As an experienced long-haul airline pilot with twenty years of aviation career, I have been privileged to access numerous global destinations that might otherwise remain unexplored. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s vibrant Red Sea coastal city, has become a monthly destination that captivates me with its unique blend of ancient heritage and contemporary energy. This port city, familiar to Mecca-bound pilgrims for nearly fourteen centuries, now increasingly attracts international tourists seeking its cultural treasures.
My recent journey began with an overnight flight from London, tracing a route over Venice, Athens, and Alexandria before following the Nile’s illuminated settlements and crossing the Red Sea to arrive at sunrise. After brief rest at the crew hotel, I commenced my exploration at Brew92° café on Sari Road, where Jeddah’s rich coffee culture meets modern specialty brewing. The establishment’s name references their preferred 92° Celsius brewing temperature, and the space blends industrial aesthetics with traditional Arabian hospitality. Sipping a Costa Rican Hacienda Copey blend, I observed Jeddah’s cosmopolitan lunch crowd transitioning between business meetings and casual gatherings.
The historical core of Al Balad, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, constituted my primary destination. This seventh-century district served as Mecca’s designated port under Caliph Uthman ibn Affan and flourished as Islam expanded globally. Despite Jeddah’s transformation into a modern metropolis following oil discovery, Al Balad preserved its labyrinthine alleys, traditional roshan tower houses with intricate teak latticework, and historic merchant quarters. At the landmark Beit Nassif—a former merchant home converted into museum—I learned about the legendary neem tree that once served as the city’s informal address system during pre-irrigation times.
My cultural immersion continued at Suq Bab Makkah market, named for the historic Mecca Gate where pilgrims traditionally began their inland journey. Following local guide Ayat Alsharif’s recommendation, I acquired golden sukkari dates—ideally complemented by tahini dipping—as culinary souvenirs for flight crew colleagues. Lunch at Minaa café featured fuul panini, the Egyptian fava bean stew ubiquitous across Middle Eastern breakfast tables, enjoyed alongside artisans preserving traditional window-making techniques.
Jeddah’s recently redeveloped corniche presented a stunning waterfront transformation featuring cycling paths, palm-lined promenades, and accessibility-enhanced beaches. The architectural marvel of Al Rahma mosque appeared to float above Red Sea waves at dusk, while practical prayer facilities dotted the coastline. Unlike Western beach culture, Jeddah’s shoreline thrives with multigenerational family gatherings and nocturnal summer activities. As sunset prayer calls echoed, I concluded my layover sharing Egyptian flatbreads and lahma bil basal stew with crewmates, reflecting on Jeddah’s remarkable synthesis of ancient heritage and contemporary vision.