Some of them are floating, while others rest safely on land, but they are all true works of art. Discover the splendid sights of Jeddah’s many famous mosques. Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city of Riyadh, and the largest sea port on the Red Sea. Nicknamed the “Bride of the Red Sea”, Jeddah is covered in displays of public art, especially on the roundabouts on Corniche Road. And the city's many mosques are nothing short of works of art themselves. Read on to explore some of the most impressive mosques in Jeddah.
Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque
The Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque is better known as the «Floating Mosque». When the tide rises the building seems to float on the Red Sea. Several white pylons make sure that the mosque is grounded and safe and sound from the water. Its “optical illusion” of floating has earned the mosque a place as one of the most visited attractions in Jeddah.
Island Mosque
Island Mosque is built on a tiny island just off the Northern Jeddah Corniche. It’s one of four mosques built on or near the water in this part of the city, and because of its location jutting out to sea combined with simple and stunning architecture, it is among the city’s most picturesque places of worship. The mosque shares its design with the Corniche Mosque, and this is no coincidence, as they are both designed by the Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil.
King Saud Mosque
Named after the second Saudi king, this mosque is the largest in the entire city and some say the most beautiful. Completed in 1987, by the Egyptian architect responsible for 15 mosques in both Jeddah and Medina, Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, the design won the 1989 Agha Khan Award for Architecture. The mosque also received praise for its simple but strong design.
Abdul Raouf Khalif Mosque
The Abdul Raouf Khalil Mosque is part of a citadel that houses several buildings; the house of Saudi Arabian Heritage, the House of Islamic Heritage, the House of the International Heritage, and the Public Heritage Exhibition. Take a walk through the wonderfully narrow and exciting walkways in the complex, and take in Jeddah’s rich history.
When your adventures out and about in Jeddah are over, you can kick back and relax elegantly and comfortably at Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah. Its central location puts you in the middle of the best the city has to offer in one of its most vibrant districts. And if you are looking to experience most of the city attractions within walking distance as well as get some shopping in, Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Corniche is ideal. The hotel is located just a few meters away from the popular Red Sea Mall and other local attractions like the Atallah Happy Land Park.