5 things you may not know about Jeddah
06 Mar 2018
23:43
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation, and no city typifies this more than the Kingdom's Red Sea trading port, Jeddah. FISE is the latest major sporting event set to take place in the city – and here are 5 things you might not know about it.
1. It’s diverse
Jeddah is one of the largest cultural melting pots in the world.
A convergent point for pilgrims from all over the world (the Gateway to the Two Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina), Jeddah boasts a vast transport system over land, sea and air. Coupled with its impressive trading history, it is undoubtedly one of the most ethnically diverse cities you’ll ever visit.
The old quarter –Al-Balad – is a great place to experience this diversity as you’ll hear every language and dialect of the region: Arabic with its different dialects, English to Urdu.
2. It has a population of …
… 4 million – over 12% of the country’s total population (32.5 million).
Jeddah’s 17 universities host young and thriving communities, many with a desire to see the world’s best action sports athletes compete on their shores.
3. Scuba diving is thriving
Jeddah is not only a sea port, it’s the largest sea port on the Red Sea.
This ensures Jeddah remains a sweet spot for seasoned – and novice – scuba divers, offering warm seas and an abundance of unspoiled marine life. Above the crystal-blue, super-flat waters, Jeddah’s consistent 17-25 knot winds provide exceptional kitesurfing conditions, too. Wetsuit optional!
4. It’s the commercial (and entertainment) capital of Saudi Arabia
From traditional Arabic markets to upscale department stores and malls, Jeddah offers shoppers a huge array of choice.
And with the Red Sea ensuring temperatures never reach the extremes of the inland desert, a visit to the Kingdom’s most laid-back city can be planned for any time of year.
5. FISE isn’t the only sporting event Jeddah will host in 2018
Hosting major sporting events is fast becoming a central focus of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, designed to develop its talents and encourage mass participation.
While FISE is heading to Jeddah later this month, the city will also host the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Final in May of 2018.
So there we have it. With such a diverse and thriving city and with 92% of Saudi Arabia aged under the age of 54, it's time to bring the world of action sports to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Gulf Region.
