Considered the fastest street circuit in Formula 1, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place on the shores of the Red Sea.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit hosts the fifth round of this year’s FIA Formula One World Championship and the final race in this triple-header for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. The area around the corniche has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years and continues to attract large numbers of tourists.

For those visiting, here are our top five must-do activities…

Explore the Old City

With its strategic location on the Red Sea and proximity to Africa, Jeddah has long been a convergence point for pilgrims and traders. The Al Balad district, in the heart of the old town, features stunning buildings that evoke the city’s bygone days. The unique architecture of this neighbourhood is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the rich diversity of cultures that have shaped Jeddah throughout its history.

Stroll along the Corniche

Starting at the newly built Marina and extending south past the Formula 1 circuit to the centre of Jeddah, the modernised corniche is a gathering place for locals, especially at sunset. Here, families picnic, stroll, or enjoy the coffee shops, restaurants, and retail outlets with the Red Sea as a picturesque backdrop. Keep an eye out for the many cats that also wander along the shoreline. Since Jeddah was announced as a Formula 1 host city, the lagoon area has been enhanced with new leisure facilities, including beach soccer, volleyball, tennis courts, and two-way cycle lanes. The entire regeneration project has created a focal point for relaxation and family time.

Discover the history of the city

For a deeper understanding of Jeddah’s foundation and its role in the Hejaz region and wider Arabian Peninsula, visit the Al Tayabat City Museum. Housed in an impressive multi-building complex, the museum features three floors of exhibits showcasing Jeddah’s rich history and its emergence as a major trading hub through the centuries.

Enjoy the stars at the circuit’s Fan Zone

Since its inaugural race at the end of 2021, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has brought world-class entertainment to complement the on-track action. From Justin Bieber and A$AP Rocky to David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Afrojack, and Alicia Keys, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has hosted an impressive lineup of A-list musical talent. Keep an eye out on who is performing this year…

Soak up the sun and sea with a trip to Yanbu

Jeddah’s coastal location, rich marine life, and nearby mountains and deserts make it a gateway for exploration. Travel north along the coast to Yanbu, a city once known for its industrial ports but now is a rising star in the kingdom’s tourism scene. Yanbu is renowned for its scuba diving, private beaches with pristine white sands, and you can even visit the former home of T.E. Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia.