expansion.

Jeddah’s prosperity as a commercial and pilgrimage center depends much on its transportation system. King Abdulaziz International Airport, a big aviation hub handling millions of travelers yearly, serves the city. The four terminals of the airport—including the unique Hajj Terminal meant to handle the flood of pilgrims during the Hajj season—showcase Jeddah’s ability to effectively oversee major travel activity.

As of 2022, the city’s harbor is equally remarkable; it ranks as the 40th busiest in the world. Handling a considerable amount of Saudi Arabia’s commercial movement, it acts as the main entrance for the country’s marine trade. Processing more than 4 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), the port highlights its significance in world shipping systems in 2017 and 2018. Moreover, Jeddah’s participation in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road project links it to a huge commerce route spanning China to Europe, therefore increasing its worldwide economic value.

The Arabic motto “Jeddah Ghair,” which means “Jeddah is different,” captures Jeddah’s own cultural identity. This sentence captures the unique quality of the city, molded by its cosmopolitan past and many influences. Being the main resort city in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah draws both domestic and foreign visitors with its mix of modern conveniences and old Arabian hospitality.

The maritime position of the city has greatly shaped its gastronomic scene. Fishing and seafood are the mainstays of Jeddah’s cuisine scene, which offers a unique culinary experience in contrast to other inland cities in Saudi Arabia. Beyond food, this maritime impact permeates many facets of daily life and helps to create Jeddah’s laid-back coastal vibe.

The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC)‘s classification of Jeddah as a Beta world city emphasizes its significance on a global scale. Reflecting Jeddah’s advanced services industry and worldwide connectedness, this classification acknowledges its vital role in tying its area to the world economy.