On the Red Sea coast, where the blue sky meets the clarity of the water, the New Jeddah Waterfront (Jeddah Waterfront) stands as one of the most magnificent modern destinations in the Kingdom. It stretches over 4.2 kilometers of Jeddah’s historic corniche, redefining the concept of waterfronts in the region, and has attracted millions of visitors since its opening in 2021.
It’s not just a promenade by the sea, but an integrated city of entertainment and beauty, combining modern design with breathtaking nature. In this comprehensive guide, we take a tour to introduce Jeddah Waterfront, from its history to all the practical details for visiting it.
Historical Overview
For decades, Jeddah’s corniche has been a destination for families. With the city’s growth, the Jeddah Municipality launched the Waterfront Development Project in 2021, which completely redesigned part of the corniche to become an international destination worthy of Jeddah’s status as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and the bride of the Red Sea.
The project, implemented in cooperation with international engineering offices, transformed the area from a bicycle roundabout to a grain roundabout into an urban oasis with the latest global standards. It received more than 3 million visitors in just the first 6 months and has become a new tourist icon in Jeddah.
Location and How to Access
The New Waterfront is located on Jeddah’s main corniche, between the bicycle roundabout to the south and the grain roundabout to the north, in the Al-Shati neighborhood. The location is central and easily accessible from all neighborhoods of Jeddah.
📍 From King Abdulaziz Airport: 20 kilometers (15 minutes).
📍 From downtown Jeddah: 12 kilometers (15 minutes).
📍 From the Haramain Road: Get off at the Al-Shati neighborhood exit and head west.
There are parking spaces for more than 3,000 cars, and access is available via Uber and Careem.
Activities and Experiences
An integrated destination suitable for all ages:
📍 The Main Promenade: An architectural masterpiece with granite floors and enchanting nighttime lighting. It stretches 4.2 kilometers along the beach with a path for bicycles and another for jogging. Bicycles and electric scooters can be rented from stations scattered throughout the waterfront.
📍 Green Spaces: More than 150,000 square meters of carefully designed gardens, with children’s parks, safe games, and quiet areas for relaxation. In the spring, colorful flowers bloom to form a beautiful natural painting.
📍 Interactive Fountains: A prominent feature of the waterfront — interactive water pools where children play under water sprays, and illuminated fountains that offer a visual show with changing colors that harmonize with music in the evening, especially in the northern part.
📍 Restaurants and Cafes: Dozens of restaurants and cafes, from international to authentic Arabic. Sitting with a cup of coffee and watching the golden sunset over the sea is an unforgettable experience. Prices range from 30 to 200 riyals.
📍 Seating Areas: Wide areas with umbrellas, chairs, and wooden paths leading to the sand. Some areas are dedicated to families with complete privacy. Entry is completely free.
Operation Killed
- Working Hours: Open 24 hours. Restaurants from 6 AM to 2 AM (varies during Ramadan).
- Tickets: Completely free — no entry or parking fees.
- Best Time: From October to March when the weather is moderate. Evenings are the most beautiful for lighting and fountains.
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours, or a full day with family.
- Services: Parking, restrooms, mosques, bike stations, children’s playgrounds, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi.
Visitor Tips
- Visit in the evening: The waterfront transforms into an artistic canvas with lighting and fountain shows. Sunset from the corniche is a must-see.
- Arrive early on holidays: The place gets crowded on weekends. It is recommended to arrive before sunset to get a seating spot close to the sea.
- Try renting bikes: A bike or electric scooter along the waterfront — a fun experience for adults and children starting from 20 riyals.
- Bring beach essentials: Towel, sunscreen, and a small umbrella. The sand is clean, but shade is limited.
- Don’t miss the interactive fountain: In the northern part — the most beautiful after Isha prayer with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry free?
Yes, entry is completely free and parking is free. Some services, such as bike rentals and restaurants, have separate fees.
What is the difference between the old Jeddah Corniche and the new waterfront?
The new waterfront is a comprehensive development of part of the corniche from the Bicycle Roundabout to the Spike Roundabout. It has been fully redesigned to international standards with interactive fountains, green spaces, and modern facilities. The old corniche still exists in other parts.
Are there activities for children?
Absolutely. Modern children’s playgrounds with safe equipment, interactive fountains, wide bike paths, and green spaces for playing. Most restaurants offer special children’s menus.
