It’s been sometime since I added a post as I was in business travel. So, I feel it is appropriate to return to posts about travel with a series on “The Best of …” to share first-hand experience on cities I travel to. Starting with …
Jeddah
This is a wonderful city on the west coast of Saudi Arabia by the Red Sea. An active city since ancient time for being a port and a trade hub, it gained even more importance as a gateway to Mecca, the holy Islamic city.
There is a great amount of information in Wikipedia about Jeddah.
Vis Requirements
Saudi requires entry visas for ALL nationalities, except GCC nationals. The business visa requires the following:
1. An Invitation From a Saudi Party
a. An official invitation letter signed by the Chamber of Commerce
b. Commercial registration documents
2. Official documents from the local part
a. Company registration
b. Local Chamber of Commerce Certificate
c. Employment letter
Take all these documents to the local Saudi Consulate. The process to issue the visa if all is ok is 24 hours. Fees are around $55 for a single entry, and around $150 for multiple entry. It is tricky to get a multiple-entry and is dependent on the “strength” of the inviting party and the local regulations of the Saudi Consulate. In Jordan, I have been fortunate to usually receive 3-months multiple entry. Other places may grant up to 6-months.
Make sure to fill an entry card when arriving at the airport or you may have to go back all the way once you have reached the control window without one. You also have to fill another card on you exit.
Jeddah
This is a wonderful city on the west coast of Saudi Arabia by the Red Sea. An active city since ancient time for being a port and a trade hub, it gained even more importance as a gateway to Mecca, the holy Islamic city.
There is a great amount of information in Wikipedia about Jeddah.
Vis Requirements
Saudi requires entry visas for ALL nationalities, except GCC nationals. The business visa requires the following:
1. An Invitation From a Saudi Party
a. An official invitation letter signed by the Chamber of Commerce
b. Commercial registration documents
2. Official documents from the local part
a. Company registration
b. Local Chamber of Commerce Certificate
c. Employment letter
Take all these documents to the local Saudi Consulate. The process to issue the visa if all is ok is 24 hours. Fees are around $55 for a single entry, and around $150 for multiple entry. It is tricky to get a multiple-entry and is dependent on the “strength” of the inviting party and the local regulations of the Saudi Consulate. In Jordan, I have been fortunate to usually receive 3-months multiple entry. Other places may grant up to 6-months.
Make sure to fill an entry card when arriving at the airport or you may have to go back all the way once you have reached the control window without one. You also have to fill another card on you exit.
Airports
There are two terminals in Jeddah:
There are two terminals in Jeddah:
1. Jeddah Saudia (SV) Terminal
This is dedicated to Saudi Airlines (SV) flights and closer to the city. It has a smaller duty free shop. It has many rent-a-car outlets that are open 24 hours.
This is dedicated to Saudi Airlines (SV) flights and closer to the city. It has a smaller duty free shop. It has many rent-a-car outlets that are open 24 hours.
2. Jeddah North Terminal
This is further north around 20 minutes from the first one, and serves all “other” airlines. The duty free is much larger. Beware that rent-a-car is limited in number and working hours (7AM-12AM). This may cause inconvenience if arriving late or departing early. You need to arrange with an agency prior to travel.
I recommend using SV if possible when traveling to and from Jeddah due to the distance from downtown.
I would avoid buying from the duty free as it is much cheaper to buy from the city where you have more selection and better bargaining power.
Business Atmosphere
Places to stay
Many of the known 5-star hotel chains exit in Jeddah. The ones that I personally (and subjectively) recommend are:
This is further north around 20 minutes from the first one, and serves all “other” airlines. The duty free is much larger. Beware that rent-a-car is limited in number and working hours (7AM-12AM). This may cause inconvenience if arriving late or departing early. You need to arrange with an agency prior to travel.
I recommend using SV if possible when traveling to and from Jeddah due to the distance from downtown.
I would avoid buying from the duty free as it is much cheaper to buy from the city where you have more selection and better bargaining power.
Business Atmosphere
Places to stay
Many of the known 5-star hotel chains exit in Jeddah. The ones that I personally (and subjectively) recommend are:
The Hilton
This is among the newest, grandest and more prominent hotels in Jeddah directly overseeing the sea at the northern corniche. The entrance and the foyer are just majestic. Prestigious functions are usually held in the attached conference center. You need to book early to ensure availability. Rates are high, but corporate rates may go down as low as SR550 ($140). Downside is it is far from most business and government locations, you need to have your own car, or be subject to the pricy limos and taxis (if available!). Level of service is not consistent due to its size and the many “high-status” other guests that reside in. I used to say there a lot, but not anymore.
This is among the newest, grandest and more prominent hotels in Jeddah directly overseeing the sea at the northern corniche. The entrance and the foyer are just majestic. Prestigious functions are usually held in the attached conference center. You need to book early to ensure availability. Rates are high, but corporate rates may go down as low as SR550 ($140). Downside is it is far from most business and government locations, you need to have your own car, or be subject to the pricy limos and taxis (if available!). Level of service is not consistent due to its size and the many “high-status” other guests that reside in. I used to say there a lot, but not anymore.
The Intercontinental
This is among the oldest 5-star hotels in Jeddah. It is right by the sea but closer to the downtown. The building is not as grandiose as The Hilton. The interior is quite “tacky” with green wall panels and mirrors! Reminds me Vegas for some reason! But the rooms are renovated and very accommodating. Go for a superior room with beach facing. Rooms are equipped with a 39’ LCD TV and touch-screen phones. Restaurants of the hotel are quite nice, especially the Fish Market (sea food) and Spears (all the meats in the world!). Rates can go as low as SR420 ($110) for a standard room with corporate rate agreements. The location of the hotel is more convenient for shopping malls, downtown, business locations and government agencies.
This is among the oldest 5-star hotels in Jeddah. It is right by the sea but closer to the downtown. The building is not as grandiose as The Hilton. The interior is quite “tacky” with green wall panels and mirrors! Reminds me Vegas for some reason! But the rooms are renovated and very accommodating. Go for a superior room with beach facing. Rooms are equipped with a 39’ LCD TV and touch-screen phones. Restaurants of the hotel are quite nice, especially the Fish Market (sea food) and Spears (all the meats in the world!). Rates can go as low as SR420 ($110) for a standard room with corporate rate agreements. The location of the hotel is more convenient for shopping malls, downtown, business locations and government agencies.
To be continued ..
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