Hi,

Saudi is a very Strict country.Even though Jeddah, is the most liberal city, still you have to wear Abaya, whether around the pool/hotel or outside. I have been to Dubai abd seen that Dubai is much more open.

As a holiday destination, and alone, I do not recommend Jeddah as destination. If you like malls and restaurants, you can then find occupation. But still to enjoy you need company.

If you need to know more, leave a message in my inbox.

regards.

I spent a couple of days in Jeddah in 2000. Cannot say anything about the hotel but say a few things about the city.

The first problem is actually getting a visa to visit the place. Most visitors are there on business, work, or in transit because of the Hajj or Umrah.

There has been talk by the Saudi govt to encourage tourists to the area. Obviously jealous of Dubai's success in this area and there is a history to the city worth exploring.

I was there in March 2000. The weather was hot and I expect the weather to mirror that of Dubai.

Clothes. A lot more conservative than Dubai, but I seem to recall wetserners were still a bit more liberal.

The place does have a sense of humour. If you wondered what happens to old Blackpool lights. They seem to end up there.

They also have some pop art in the roundabouts such as cars in concrete. It was featured in Michael Palins around the World in 80 days series, and it was there on my visit.

Shopping. The malls were similar to the ones in Dubai. However once the call to prayer starts, they all shut up shop and go to pray.

But how do you get a visa if you are not on business, or if you're not a GCC resident? I just wanted to fly there for a couple of days but could not obtain any tourist visa.