Stretching along the banks of the Obhur Creek, Obhur Al Shamaliah is a residential suburb in the far north of Jeddah. It’s home to one of the Middle East’s premier yachting destinations, the Red Sea Marina and is on the doorstep of King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Things to do in Obhur Al Shamaliah
Watch the boats coming and going from the Red Sea Marina, which features 300 berths and has the capacity to accommodate yachts up to 60 metres in length. You can charter a private boat for a dolphin-watching expedition, sunset cruise or snorkelling excursion, with the on-site Marine Store well-stocked with all your equipment needs. Divers wanting to explore the nearby wrecks can take advantage of the marina’s speedboats, all of which are equipped with scuba tanks and weight belts.
If you’re a soccer fan, coincide your visit with a game at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, which can accommodate 62,241 spectators. In addition to several indoor arenas that are also used for soccer, the complex boasts six tennis courts, an outdoor athletics stadium and a multi-sports hall that can seat 10,000 people.
A highlight of visiting Jeddah is exploring Al-Balad, which is a labyrinth of historic buildings and traditional souks in the city’s historic heart. Admire the coral-built houses that line bustling Souk Al-Alawi before browsing the changing exhibitions on display at Naseef House, a 106-room residence that was built in the late 19th century for a wealthy merchant family.
Getting around Obhur Al Shamaliah
King Abdulaziz International Airport is a 20-minute drive from Obhur Al Shamaliah while long-distance buses connect from Jeddah to Amman in Jordan. Taxis are the main means of getting around Jeddah and boats are a popular means of exploring Obhur Al Shamaliah.