Jiddah << JIH duh >> (pop. 3,712,917) is the chief seaport and air terminal of Saudi Arabia. It lies on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. It is also spelled Jidda, Jeddah, and Juddah. Jiddah is the gateway to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Muslim pilgrims from throughout the world pass through Jiddah on their sacred journeys to these cities.
Jiddah developed as Mecca’s seaport during the A.D. 640’s. Today, the city is one of Saudi Arabia’s major business and industrial centers. Most of the country’s banks have their headquarters in Jiddah. The city’s most important industries include oil refining, paper manufacturing, and shipbuilding. King Abdulaziz International Airport, one of the world’s largest airports, serves Jiddah. King Abdulaziz University is in the city.
