Al Ruwais is a bastion for international hotels and high-rise buildings. The modern waterfront district is an excellent base to explore Jeddah, with easy access to the breezy corniche and a good mix of local and international dining options.
Things to do in Al Ruwais
The Al-Hamra Corniche stretches along the waterfront and treats you to fantastic views over the harbour. It’s eight kilometres long and connects Al Ruwais with other waterfront districts in Jeddah. Along the way, you’ll pass palm-fringed parks, flower-filled gardens and outdoor gyms. The corniche is a lovely place to stroll, especially at sunset when local families flock to the waterfront. From Al Ruwais, you’ll get uninterrupted views of King Fahad's Fountain, which shoots seawater more than 200 metres into the air.
From Italian coffee and wood-fired pizza to Brazillian BBQ and Turkish kebabs, you’ll find plenty of dining options in and around Al Ruwais. Dine at local restaurants for an authentic taste of Saudi Arabia. Try specialties like “kabsa” fragrant rice, “matazeez” dumplings served in a rich meat stew and slow-cooked lamb topped with pine nuts and yoghurt.
Check into a luxury hotel and use Al Ruwais as a base to explore Jeddah. Nicknamed the “Bride of the Red Sea”, this vibrant city combines centuries of Saudi Arabian history and culture with cosmopolitan shopping, dining and entertainment. Marvel at the magnificent Al Shafee Mosque and get lost in a sea of spices, jewellery and textiles in Souq Al Alawi.
Be amazed by ancient Islamic manuscripts, centuries-old coins and jewel-encrusted dresses at the Al Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation. You can easily spend hours exploring the four-storey museum and uncovering Saudi treasures.
Getting around Al Ruwais
Al Ruwais is easy to get around on foot, while taxis are a fast and comfortable way to cover longer distances. The district is a 10-minute drive from the Jeddah city centre and 30 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport.