Jeddah: The Gateway to Makkah

Jeddah (Jiddah) is Saudi Arabia's second-largest city and the primary port of entry for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims from around the world. Located on the Red Sea coast, it serves as the gateway to Makkah. **King Abdulaziz International Airport (IAIA)** Jeddah's main airport is approximately 70 km from Makkah. After landing and clearing immigration, pilgrims typically board buses or taxis to Makkah (1-2 hours depending on traffic). **Jeddah's Haj Terminal** The iconic Hajj Terminal was designed specifically for pilgrim arrivals and can handle 80,000 pilgrims per hour. Its distinctive tensile fabric roof is a masterpiece of architecture. **Jeddah Corniche** A stunning 30 km waterfront promenade along the Red Sea. The King Fahd Fountain, one of the world's tallest fountains, shoots water 312 meters high and is beautifully illuminated at night. **Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah)** Jeddah's UNESCO World Heritage Site — a maze of ancient coral-stone buildings with intricately carved wooden mashrabiyya windows. Dating back over 1,200 years, it was the entry point for pilgrims for centuries. **Shopping** Jeddah has world-class malls (Mall of Arabia, Red Sea Mall) and traditional souqs for buying Ihram, prayer beads, dates, and perfumes. **Food in Jeddah** Jeddah offers exceptional seafood (fresh from the Red Sea), Saudi mandi and kabsa, and international cuisine. Try the famous Al-Baik fried chicken — a pilgrim institution. **Non-Muslims** Unlike Makkah, Jeddah is open to non-Muslim visitors and is Saudi Arabia's most cosmopolitan city.