Jeddah Governorate continues to solidify its position as a comprehensive destination for tourism experiences during the mid-year school holiday period, through a diverse package of sports, entertainment, and cultural events.

These events reflect the city’s vitality and the diversity of its offerings, responding to the aspirations of various visitor segments, amidst growing organizational momentum supporting quality of life targets within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Jeddah is hosting a number of prominent sporting events with continental and international attendance; it is hosting the AFC U-23 Asian Cup from January 6th to 24th, alongside the illumination of King Abdullah Sports City Stadium with the lights of the Spanish Super Cup from January 7th to 11th.

Winter Wonderland in Jeddah

In the entertainment sector, Winter Wonderland continues to welcome visitors with its interactive experiences and diverse games, which simulate winter atmospheres and combine family entertainment with live carnival shows, within a comprehensive entertainment environment suitable for all ages.

Furthermore, Jeddah Corniche Circuit is preparing to host the Label Lab event from January 12th to 15th, offering an experience that combines shopping and entertainment, through the participation of a selection of global brands, alongside accompanying activities that enhance the visitor experience.

Jeddah Superdome is hosting the Jeddah International Gold and Jewelry Exhibition from January 8th to 12th, with the participation of over 100 exhibitors from within the Kingdom and abroad, offering a quality shopping experience that reflects Jeddah’s commercial stature and its historical role in this sector.

Red Sea Museum

On the cultural front, the Red Sea Museum opens its doors in the Bab Al-Bunt building in Historic Jeddah, offering a modern artistic and cultural experience that showcases human and historical stories that have shaped the cultural identity of Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah through the ages.

The museum houses over 1,000 artifacts and artistic pieces distributed across multiple halls, blending historical narrative with interactive experience in a contemporary style, reflecting the region’s civilizational richness and reinforcing Jeddah’s presence as a vibrant cultural center.

Collectively, these events embody an integrated model of a multi-dimensional tourism destination, where sports meet entertainment, and culture meets economy, in a comprehensive experience that contributes to enhancing Jeddah’s appeal and achieving tourism development and quality of life targets.

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also known as the “Shining Jewel,” is a major multi-purpose stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Opened in 2014, it was constructed as part of a larger sports city complex and is the home ground of Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. The stadium is notable for its distinctive retractable roof and modern design, having hosted major events like the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit located along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia, first hosting the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021. It is known for being the fastest street circuit in Formula 1, featuring high-speed corners and a layout designed to showcase the Jeddah waterfront. The race was established as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader “Vision 2030” initiative to diversify its economy and promote international sports and tourism.

Jeddah Superdome

The Jeddah Superdome is a state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which opened in 2023. As the world’s largest geodesic dome, it was built as a key venue for the city’s entertainment and sports scene, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and cultural offerings. It hosts major concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events, becoming a modern landmark in the kingdom.

Red Sea Museum

The Red Sea Museum is a cultural institution located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which opened in 2021. It is dedicated to showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Red Sea region, including its marine ecosystems, archaeological history, and the traditions of coastal communities. The museum’s modern design is inspired by the coral reefs and aims to educate visitors about the area’s significance as a historic crossroads of trade and culture.

Bab Al-Bunt building

The Bab Al-Bunt building is a historic commercial and residential structure located in the old city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Originally constructed in the late 19th century, it served as a prominent merchant house and is part of the UNESCO-listed historic district of Al-Balad, known for its distinctive *rawashin* (wooden lattice windows). It stands as a key example of traditional Hijazi architecture and the region’s mercantile history.

Historic Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is the historic center of the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah. Founded in the 7th century, it served for centuries as the gateway for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca and developed into a major trading hub. Its distinctive architecture features multi-story coral stone houses with ornate wooden *rawashin* (projecting bay windows), reflecting the city’s Red Sea mercantile heritage.

Makkah

Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in Islam, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, a mandatory religious duty that traces its rites back to these ancient origins.

Madinah

Madinah, officially known as Medina, is a city in western Saudi Arabia revered as the second holiest city in Islam. It is historically significant as the site where the Prophet Muhammad migrated to in 622 CE (the Hijrah), establishing it as the capital of the first Muslim community and the location of his mosque and burial place. Today, it remains a major pilgrimage destination, centered around the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).