Souq Al Alawi
The oldest and most traditional market in Saudi
Arabia, the Souq Al Alawi in Jeddah is a wonderful way to immerse
oneself into local culture and see how shopping among traders and
pilgrims is truly done in this unique part of the world.
Visitors will find anything from beautiful Islamic
art, to one of a kind Arabic jewellery in this bustling market.
Crowded and abuzz, the market has made a name for itself and is
truly a site to behold. Visitors are encouraged to bargain;
haggling here is the name of the game.
Address:
Al Alawi Lane
Traditional Souq goods.
Arnaud 25
Mecca
As the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of his
first revelation of the Quran, Mecca is the holiest city in the
Muslim world and is the direction towards which the world's Muslims
pray five times per day. The pilgrimage to Mecca as part of the Haj
is the centrepiece of Islam's Five Pillars and a peak experience in
the life of any devout Muslim. The city, unfortunately, cannot be
visited by non-Muslims.
The key sites in Mecca are the Masjid al-Haram, the
Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the world and can
accommodate one million worshippers; Jabal Rahmah At Arafah, the
tall white pillar marking the place where Adam and Eve met after
200 years of separation; and Muzdalifah, where pilgrims pray and
collect stones to be used in the Haj rituals. Hira is another
important landmark, a cave on the mountain Jabal Al-Nûr where
Mohammed received his first revelations from the angel Jibreel.
Mecca is located in the Sirat Mountains, 45 miles
(72km) from Jeddah. The city's entire economy depends on the Haj,
and the large number of pilgrim immigrants from all over the globe
has made it one of the most diverse in the Muslim world. The area
is also considered an important archaeological site, with fossil
discoveries nearly 30 million years old.
Mecca
Ali Mansuri
Ta'if
Located in the mountains near Mecca, Ta'if is a
popular summer holiday resort in Saudi Arabia. One of the few
places in the region that is open to non-Muslims, Ta'if is a lush
region known for its rose farms, as well as grapes, pomegranates,
and honey production; there are said to be more than 3,000 gardens
in the area. The fragrant valleys are especially good for hiking,
but for those less keen on a workout can take a cable car to the
top of the mountain in Al Hada.
There are some good restaurants and shops in Ta'if,
and a popular souvenir is the rose water and perfume made from the
rose farms in the area.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ta'if,
such as the Al Rudaf Park, a large natural park with interesting
rock formations and a small zoo. 25 miles (40km) to the north is
the Rock Carving Site that was the site of a huge pre-Islamic souk
or gathering places. Another interesting place is Wadi Mitna, the
sanctuary for the Prophet Mohammed in the year 662. Visitors to
Ta'if should also be sure to visit Al Shafa, a small village high
in the mountains with incredible views.
Non-Muslim visitors to Ta'if should be aware that
they will need to take the non-Muslim Bypass when driving from
Jeddah, which adds a few miles to the journey.
Taif
Ziyad Khader
Jeddah features an arid climate, and unlike many
other Saudi Arabian cities it retains its warmth during the winter
months from November to February. Summer temperatures see the
mercury reaching extreme temperatures, sometimes soaring above the
104°F (40°C) mark in the afternoons and hovering around 86°F (30°C)
in the mornings and evenings. Winter temperatures are slightly less
extreme, ranging from 59 °F (15 °C) to 82 °F (28 °C). Dust storms
from the Arabian Peninsula's deserts or from North Africa punctuate
the summer months. Rainfall occurs infrequently, even in winter,
but is most likely in the month of December when thunderstorms are
common.
King Abdulaziz International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) from
Jeddah.
Time: GMT +3.
Transfer Between Terminals:
There is no free transport provided between terminals.
Passengers are required to pay for a taxi.
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available and fares can be negotiated with the driver.
There is a bus service connecting to the city but this tends to be
crowded and unpleasant and is usually avoided by visitors. The
Haramain High Speed Railway was recently connected to the
airport.
Car Rental:
A number of car rental companies are represented at the airport,
including Avis and Budget.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available and fares can be negotiated with the
driver.
Facilities:
Although it has been extended and renovated several times,
Jeddah's airport remains crowded and chaotic. There are three
terminals, with the North Terminal being used exclusively for
international flights. There are money exchange facilities, a
restaurant, a cafeteria and shops in this terminal. There are also
two restaurants in the South Terminal. The vast Hajj terminals
contain prayer and rest areas, markets, a clinic, banking services,
and a mosque.
Parking
Parking is available outside each of the terminals.
Jeddah does not have an extensive public transport
system and the easiest way of getting around the city is by private
vehicle. It's relatively easy to rent a car and a number of
well-known international car hire companies are located at the
airport and in the city centre. Most hotels and expatriate
compounds also offer shuttle services to the airport and the main
shopping and business districts.
Public buses are available, but are mostly used by
foreign workers for travel within the city. There are plenty of
taxis in Jeddah, which can be hailed from the street or pre-booked
by telephone. These offer the best means of transport for those not
wanting to hire a car. Fares are quite reasonable and generally do
not exceed SAR 40.
Jeddah is considered the most cosmopolitan city in
Saudi Arabia, and the constant expansion of the concrete threatens
to engulf the beautiful coral architecture of the Old Town, which
is in a sad state of disrepair. However, some buildings like the
Naseef House have been restored to their former glory, complete
with camel-friendly ramps.
The Souk Al Alawi is a fascinating place, even if you
aren't there to buy. The biggest bazaar in Jeddah, the narrow
streets are bursting with merchandise, the market is especially
busy during hajj. Another market worth seeing is the fish market in
Al-Balad, where dozens of species ranging from hammerhead sharks to
squid are sold at auction between 5am and 9am.
Another popular place for sightseeing in Jeddah is
the 22-mile (35km) Corniche, a busy meeting place where families
and friends gather for picnics and other activities on warm summer
nights. A number of interesting sculptures line the promenade north
of the port.
To learn something about Jeddah's history, visit the
Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation, which has
more than 300 rooms filled with fascinating artefacts ranging from
beautiful Islamic manuscripts to ancient pottery and furniture.
Travellers wanting to see a different side of Jeddah
can explore the abundant sea life in the Red Sea. Scuba diving in
Jeddah is a popular activity, with several stunning coral reef
systems and shipwrecks in the area. Above the surface is the
incredible King Fah's Fountain that sprays seawater over 1,000 feet
(312m) into the air. While the fountain is visible throughout the
city, visitors can go to Al Andalus pier to get a closer look.