Jeddah, a vibrant port city in Saudi Arabia, has been long celebrated for its rich history, cultural diversity, and of course, it's beautiful beaches and scenic views. However, over the last few years, this ancient Arabian city has transformed into a modern metropolis and emerged as a hub for tourism and innovation. One such spectacular development in the city has been the Jeddah Waterfront (JW or Jeddah Corniche), spanning over 30 kilometers along the Red Sea. From exploring the cultural sites and indulging in culinary traditions to learning about Jeddah's local art and enjoying a relaxing beach day, this seafront location promises an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveler. Let's discover what makes Jeddah Waterfront one of the most exciting and sought-after destinations not only in Jeddah but also in Saudi Arabia and worldwide!
What is Jeddah Waterfront (JW)?
Jeddah Waterfront, officially known as the Jeddah Corniche, is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose establishment along the coast of the Red Sea. It was inaugurated by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, aiming to make Jeddah a global tourism hub. While Jeddah already owns one of the most iconic skylines in the world, the Jeddah Waterfront has taken the city's architectural grandeur to a whole next level. This 30-kilometer area now features several attractions that provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience. Also, there's no age restriction at Jeddah Waterfront – a perfect spot for family getaways.
Key Details About Jeddah Waterfront
- Address: H4W4+567 23510 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Inauguration Date: 30 November 2017
- Opening Hours: 24/7
- Best time to Visit: October to April
What to Expect at Jeddah Waterfront
Set along the Red Sea, the Jeddah Waterfront (JW) is a dynamic destination with a range of tourist attractions that blend culture, natural beauty, luxury, and amusement. Here are the popular waterfront Jeddah attractions, where you can indulge in wide variety of activities and experiences:
1. King Fahd’s Fountain
The world’s highest fountain, King Fahd’s Fountain (Jeddah Fountain), is a notable attraction at Jeddah Waterfront, positioned in the middle of the Red Sea. Built in 1985, the 853-foot-tall fountain is among the most famous and impressive places to visit in Jeddah, symbolizing the city’s modernity and innovation. The fountain ejects water to a maximum height of 312 meters. And, as the sun goes down, the iconic landmark gets illuminated with more than 500 LED lights, creating a mesmerizing gaze that you can't take your eyes off!
- Location: Meeza International Tourism Services Co. Ltd, Al Andalus, Jeddah 23311, Saudi Arabia
- Visit Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
- Entry Fee: SAR 150 (USD 40) Per Person
2. Al-Rahma Mosque
Commonly known as the Floating Mosque, AI Rahma Mosque is among the most striking places to visit in Saudi Arabia. Located at the edge of Jeddah Corniche Waterfront, the royal white mosque is a true architectural marvel that, to the human eye, appears to be floating in the sea. Dating back to 1985, it is the first mosque in the world to be built on water using pillars. It is a prime stop for Muslim pilgrims as well as casual travelers.
- Location: J4X2+C9C, Ash Shati, Jeddah, Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia
- Visit Hours: 4 PM to 9 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
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3. Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Set along the Red Sea is the world’s fastest street circuit, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which blends thrill and scenic views for an out-of-the-world experience. It is the main venue for different Jeddah waterfront events, including international Formula 1 racing competitions like GT Race and Grand Prix. Built within merely 7 months, Jeddah Corniche Circuit has an anticlockwise layout and a 6.176-km-long track with 27 high-speed corners. The vehicles race through the illuminated track with more than 2000 LED lights at an average speed of about 252.8 km/h.
- Address: Jeddah 23512, Saudi Arabia
- Designed by: Architect Carsten Tilke
- Opening Date: 3 December 2021
- Seating Capacity: 50,000
4. Fakieh Aquarium
Opened in 2008, Fakieh Aquarium is the first marine exhibition in Saudi Arabia. It houses 200 marine species in vast tanks, 85 percent of which are originally the natives of Jeddah’s aquatic world. The sprawling acrylic tunnels allow you to walk through the place while watching the exhibits and underwater ecosystem. Once you step into this Jeddah Waterfront attraction, the very next moment you will find yourself surrounded by sharks, penguins, guitarfish, and a lot more aquatic animals swimming in the deep blue waters!
- Location: Al Kurnaysh Br Rd Al Nawras, Next to Al Kuranaysh Rd, Jeddah 23413, Saudi Arabia
- Visit Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM (Opens at 12 PM on Friday)
- Entry Fee: SAR 55 (USD 14.66) Per Person
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5. Jeddah Waterfront Park
Located on the northern part of the Corniche, the Jeddah Waterfront Park is a public park for families to enjoy recreation time along with splendid views of the Red Sea. It has specially constructed walking paths for the elderly to enjoy casual strolls and playgrounds for children to indulge in ultimate playtime with safety. The park features innovative equipment for exercise, and tracks for running and cycling amidst the lush and serene surroundings.
- Location: H4W4+567 23510 Saudi Arabia
- Visit Hours: 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
6. Al-Shallal Theme Park
Owned by Tarfeeh Fakieh Group, Al-Shallal Theme Park is among the most exciting theme parks in Jeddah. It opened in 2004 at the Cornish and remains a prime picnic and adventure spot for families and friends. The theme park offers an array of exhilarating things to do in Jeddah and unique attractions, including water rides, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a zip line. Enjoy skiing in the Skating Ice Rink and go sailing on a boat in the lake at the Amazon Forest.
- Location: Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23413, Saudi Arabia
- Visit Hours: 4:30 PM to 1:30 AM (Open Till 2 AM on Thursday & Friday)
- Entry Fee: SAR 35 to SAR 75 Per Person
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Key Experiences at Jeddah Waterfront
Jeddah Waterfront offers diverse experiences for the tourists and locals. Listed below are the reasons why you must visit this place:
Iconic Landmarks and Attractions
JW is home to many attractions and landmarks that hold a lot of significance for Jeddah as well as Saudi Arabia. These structures not only highlight the city’s architectural excellence, but also its commitment to sustaining its rich culture.
Luxury Living Developments
This coastal area features several five-star hotels and luxury residential properties, making it Jeddah's most desirable location for high-end living.
State-of-the-Art Dining Options
Jeddah Corniche has a myriad selection of eateries, from upscale restaurants to elegant cafes. The menu includes both local Saudi delicacies and international cuisines to cater to all tastes.
Shopping and Retail Therapy
Shopping along the Jeddah Waterfront is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia. The area has several retail outlets and malls lined up, providing different options for shoppers. Whether you are looking for luxury fashion, the latest gadgets, or traditional souvenirs and gifts, you will get it all here.
Leisure & Entertainment Facilities
Jeddah Waterfront features an extensive array of entertainment and recreational spaces for perfect leisure time. It has amusement parks, cultural venues, and spaces for jogging, cycling, and watersports.
Breathtaking Coastal Views
This waterfront promenade is known for unparalleled views of the sea and peaceful surroundings, with New Waterfront Jeddah being a prime spot along the coastline. Relax, stroll, and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
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Significance of Jeddah Waterfront
Inaugurated in 2017, Jeddah Waterfront is among the most recent and significant developments in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Jeddah Waterfront project is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to boost the tourism industry in the region. And, ever since then, not only the region but the whole of Saudi Arabia has seen substantial growth in tourism and the economy. It has strengthened the quality of residential, retail, lifestyle, entertainment, and leisure spaces for locals and travelers alike. Not only this, but it has also brought Saudi Arabia on a global map as a prominent hub for culture, leisure, and recreation.
The Jeddah Waterfront is a vibrant destination attracting tourists from across the world. Whether you are specifically visiting Jeddah or just taking a stop midway in the city, the waterfront area is a must-visit. Book one of our bestselling Jeddah tour packages today for an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most beautiful beach towns. Take advantage of a well-rounded itinerary with popular attractions, activities, and of course, the local food. Gear up for a dreamy coastal getaway now!
Jeddah Waterfront - FAQ’s
Jeddah Waterfront (JW) is a seaside promenade that stretches along the city of Jeddah for about 30 km. The area features a wide array of cultural attractions, restaurants, cafes, racing tracks, entertainment, and shopping venues.
Catch a direct flight to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which is well-connected with major cities worldwide. Further, take a car or use an app-based cab service available conveniently.
Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is famous for its rich history and as the gateway to the holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina.
The top attractions to explore in Jeddah are King Fahad’s Fountain, Floating Mosque (Al Rahmah Mosque), Al-Saif Beach, Al-Balad, and Fakieh Aquarium.
The popular destinations to visit near Jeddah are Mecca and Medina, Al Ula, Luxor, and Riyadh.
Jeddah Waterfront is located about 22 km away from Jeddah City Center, which is just a half-an-hour journey.
The famous traditional Saudi foods to eat in Jeddah are Mashramel, Kabsa, Shawarma, Murtabak, Matfi Samak, Grilled fish, and Shrimp Mashawi.
Jeddah Hilton Hotel, Qasr Al Sharq Hotel, Il Villaggio Luxury Villas, Movenpick Resort Al Nawras, and Ewaa Express Jeddah Al Shatee are some of the best-rated hotels in Jeddah Waterfront for a great stay experience.
Different modes of transport are available in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia like taxis, buses, ride-sharing apps, and bike rentals, which ensure convenient commutes around the city.
The best things to buy in Jeddah as souvenirs are Oud perfume, Taif rose products, gold jewelry, amber beads, prayer rugs, and dates.
