Top Tourism Attractions in Jeddah!

Jeddah, the wonderful city of Saudi Arabia, is steadily growing in stature as the commercial capital and a gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The most easygoing city of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah has a rich history of trade and commerce through its port, in the bygone era.

Today, Jeddah is changing its image with innovative architecture and design. The Corniche and seafront has been tastefully developed along with interesting public squares and upscale shopping malls. It also has a reputation of serving delectable, fresh, sea food and international cuisine. There is lots to do in Jeddah and Saurabh Das gives us his top tips on what to see and where to go in the city.

Corniche at Sunset with King Fahd’s Fountain in the background. Photo Credit: Tim E White

King Fahd’s Fountain

King Fahd’s Fountain is the world’s largest water fountain, and is located on the newly decorated Jeddah Corniche. Visit the Fountain in the evening to see its wonderful lighting effects. The fountain was constructed between 1980 and 1983, and was inaugurated in 1985. The Fountain jets water to a height of 853 meters with a maximum speed of 375 kilometers per hour, and is visible throughout the city of Jeddah!

Balad, The Historic District.
Photo Credit: Joanna Browne.

Balad

Balad is the old part of Jeddah and reminds one of the bygone glory of the city. This is the location where the first settlement of Jeddah was established by fishermen over 2,500 year ago. The port of Jeddah received millions of devotees, who arrived in the country via sea, to visit the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. The architecture in Balad mainly showcases traditional coral stones and woodwork of Roshan which helps to regulate the flow of air.

The Floating Mosque (halaltrip.com)

Floating Mosque

The beautiful Floating Mosque is located on the North Corniche, jutting out from the Red Sea. Its unique architecture and positioning gives out an illusion as if it is floating on water. The interiors are wonderfully decorated, made of shining white marble. The mosque is also a favourite spot for Mecca bound pilgrims during their stay in Jeddah.

Medina Gate

The Bab Medina Gate is a part of the old city wall that used to enclose the old historic neighbourhood of Balad on all sides. Today, the city gate is the only remaining part of that wall. The Medina Gate is an imposing city gate, made up of limestone and embedded with corals, and is wonderfully illuminated in the evening with stunning lighting effects.

Makkah Gate

Makkah Gate

Makkah Gate, one of the oldest structures in Saudi Arabia, also known as the “Quran Gate”, is located on the Makkah Mukkarram road of the Jeddah-Makkah highway. It is the official entrance to the holy city of Makkah and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. The gate was designed in 1979 by an Egyptian architect, Samir Elabd, and the structure is an elegant representation of the Holy Quran resting on a book stand.

Jeddah Corniche

The Jeddah Corniche is an amazing waterfront which has been redeveloped into a contemporary Red Sea playground. The Corniche runs all along the waterfront for over 60 kilometers. The north and south of the Corniche has good beaches and coral reefs, which can be best explored by scuba diving and deep sea diving.

Fakieh Aquarium

Saudi Arabia’s only aquarium for public, the Fakieh Aquarium is an amazing destination which offers a comprehensive insight into the marine biology of the Red Sea, as well as from other seas and oceans from all over the world. Close to 200 species of sharks, dolphins, sea lions, groupies, sting rays, napoleon wrasse, sea horses, Murrays, and sea dragons, among others.    

Silver Sands Beach
Photo Credit: Joanna Browne

Silver Sands Beach

Silver Sands beach is an exclusive, well-maintained beach in Jeddah, which is a hotspot for expats living in the city. The beach has lovely palm trees amidst the backdrop of the shimmering Red Sea. It offers excellent swimming and water sports facilities, along with a restaurant, an exclusive club and many more amenities.

Mall of Arabia

The Mall of Arabia is a highly popular shopping mall located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is located on the eastern side of Medina Road. The mall is located close to the King Abdulaziz International Airport, and features Kidzania, Billy Beez and Vortex – three amazing kid’s entertainment zones.

Souk Al Alawi (Getty Images)

Souq Al Alawi

The Souq Al Alawi is one of the traditional souqs of the country, and is located in the heart of the old city. This place is an amazing destination, if you’re looking to buy genuine Arabian jewelry, Islamic art, and traditional dresses. Bargaining is encouraged by the local merchants here, and the souq is extremely pedestrian-friendly, giving you a great shopping experience without the disturbance of bikes and cars.

Hamleys Toy Store Comes to Jeddah

The much-awaited Hamleys Toy Store has opened up in the Mall of Arabia. There is a severe dearth of good quality toy stores in Jeddah and we’ve been hoping that this shop will break the mould. Who could be better to review the store than a teenager? Jeddah Blog persuaded fifteen-year old Haris Ali to review Hamleys for us after a recent visit. Read on to find out what this astute teenager thought of the shop, and whether in his opinion, it shaped up to its parent store in London.

A family visit to Mall of Arabia (Mujamma’ Al Arab) today reminded me of a brilliant nostalgia-filled trip to Hamleys Toy Shop of Regent Street, London. Hamleys Jeddah is located on the second floor of the Mall, directly above HyperPanda supermarket, comfortably nestled between Gates 5 and 6.

Hamley’s located on the first floor in Mall of Arabia.

As a family including two teenagers and a pre-teen, we were delighted to see the ghost of the world-renowned Hamleys we had visited a couple of years ago in the flesh. The original London store was truly a magnificent toy store unlike any that exists in Jeddah; storey upon storey of toys of excellent quality, interactivity and a sense of excitement for the younger ones.

Hamleys Jeddah, although much smaller in size, spanning maybe four shops in the Mall, has toys for all children; boys and girls alike. Within are Flying UFOs, Magic Blackboards and vintage boardgames like Chess, Chinese Checkers, and Solitaire. There is also a section dedicated to action figures, dolls and laughing Despicable Me’s Minions!

Plenty of variety to choose from.

Official Lego bricks are sold there too, an unusual sight for Jeddah, apparently, as I haven’t found Lego here for over ten years. One of the coolest tech-toys present was the Hex-Bug, a miniature vibrating coloured insect that zooms around its track randomly, a fun toy to watch.

The store stocks toys and board games of all kinds, and not limited only to Hamleys merchandise, but also includes non-branded foam guns, 3D architectural puzzles and a selection of model and remote control cars and helicopters available at other local toy shops too. There are plenty of Barbie supplies and makeup kits for little girls, but they need to increase their variety for older girls. “Hamleys is a good store for younger children, but not for someone my age,” says Suha, my thirteen year old sister. “I like magic stuff, so I would be more interested maybe if they had better magic kits. The only thing I liked was the ripstick.”

Display stands.

Display tables spread across the store with some of the Hamleys toys laid out on them for the children to give a try are a great idea, and chairs are laid out around a round table for children to play sitting down.

How cute is this? Build your own Lego mini guitar, one of the items available for under SR100.

A fun addition is the track painted onto the floor for kids to whizz around the store on one of Hamleys two wheel skateboards or tricycles. Prices are a little high for most items, but there are lots of pocket-money items children can pick up for SR75 and under. The test to differentiate Hamleys from local toy shops will be in the quality of its products.

A very satisfied customer.

All in all, I feel it is a definite improvement on the general standard of toy shops in Jeddah. Even though I would have liked to see many more toys and board games for older children, it is still a great addition to the Mall of Arabia, making us feel one tiny step closer to the World’s Finest Toy Store.

The 411 on Inglot O2M: Is It Halal? Find out what Jeddah Blog thinks

Inglot breathable nail polishes have hit the stores. Muslim women of all ages have been waiting with bated breath to be able to wear nail polish whenever they like. For those unaware of ablution conditions for Muslims, and are wondering what all the fuss is about, let me explain.

Muslims pray five times a day, and the prerequisite to prayer is performing wudu, or ablution. One of the conditions of the ablution is for the water to touch every small part of the body being washed. This includes the nails. A regular nail polish obstructs the flow of water to the nails. Hence, many Muslim women choose not to use nail polish on a regular basis.

The Plus Size Fashionista: Swimsuits for Sizzling Summers

Hello high temperatures! The talk of the town is that we hit 52 degrees last week. That’s just one of those signs that call on summer’s arrival. Although Jeddah is known for its around-the-year warm weather, it is still nice to call out the different seasons. While the harsh summer is taking over the Kingdom, Hanane Fathallah, our expert on all things large and beautiful, talks to us about the ultimate estival must-have.

Whether you are staying in Jeddah or planning to go on a vacation, one of the key elements every woman should have in her closet/suitcase is a swimsuit. Being voluptuous and curvy does not mean that you can’t wear one and show off your assets. Never feel embarrassed just because you are different. For me, it is always a constant hunt to find the perfect size, fitting and style all in one package. I don’t like to settle for the ‘bland’ or ‘shapeless’. Here are a few shops and destinations I tend to check out that might be helpful.

Debenhams (Mall of Arabia • Tahlia Street)

Swimsuits appear on hangers around end of April. I was able to take a look at their collection before traveling. A flow of one-pieces and bikinis in different colors and patterns invite into a tropical shopping spree. If I am not mistaken, sizes go up to 20 UK/22 UK. I also find their prices average to decent. Matching accessories and bags help you make a whole beach kit pleasant and lasting all summer – so are you ready to hit the water and those tanning sessions?

BHS (Red Sea Mall • Tahlia Street • Aziz Mall)

A kaleidoscope of swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops, bags, etc. I particularly love the branch on Tahlia Street. It always has the greater variety. Don’t hesitate to try on different styles. Since we don’t have fitting rooms in Jeddah, I recommend buying at least 2 to 3 pieces. Also, vary the sizes if you are not sure what size you are. Soon enough you will know your BHS size. It can be a hassle but all in the cause for the perfect swimsuit!

Marks & Spencer (Mall of Arabia • Tahlia Street • Haifa Mall)

Before traveling, the collection was very limited so it should probably be more varied by now. I bought mine for the summer from M&S. I was craving a one-piece black swimsuit. It has a gorgeous neckline and a perfectly convenient tummy control function. As a mom, I sometimes need practical choices, yet without sacrificing on my femininity or style.

Never feel embarrassed just because you are different.

If you are an online shopper, you should definitely check out these brands! (If you don’t already have it) I highly advise you to create a Shop and Ship account to shop online. And now, here’s my handy swimsuit list, whether you are looking for value for money, lots of designs to choose from, or because you want to look extra special:

Bargains

Forever21

Old Navy

Variety

Swimsuitsforall

Uniqueness

MonifC

 

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you enjoy the summer breezes, the sun-drenched beaches and pool sides, and quite simply your swim-suited body! I will continue my hunt and keep you updated. Have a good shopping dive!

Introducing The Plus Size Fashionista!

I am very excited to introduce our newest columnist to you all. Hanane Fathallah is a full-time mom, a freelance graphic designer and a plus size fashion advocate. Hanane has been spreading awareness about the rising plus size fashion movement. Her aim is to start up a community in the Arab region for plus size fashionistas, plus size bloggers and just regular curvy women.

In her first column for Jeddah Blog, Hanane introduces the concept of plus size fashion and will apprise us of the latest developments in the market for gorgeous plus size women. She also discloses her handy tips for you to find the right size clothing to make you look your best!

womanwithin.com

Plus size fashion has become such a controversial issue. Some think it is a dishonest way of encouraging obesity, while others consider it as an opportunity for women of all sizes to glam up and feel beautiful. Regardless of what people think, it is not in any way, shameful to be a plus size woman who is simply proud of her curves. That being said, I never disregard the importance of health. Health, confidence and style go together to reflect a beautiful image of your femininity. One missing link in this equation would disrupt this equilibrium.

Plus size fashion is slowly becoming embedded in our Arab culture. Many brands have succeeded in standing tall in the market and providing a stylish solution to the once hopeless fashion cravings for curvier women. One of the brands that caught my eye, and I personally recommend, is City Chic – Australia’s leading high-end plus size fashion retailer.

City Chic at the Mall of Arabia

So far, two branches are available in Jeddah to stoke your curiosity: one in the Mall of Arabia and another one in Aziz Mall. I was pleasantly surprised to find that their sizing was very accurate. Their sizes go from size 14 to 24 (Australia). Click here to see their size guide.

It could come in handy to check it out the size guide before going to the store, just to give yourself an idea about what size you might be. Of course, a size guide is also provided at the store and the saleswomen are quite helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask them for information as the sizes go from XS to XXL (equivalent to 14 to 24). For example, I am a size 18 so I go for M.

I particularly love their short knee-length dresses. They are long enough to cover decently, and short enough to flaunt your legs. No more of those tunic-length dresses that make you feel like you are wearing a top instead of a dress. And you always need to wear leggings underneath! City Chic has a variety of basics, tops, pants and also lingerie. For the lovely ladies who want to embrace their curves and take a leap into fashion, be sure to keep this store in mind. It will grant you a new perspective towards plus size fashion.

All woman should feel beautiful – no exceptions!

If you liked this article, leave a comment and let us know. If you have any questions for Hanane, don’t be shy. We would love to hear from you.