Famed for its monumental mosque, Al Sharafiyah is a residential suburb north of Jeddah’s city centre. Many of its eateries are clustered in an area that has been dubbed “Little India”, which is home to a large number of residents hailing from the Indian subcontinent.
Things to do in Al Sharafiyah
Al Sharafiyah is home to the largest mosque in Jeddah, King Saud Mosque, which was completed in 1987. It was based on a design by the Egyptian architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, who was responsible for several Revivalist-style mosques in Saudi Arabia that draw on historic examples. King Saud Mosque features a four-iwan prayer hall covering almost 2,500 square metres and is topped by a 60-metre-high minaret.
For a taste of India in the heart of Jeddah, head to the streets surrounding King Khalid Road, which are filled with eateries serving fragrant curries and chai. This “Little India” is also a great place to shop for colourful textiles, jewellery and traditional clothing. In addition to hookah lounges, you’ll also find bakeries selling authentic Arabic pastries.
Al Sharafiyah is a convenient base for visiting Al Salaam Mall, an immense shopping destination and one of the most famous malls in Jeddah. It encompasses more than 350 retail stores, including big-name international brands, as well as hypermarkets and attractions for kids. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can refuel at the spacious food court with everything from Italian cuisine to hamburgers.
Getting around Al Sharafiyah
Al Sharafiyah is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Jeddah and 20 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Al Sharafiyah and travel throughout the area while taxis are also available for getting around.