Highlights of the Day
Today we flew from Doha to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
At the airport, we observed many pilgrims wearing traditional Ihram clothing, as it was peak pilgrimage season during Ramadan.
At the hotel, we noticed signs of Saudi Arabia’s gradual social changes.
Logistics
Accommodation: Jeddah Marriott Hotel Madinah Road
Transportation: Rental Car
Heading to Jeddah
Today we took a flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
At the Doha airport, we walked all the way to the end and finally found a small café where we could sit down for a simple lunch.
Traditional Ihram Clothing
In the airport, we noticed many men wearing very unusual clothing — simply two white cloths wrapped around the body, one for the upper half and one for the lower half, almost like towels.
We wondered if this was everyday attire for Saudi men.
After checking online, we realized it was the traditional Ihram clothing worn during pilgrimage to Mecca, and Ramadan is indeed one of the peak pilgrimage periods.
More Conservative Outfit for Women
As for the women, their attire was even more conservative. They were fully dressed in black robes, with only their eyes exposed — and some even covered their eyes completely.
It became clear that we would need to dress even more modestly while in Saudi Arabia.
Arrival at Jeddah: Crowded and Busy
Jeddah Airport was the most crowded airport we encountered during this Middle East trip.
Because we had booked a rental car from a company not located at the airport, we needed to take a taxi into the city.
Busy Taxi Station
The taxi situation was very chaotic. Almost no one listened to the taxi manager’s instructions.
We saw people negotiating fares directly through car windows and driving off.
Later, we learned that many travelers fly into Jeddah just to rent cars and drive to Mecca for pilgrimage — explaining the large number of pilgrims we saw.
Eventually, after some negotiation, the manager helped us secure two taxis.
A Small Rental Car Adventure
When we arrived at the rental location, we found the office closed! We were completely stunned — the company had just emailed us yesterday saying the car would be ready at 5 PM.
Luckily, a kind passerby helped us call them again, and we found out that because of Ramadan, their working hours had changed: they closed at 1 PM, reopened at 8 PM, and stayed open until midnight.
Thinking about it, it’s understandable — their daily rhythm shifts during Ramadan.
Later that evening, we returned to the rental office at 8 PM.
The staff were very courteous and, to make up for the inconvenience, they offered us a free vehicle upgrade.
Despite the day’s minor hurdles, the warmth and hospitality of the Saudi people left a very positive impression.
First Impressions of Saudi Arabia's Changes
At the hotel reception, two portraits were displayed prominently above the front desk —
the current King on the right and the Crown Prince on the left.
We heard that the Crown Prince had been sent to Europe for education, and upon returning, he was determined to drive significant reforms.
Saudi Arabia’s overall political and social environment is slowly moving toward greater openness — something we would see signs of during the coming days.
To the right of the hotel entrance, a traditional Arabic tent was set up
The floor was covered with red carpets and low red seating cushions.
In the middle, there was even what looked like a roasted lamb display suspended on a frame.
The whole setup instantly reminded us of the scenes we had seen in a museum video in Qatar, depicting how Arabs traditionally lived in the open desert.
Reflections
Although today was a bit bumpy, it allowed us to genuinely experience Saudi Arabia’s pace of life during Ramadan,
and gave us the first glimpse into a country that is slowly and steadily embracing change.
We are now even more excited for our exploration of Jeddah tomorrow!
🌍 What’s Next?
Tomorrow, we dive into Jeddah—a city where history breathes through coral-stone buildings and modern life dances along the Red Sea. We’ll stroll the lively Corniche, marvel at the floating Al Rahma Mosque, get lost in the alleys of the Old Town, and watch the King Fahd Fountain pierce the night sky. From ancient gates to sea breezes, Jeddah promises to be both a cultural echo and a contemporary surprise.
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