Ship carrying 1,500 Sudan evacuees arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Photo: AFP)

Numerous boats from Sudan continue to arrive at the port of Jeddah, which has long served as the entrance to Saudi Arabia for people from all over the world who have come to settle in the country. As a Jeddawi, I will take my readers on a journey to explore the rich history and cultural tapestry that has made Jeddah a symbol of tolerance, where diverse cultures coexist harmoniously.

That all vessels carrying refugees from Sudan arrive at Jeddah Islamic Port is logical, since it is the largest port on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast. However, it is of added significance that Jeddah has always been the gateway to Saudi Arabia, as the port of Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. The mixture of people who have come and stayed is proof of the cultural integration that has taken place here for centuries, although I must admit that I may be biased since I am Jeddawiah.

Refugees Reach Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s Diverse Gateway

Jeddah, also spelled Jiddah or Jidda, is a major port city located on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, and the second-largest in Saudi Arabia, after the capital Riyadh. It has a population of around 4 million people and serves as the primary gateway for Muslim pilgrims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

As a historical trading hub and gateway to the holy sites, Jeddah has long been exposed to various cultures and ideas from around the world that have been reflected in the various aspects of life in the city. Jeddawis come from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as the city became home to immigrants and traders from different parts of the world. This diversity is reflected in the city’s rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. This created a diverse and cosmopolitan Jeddawi population, with a more relaxed social atmosphere than other parts of the country, where the inhabitants tend to be tribal.

That Jeddah is so diversified has made it an ideal place to host the newly developed art and entrainment scene of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The city has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries and museums, that existed even before Vision 2030 was formulated. The city is also famous for its open-air sculptures and public art installations, including several Henry Moore sculptures on the Southern Corniche. Jeddawis are known for their laid-back approach to life, their love for leisure activities, and their penchant for socializing with friends and family.

Historically, Jeddah has played a significant role in the region due to its strategic location. Its history dates back to the pre-Islamic era, around the 6 th century CE, when it was a small fishing village. Its location on the Red Sea coast has allowed it to grow into a vital commercial hub and gateway for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina. It was conquered by the Caliph Uthman in 647 CE, bringing it under the control of the Islamic Caliphate. Since then, Jeddah has been ruled by various Islamic dynasties, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, and the Fatimids.

In the 13th century, Jeddah gained prominence as an important port and commercial hub for trade between the East and the West. This was partly due to the destruction of the Egyptian port city of Al-Qusayr in 1254 by the Ayyubids, which led to the redirection of trade routes through Jeddah. During the Ottoman Empire’s rule (16th – 20th centuries), the city’s importance continued to grow as it became a crucial stop for Muslim pilgrims en route to Mecca.

Jeddah’s modern development began in the early 20th century when it became part of the newly established Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz, the founder of the modern kingdom, made significant investments in the city’s infrastructure, leading to rapid growth and expansion.

Today, Jeddah is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population and a mix of modern and traditional architecture. All the plans of vision 2030 are taking part in Jeddah such as the Red Sea Film Festival, biennale and various exhibitions. The city’s historic district, Al-Balad, features well-preserved coral-stone buildings with intricately carved wooden balconies and many cultural events take here over the year. When Jeddawis want to get the feeling of the good old days, they visit Al Bilal and eat traditional food, see old buildings, and remember their history. Today any event that takes place there is related to past.

There is an Arabic expression “جدة غير” (Jeddah ghayr), which translates as “Jeddah is different.” This phrase is often used by locals and visitors to describe the city’s unique and distinct character, compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia which tend to reflect desert culture. Things may take a bit longer in Jeddah, like paper work, because welcoming guests is necessary and takes time. But eventually, it gets done.

One more thing … the smell of the Red Sea is unique. When walking along the Corniche, I know I am in Jeddah.