Top places to visit

True to its name, the Science oasis is an oasis for those interested in science, Math and human body the exhibitions held here are of great interest to children and is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to enjoy..

Roller coasters, ice skating ring and the Amazon ride comprising of life size figures of animals and waterfall and lagoon recreated is a must see affair for the family. Several restaurants are present catering to the taste bud of all ages.

To escape the heat of the city this Sail Island in the Red sea area is the best retreat for the family where they can eat in the extensive food courts, swimming pool, use children’s area or see the performances in the performance area. The name is derived from the 24 meter high sails that cover the pool and seating area.

The top sight of the city, Old Al-Balad city is the reflection of historic Jeddah. Although the wall has been torn down years ago, it represents the way of living of old arabs in its buildings and the tile and woodwork done in them, if you are interested in old architecture and workmanship on wood and calligraphy, this is the place you have to see. You will also find souks and coral houses in this area. Nafees House is a magnificent mansion comprising of 106 rooms is a symbol of Jeddah’s rich past. It is now a cultural center in which you can attend exhibitions and lectures. The artwork in the rooms is a cause of fascination for a lot of tourist

The Red sea Corniche offers a spectacular view of the sea, lined with the shopping street you can get good bargain of gold at the Gold souk, in the Tahliya. You can also witness the breathtaking King Fahd Fountain which throws colored water up in the air. It is recommended to see this at night as the view is spectacular at that time.

Interestingly, the locals have no interest in scuba diving but the expats and tourist are drawn towards the diving range which are around 1 hour out to sea by a speedboat. Since the Red sea’s temperature drops to 22°C, it is advisable to wear a 5mm wetsuit with a hood to proctect oneself fro the chilly winters. Desert Sea Drivers Phone: 966-2- 6561807 Price: SR150 Service: Gear rental, transfer to and from central Jeddah,Fast and comfortable dive boats, Lunch. Also offer on site accommodation and can arrange for tourist visas for diver groups SR 200/250/300 for 1/2/3 boat dives. Prices are subjected to change for confirmation please call the company.

• Sail Island. A retreat from the blazing sun is the sail island in Jeddah. It is a water park covered with several sail like tents and offers you to enjoy the pool and recreational facilities. It’s a favorite amongst children. • Jungle Land. An intriguing park, with rollercoaster’s, a circus, and bungee jumping • Al-Shalal Theme Park, Corniche Roller coasters, ice skating ring and the Amazon ride comprising of life size figures of animals and waterfall and lagoon recreated is a must see affair for the family. Several restaurants are present catering to the taste bud of all ages.

The Khuzam Palace belonged to King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud and was converted into a museum in 1995. It contains six separate exhibits ranging from the pre-Islamic period to modern day Jeddah.

The old Jeddah architecture and the important artifacts which are stored at the Naseef House make it one of the most important museums in Jeddah. The Naseefs were one of the most powerful and wealthy merchant clans, so important in fact that when the late King and Founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz,visited Jeddah, he stayed here. Address: Historic downtown area - AL-Bald

The al-Taybat City Museum for International Civilization is a grand palace containing 300 rooms filled with items collected by a globetrotting local merchant. The collection ranges from gold, manuscripts, furniture, pottery, Islamic manuscripts and more. Groups of less than10 people cannot enter on their own, so either stand outside the museum and wait to join one, or telephone in advance to get added to somebody elses.

The Marine Museum has a collection of live and fossilized fish on display. The Museum is convieniently located next to the Red Sea, so that college students and the like can use their boats fully equipped for travel, studies and research.

This double story museum contains a large collection of the possessions of the King Abdulaziz Address: King Abdulaziz University

The 8 wing museum houses documents and paintings that preserve the traditions, heritage and customs prevalent in Saudi Arabia.

A mosque, a citadel and respective houses of Saudi Arabian, Islamic, International and Public Heritage make up the Abdulraof Khalil Museum. There are a total of 19 units and houses and 15 fountains all around the vicinity, making it an interesting area to walk around in.

The museum was opened in 1997 and has a large number of colourful art pieces, paintings and artifacts on display, some of which date back 70 years. Address: The end of Palestine Street in the direction of the sea directly to the gate of No. (11) of the Center for Aljmjum

This is a majlis and prayer hall where King Abdulaziz used to perform Friday prayers, with Jeddah's dignitaries gathering around him after the prayer. Jeddah Municipality has restored the walls and ceilings, returned the old openings to their original state and carried out carpentry work. It is a rare architectural masterpiece. Address: Al Nada Market, in Al Hanafi Mosque, in the centre of the historic district