The cost of living in Saudi Arabia couldn’t be described as low and eating out at mid- to high-end restaurants, shopping in malls, or hanging out at exclusive beach clubs is going to set you back a tidy sum over the course of a holiday.
That said, the Kingdom has a population of nearly 40 million people and not all of them are millionaires, particularly within its substantial expatriate community, much of which is concentrated in cities like Jeddah. There are ways to visit on a budget and save your riyals for certain experiences – we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need.
1. Hotels off the tourist drag are an affordable option
When it comes to hotels, it’s a little more complicated. There are plenty of budget and mid-range places to stay near the Old Town and in the north, near the airport but they aren’t the best option for families, and cater to a mostly male business crowd.
One positive aspect of Jeddah’s robust business and tourist community – millions of pilgrims stay in the city every year as it is cheaper than Mecca – is that there are *a lot* of hotels in the city, and as such it is relatively easy to find reasonable rates, particularly in the summer months and even in the shoulder months of April-May and September. Shop around, and book ahead.
And remember, if you’re going to splash out on anything in Jeddah, make it your hotel. You won’t regret paying extra for a place with a pool when the temperature creeps up.
2. Save some cash and eat where the locals eat
It is perfectly possible to eat well for less in hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Al Balad and off the Corniche, and not only American-style fast food and kebabs. Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi workers have been coming to Saudi Arabia for decades, and like elsewhere in the Gulf the standard of food from the subcontinent in Jeddah is incredibly high.
The same goes for food from other parts of the Arab world: Egyptian, Lebanese and Syrian restaurants abound in Jeddah, and a shawarma or falafel wrap will cost very little in the tiny eateries of the Old Town, and even in New Jeddah if you stay away from the malls and branded fast food joints.
3. When it comes to nightlife, also do as the locals do
In the early evening in Jeddah, it can feel like the entire city has descended on the Corniche, often to do little more than stroll through the parks, gaze at the sights, and people watch in the little cafes and ice-cream parlours. Even in summer, the evening temperatures in the city on the shores of the Red Sea are very tolerable, and it is not unusual to see families with young children hanging around in the parks and by the sea until 9 or 10 pm.
The same goes for the Al Balad neighbourhood. The souks and the main thoroughfares are very busy in the evenings and a good place to pick up some bargain textiles or souvenirs.
4. Public beaches are free
Public beaches in Jeddah are free to access and are a lovely option for families who want some open space for the kids to play in. There won’t be as many facilities as you’d find on a private beach but take a picnic and you’ve got a fun location and a bargain lunch.
Take a dip in the Red Sea when the sun gets a little too hot but be mindful of the local dress code for public beaches – shoulders and legs covered for women, and long shorts for men.
5. Take local taxis if you’re willing to haggle
Local white taxis end up being far cheaper than the ride-sharing apps although as a tourist, and especially if you don’t speak Arabic, you will almost certainly have to haggle. Taxi drivers are supposed to use their metres, but often don’t bother.
This goes both ways: while you may overpay occasionally, you may also get a rock-bottom price. Given the ubiquity of white taxis, it is a buyer’s market. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel the price is too steep but always be respectful.
6. Consider travelling in the summer to save money
July and August can be brutal, heat-wise, in Jeddah but equally, they are by far the cheapest months to go and at least, unlike Riyadh, you are close to the sea. Hotels are air-conditioned, as are taxis, malls, and most restaurants. Indeed, anyone who has spent a summer in the Gulf will tell you, it gets very hot but is designed to deal with it.
The best way to survive the heat and make the most of a summer trip to Jeddah is, again, to do as the locals do and basically be nocturnal. Even in the high summer, evening temperatures can drop to the mid-30s (although the humidity doesn't) and you will be in good company strolling along the Corniche after dark before hanging out at a cafe or lounge.
Get up early the next day and enjoy the buffet breakfast at your significantly cheaper high-end hotel and then spend the middle of the day either in the pool or in an air-conditioned mall, and then head back out in the evenings. Bear in mind that most attractions like museums and cultural centres are open until very late, sometimes until 11 pm.
