Located between Jeddah and King Abdulaziz International Airport, Al Rawda is a residential district along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. It’s dotted with shopping centres and eateries that serve global cuisine, ranging from Japanese and Chinese to Syrian and Egyptian.
Things to do in Ar Rawdah
Need a retail fix? In the south-east corner of Al Rawda is the Solidaire Center, a large shopping mall with department stores, retail shops and eateries. You can browse the homewares at Alshaya and Al Mutlaq, admire the jewellery on display at Reda Omdah or shop for footwear at Oriental Shoes. The Solidaire Center’s eateries range from internationally renowned fast-food joints to local restaurants and cafes.
A short drive from Al Rawda is Al Amir Majid Park, a popular spot for exercising and socialising in the evening. There’s a family-friendly water park with waterslides and a wave pool where you can splash around in the summer months, as well as a restaurant serving coffee and sandwiches.
Al Rawda can be used as a base for exploring the sights of Jeddah, a lively port city serving as a gateway to the Islamic holy city of Mecca. Stretch your legs on the breezy Corniche where the world’s highest fountain, King Fahd’s Fountain, is located and photograph the soaring minaret of the Al-Rahmah Mosque. Traditional homes built from coral are featured in the Al-Balad district, a historic area founded in the 7th century.
Getting around Ar Rawdah
Al Rawda is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Jeddah and 30 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport. Buses travel through Al Rawda but taxis are the main means of getting around the district and the most convenient option for accessing its attractions.