Jeddah

Jeddah is a beautiful city. It is known as the bride of the Red Sea. The name Jeddah means Grandmother in Arabic. Legend has it Eve was buried in Jeddah, hence the name (Eve being the grandmother of most humanity).

Jeddah does not fit the typical city scenarios that well. It is the cleanest & least congested city I have lived in. Only about 350,000 people reside in this city  that is as large (in area) as a major North American City (probably larger than Montreal). The city, unlike most cities, is much spread out. The downtown is the most crowded place in the city. The rest of the city has scattered residential areas with occasional corporate areas. Also, in abundance throughout the city is the Neem tree. The amazing tree, which is being used to create areas of shade, thrives in the city. The next most common things are palm trees found in most sidewalks. There are many more foreign species of plants, trees, and shrubs used throughout the city.

The seashore (not really a beach) is a manmade shore of huge boulders running the expanse of most of the city and it is lined with a huge collection of modern sculptures. The builders of the city must have commissioned many artists to build the sculptures in the shore (all, I think, in an attempt to become some sort of culture center in the Middle East). It is undeniably the most attractive part of the city & best recreation area in the city. It is common for families to fill the shore area (which is cemented like sidewalk) during weekends (Thursday & Friday). A little past the boulders into the Red Sea one can find some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world (dubbed second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia). Also visible further out from downtown is the King's Palace in the sea (probably in an Island). Extending from the palace is a huge man made fountain that is lit with white light at night. This fountain is often dubbed as the tallest man made fountain in the world (supposedly taller than the one in Geneva).

A downside (not for some) is the excess of shopping malls in Jeddah. It seems there is a mall every three block. In fact, the trend to build malls is so absurd that many malls have only half their stores open; yet   even these stores are not doing well. The problem is also because the trend was towards opening expensive chains and boutiques that only the rich minority can afford. In addition, the other downside is, for someone like me it would be the most difficult place to find a specific address. The roads are convenient and large, but there is no adequate system of house numbering. Any directions would have to be in terms of some landmark.

The part of the city where I lived was unofficially known as New Jeddah. This area practically developed under my eye. Now there are numerous blocks of mansions (another trend) and malls in this area. This area is the more wealthy part of town, though the distinction between the most and somewhat wealthy is not clear-cut. However, closer to downtown, the city is less wealthy. The population increases in that area. There are some old buildings amidst newer ones, making some parts of town appear chaotic. In the core of the downtown area is the city's true heritage. There one can find the beautiful traditional buildings that characterize Western Arabia. The buildings have wooden windows and screens. Thankfully, the local government has made efforts to preserve this part of town.

Growing up in Jeddah, I took things for granted. Now, I realize, the city is the closest thing to home I have had. I am more attached to the image and feel of the city than the people that constitute the city. For some reason, I have not let the people leave some good impression in my mind. I find small town Arabia to me much friendlier, maybe because I could not associate with the gaudy extravagant lives of the city dwellers. The people that I knew were foreigners like me. I am almost ashamed to say that despite having lived there for nearly 15 years, I have not had one single Saudi friend. Of course, I really was not in any circumstance to have a Saudi friend. I lived in a protective compound that left me unexposed to the actual culture of Saudi Arabia. ©