Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Off the Track

For the second race of the season, Formula 1 heads to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Known as the Bride of the Red Sea, Jeddah is a cosmopolitan seaside destination and is considered the economic and tourism capital of the country. This race features the first street circuit of the season, taking place under the lights at night. Here are our top suggestions on where to eat, explore and relax when visiting Jeddah for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. 

Did you know?

• In Arabic, the city motto is "Jeddah Ghair", which translates to "Jeddah is different"
• F1 Academy,  all-female single-seater series, will kick off its 2024 season with its opening race in Jeddah
• King Fahd's Fountain is listed in Guinness World Records as the highest water fountain in the world and is visible from most points in the city. 
• The holy month of Ramadan begins on Sunday March 10, the day after the Grand Prix 

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Where to Eat 

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Jeddah has no shortage of amazing restaurants and cafes to explore, ranging from local favorites to International hotspots. When dining out in Jeddah you can expect to see a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, with a focus on inventive uses of spices. We heard that Kuuru, with its Peruvian-Japanese fusion menu is a driver favorite! Given Jeddah's positioning on the Red Sea, fresh seafood is abundant and frequently found on menus across the city. No visit to Saudi Arabia is complete without sampling some of the favorite national dishes such as mandi (a fragrant meat and rice dish), muttabaq (a fried pancake stuffed with ground meat and veggies) or harees ( a hearty stew of crushed wheat, rice, meat, and spices). These are some of our suggested restaurants to try when visiting Jeddah for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. 

Elevated Pick: Myazu

Myazu

Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the Kingdom, Myazu offers award-winning contemporary Japanese cuisine. The stunning ambiance sets the stage for their must-try signature dishes such as tempura green beans with truffle salt, wagyu sando and chef’s nigiri selection. If you are in Jeddah ahead of the race, take advantage of their lunch tasting menu that is offered daily, Sunday - Thursday. Advance bookings can be made via their website. 

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New on the Scene: Alieia

Alieia

Located overlooking the Red Sea, Alieia has quickly become one of the most popular new restaurants in Jeddah. Showcasing Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, you will find modern interpretation of traditional fish dishes. Open daily for dinner, advance reservation required.  

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Local Favorite: Tofareya

Tofareya

Taking a modern approach to classic Saudi cuisine, Tofareya is known for their incredible rice dishes and is a favorite among locals. Here you will find casual modern ambiance with the kitchen serving up updated interpretations of Saudi comfort food such as harees. In a rush? Take your mandi to go from their take-away counter. 

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Best Way to Start Your Day: Ext. Seventeen

Ext. Seventeen

Recently awarded best breakfast by TimeOut, this female-owned restaurant is a great place to fuel up before a long day of exploring Jeddah. Enjoy classic breakfast entrees such as avocado toast or a more traditional Middle Eastern shakshuka alongside coffee drinks and fresh juices. Late to rise? They offer an extensive lunch menu of salads and sandwiches as well. 

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Best Place to Enjoy a Mocktail: Kaia

Kaia

Located at the Shangri-la -  While alcohol is prohibited in the Kingdom, there are plenty of other excellent beverages to imbibe in KSA. We recommend heading to Kaia, the rooftop lounge located at the Shangri-la hotel overlooking the Jeddah waterfront. Sip on tropical inspired mocktails and snack on light bites, while you take in sweeping views of the race circuit. Reservations are required and can be made online via their website.  

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Where to Explore 

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As the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix is a night race, take full advantage of those daylight hours and explore all that Jeddah has to offer. We recommend making time to see Jeddah’s historical city center, a UNESCO heritage site home to architectural gems. Did you know that Jeddah has an established history of supporting contemporary artists? Head to the art promenade to see newly commissioned sculptures created by an international roster of critically acclaimed artists. Of course, no trip to Jeddah is complete without a little bit of shopping. Pick up traditional crafts in the souq or head to one of the many malls for those designer favorites. These are some of our suggested activities in Jeddah when you are attending the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. 

Al Balad Historical City Center: Al Balad

Al Balad Visitor Center

A visit to Al Balad is like stepping back in time and provides a unique introduction to the nation’s heritage. A must-see for those interested in design, the area features traditional architecture that is a blend of Islamic and Ottoman influences and has been  designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to seek out the Nassif House, a former royal residence now turned museum. Take your time to explore narrow alleys, sit for a coffee or dive deeper into the bustling souqs. 

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Visit a Souq

‍While you are in the historical city center make sure to add one of these souks to your itinerary. We suggest checking out Souk Al Alawi, one of the oldest markets in Jeddah and the perfect place to find textiles, spices and other antiques that you may want to bring home. 

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Art Promenade

Located on Jeddah’s waterfront, adjacent to the circuit, the Art Promenade features public artworks created by some of the most interesting contemporary artists working today. A series of restaurants and cafes overlook the promenade and are a great place to grab a quick bite to eat. We recommend beginning at the far end of the promenade and make your way towards the Jeddah Yacht club. 

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Where to Relax

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Day at the beach, followed by a spa treatment and then an evening watching Formula 1? That sounds like the recipe for a perfect holiday. There are many ways to unwind in Jeddah, either by lounging on the pristine beaches, partaking in water sports or booking a massage. These are our favorite places to relax when visiting Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Park Hyatt jeddah - Evania & Seba Spa

Evania & Seba Spa

‍Located in Park Hyatt Jeddah, this well appointed spa features separate facilities for women and men and is the only spa in the Kingdom that offers an outdoor pool exclusively for ladies. Schedule one of their signature hydrotherapy treatments that uses water to reduce muscle tension, encourage circulation and relieve stress.  

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Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq

Qasr Al Sharq

‍A ladies only spa located within the Waldorf Astoria, Qasr Al Sharq draws from local cultural tradition combined with the latest wellness methods to create their signature treatments. We recommend trying their AquaMed hydrotherapy bed or opting for a customized cleansing facial. 

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Public Beaches

‍Jeddah boasts several beautiful beaches along its coastline, providing many opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The North Corniche Beach is one of the best in the city with well maintained beaches and great views of the Red Sea. Most public beaches in Jeddah include a range of amenities such as cafes, casual restaurants and sun chairs for hire. 

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