Jeddah, Port city on the Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia
This port city of roughly four million people stretches along the Red Sea across 1600 square kilometers, combining modern towers, commercial zones, and older residential neighborhoods. The urban area follows the coastline and links historic quarters with newer districts where wide roads and apartment blocks shape the landscape.
This settlement began as a fishing village 2500 years ago and became a major port in 647 when the caliph Uthman named it the gateway to Mecca. Over the following centuries, it grew through trade with pilgrims and goods from Africa, India, and the wider region.
In the Al-Balad quarter, families live in multi-story houses built from coral stone, where wooden lattice windows and carved facades date from the 7th century. Locals continue to use these structures, and the architecture reflects how the city adapted to its coastal climate and trading heritage.
Highways link the city to King Abdulaziz International Airport, while water taxis run along the 30-kilometer Corniche waterfront. Traffic can become heavy during prayer times and in the evening, so travelers should plan movement around these periods.
The King Fahd Fountain shoots seawater up to 312 meters (1024 feet) into the air, holding the record as the tallest fountain in the world. At night the fountain is lit, making it visible from far along the coast.
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