Take a Trip to Jeddah’s Central Fish Market

Is there anything as succulent as fresh fish cooked to perfection? If you’re a seafood lover living on the Red Sea, it is almost a crime to not enjoy the freshest catch available in Jeddah.

If you haven’t already visited Jeddah’s famed fish market, then you might as well handcuff and march yourself down to the nearest police station. On a more serious note, you simply have to make a plan to take a trip there. The market is situated on the Corniche Road, close to the Flagpole in the Al Baghdadiyah District.

When you near the market you’ll see this beautiful mosque.

and then this fishy art piece. That’s when you know that you’re close.

As you pull into the carpark, don’t be put off by the strong smell. It’s just prevalent outside the market. As you enter it is very clean and there is just the smell of the sea and very fresh fish.

You’ll pass some shops where you’ll be able to buy all kind of fishing paraphernalia. And then you’ll enter the fish market itself. Be prepared to be amazed by all the different kind of fish on display.

Parrot fish and Groupers…

Plenty of Hamour.

Heaps of Squid.

Pretty pink fish – possibly Bream or Snapper?

and the most amazing picture of all – Blue Crab!

So the way it works is, you choose your fish by the kilo…

…and if you want it cleaned up, head over to the cleaning-up-and-chopping area to the far end of the market. They will descale, fillet, chop your fish and devein your shrimp at a very nominal cost (around SR4 per kilo).

This is where the pictures end. I was to find out later that taking photographs in this area is not allowed, so I was lucky to capture these shots before being asked to put away my camera.

I recommend taking an icebox/container with you to avoid any drips from the bags. If you want the fish cooked, you’ll find restaurants close by that will do so too.

I can guarantee that once you try this freshest of seafood straight from the Red Sea, you won’t want to go back to buying supermarket produce again.

 

**if I’ve got some of the fish names wrong, please leave a comment and I’ll correct it – thanks!.

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.

Iftar at the Red Sea in Jeddah

We are a few days into Ramadan, and we asked readers to send in their experiences of the month of fasting in Jeddah. In this blog post, Delina Partadiredja from aMuslima.com writes to Jeddah Blog about her very personal experience of Ramadan in Jeddah, describing the ambience of Ramadan for families at the Corniche.

A Weekend Getaway to Thuwal Beach

A regular week in Jeddah can be quite routine, yet hectic at the same time. Weekends are an opportunity to get out of the bustling city, breathe in some fresh air and recharge one’s batteries. Jeddah Blog writer Naima Bashir recently visited Thuwal with her family, a village some 80 kilometers North of Jeddah along the Red Sea. Thuwal is known for its fishing, and is home to KAUST, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Naima was kind enough to share her experience and even sent us photographs of their trip.

We had been trying to take out time from the busy life for a family trip to a beach for a long time, where there would be less rush, the water would be clean, and not to forget we could get enough space for the car parking.

We set out looking for a peaceful place to spend the day.

So this Thursday we managed to arrange a trip to Thuwal beach. It is about an hour’s drive, 80 km north from Jeddah. It is not difficult to find as you can easily follow directions on the highway. When you reach the bridge before the Madina exit, on the bridge you’ll see the signboard saying Thuwal and pointing towards the left.

Plenty of space to park one’s car.

We reached there around 2 pm which was perfect as the weather was not yet hot, and people had only just started arriving. The place was exactly what I was looking for. Gorgeous sea water, a clean place to sit, and enough space for parking. You can even find huts there if you prefer some privacy.

Fresh air, blue sky, warm waters and soft sand. An ideal place for children to run and play.

My kids loved paying in the sand. They got the chance to make beautiful sand castles and water streams leading from the sea.

Sandcastles and water streams.

They spent a lot of time in the blue water. The water near the shore is not deep. It is quite shallow, so you don’t have to worry about your children venturing out into the deep water. There are children’s play areas too.

A signboard announcing a soon-to-be-opened water park. We can’t wait!

Washrooms are available, although due to the lack of signage you’ll have to hazard a guess on whether it is a ladies or gents washroom. This was the only thing I did not like. It is hard to find a public place with clean washrooms.

Firing up the barbecue.

The location was ideal for a barbecue; you can plan a visit with all of your family friends and enjoy a delicious barbecue under the clear blue sky, along with the wonderful weather.

Thuwal is an established fishing center.

Living in Jeddah you desperately look for a place where you can find peace and where the kids can have fun. Thuwal beach is an ideal place for a family fun day, away from the city rush. If you haven’t visited already, make sure it’s on your must-do list.

Have you experienced a great weekend in or near Jeddah? Write to us and let us know.