Like other global cities that have been around for a long time and developed during the years when public space wasn’t exactly a priority for urban planners – if, indeed, urban planners were involved at all – Jeddah is not known for its parks.
But the beach and newer areas of development in the city, such as the Corniche or Lake Arbaeen, have made people realise the value of shared public spaces. Indeed, in the evenings, when the heat of the day finally recedes, it can feel like the whole city descends onto the streets and parks. This is particularly true along the Corniche, which is effectively half a dozen parks linked by a paved walkway and fringed by mostly public beaches.
There are green spaces dotted throughout the city, although they tend to be smaller affairs than you may have seen in other, more modern cities like Riyadh. These are six of our favourite parks in Jeddah.
1. Al Rawdah Park
Situated in the Al Rawdah district just north of the Tahlia Mall, Al Rawdah Park is aimed squarely at families with young children, encompassing various play areas as well as bike trails and ball games. It isn’t a big park and gets busy on the weekends, but if you’re in north Jeddah, it is one of the neighborhood's only green spaces.
2. Prince Majid Park
Another public park in north Jeddah is Prince Majid Park, just north of Jeddah University and south of Ar Rabwah. This park is also free and includes a water park for kids, picnic areas and fast food outlets. It has been designated as one of the zones for Jeddah Season this year and will have more entertainment and events than usual for the whole family. There’s a big focus on kid-friendly spaces and the huge water fountain routinely has shows with the water dancing to music and drenched with colours.
3. Middle Corniche Park
Home to the famous King Fahd Fountain, Middle Corniche Park is one of the best-known waterfront parks in Jeddah and is an extremely popular spot with families at sunset.
Officially, the Middle Corniche is the stretch of waterfront between the Ritz Carlton and Hyatt Hotels, and in recent years what was previously a neglected and windswept area has been spruced up, with statues and food and drink outlets.
At designated spots you are also able to sit on the rocks to picnic, and benches both on the Corniche and dotted around the grassy areas are popular places for families to eat.
4. Lake Al-Arbaeen Park
Walkable from Bab Makkah in Jeddah’s Old City, Lake Al-Arbaeen Park is one of the newer developments in the city and is part of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 plan.
Hugging the lake and with a new mosque to the north, it is a well-tended patchwork of palm-fringed walking and biking paths. There are also some lovely grass and sand areas for kids to play in and for adults to sit and relax. The park is home to some impressive fountains and sculptures from both local and international artists. There is ongoing work to expand the park and to improve the status of the lake to create an excellent shared space for local people.
5. Jeddah Waterfront Park
Probably the most popular of Jeddah’s parks and close to one of its most popular malls, the Red Sea Mall, the Jeddah Waterfront Park is one of the city’s best spots to catch the sunset and the superlative destination for families looking to while away an evening.
As well as dining out at one of the many food and drink outlets, there are providers offering fishing, boating and jet skiing excursions, and bicycles are available to rent to explore the wider corniche. There is also an open-air museum, free wifi, and the huge Jeddah sign that is a popular spot for people bagging that perfect image for their Instagram feeds.
6. Cyan Water Park
A water park rather than a green urban oasis, Cyan Water Park has been getting rave reviews since it opened in 2022. It boasts multiple pools, wave machines, and a popular lazy river – all in all, a great day out for families on hot Jeddah afternoons (note, it is open from 4pm to 11pm).
Like many water parks in Saudi Arabia, Cyan has a dress code for men and women. The former are expected to wear long shorts that cover the upper knee and the latter are expected to wear long swimsuits that cover shoulders, arms and legs. There are separate days for families (including boys under 13) and a ladies' day for solo women.
