Jiddah

Port in Hejaz, Saudi Arabia, on the eastern shore of the Red Sea, about 80 km/50 mi west of Mecca; population (2004) 2,801,500. The country's leading industrial centre, its industries include cement, steel, oil refining, and pottery. It exports animal hides, mother-of-pearl, coffee, and carpets. Pilgrims, many of whom now arrive at the city's King Abdul Aziz International Airport, pass through here on the roads to Mecca and Medina.

On 27 May 1927 the UK recognized the complete independence of the dominion of Ibn Saud, King of Hejaz, in a treaty signed at Jiddah. It is the seat of embassies of foreign nations to Saudi Arabia. The municipal council acts in an advisory capacity to the government.

Jiddah is the home of King Abdul Aziz University, founded in 1967