Learn How to Pronounce Jeddah | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Jeddah
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Jeddah, officially founded in 646 CE but with roots stretching back millennia, is a major port city on the Red Sea coast of western Saudi Arabia and the commercial capital of the nation. As the principal gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Jeddah welcomes millions of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims annually, a role that has historically shaped its identity as a cosmopolitan and culturally diverse metropolis. The city's UNESCO-listed historic district, Al-Balad, with its iconic traditional Roshan bay windows and coral architecture, stands in contrast to its modern marvels like the King Fahd's Fountain, the tallest of its kind in the world. This blend of deep heritage and rapid urban development, including ambitious projects within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework, makes Jeddah a pivotal economic hub and a key destination for tourism in Saudi Arabia, renowned for its vibrant corniche, luxury shopping, and the annual Jeddah Season festival.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct spelling for the city is Jeddah. However, several alternative transliterations from Arabic into the Latin alphabet are historically common and often seen in older texts or in specific regional contexts. The most frequent variant is Jiddah, which is phonetically very close. Another less common spelling is Judda. Common typos arise from phonetic misinterpretation or simple keyboard errors, such as "Jedda" (missing the 'h'), "Jeddha" (reversing the 'h' placement), or "Jedad". When searching for information, it is advisable to use the modern standard "Jeddah" for the most current results, though being aware of the "Jiddah" variant can be useful when consulting certain historical or international sources.
Example Sentences
Many international flights carrying pilgrims land at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah before they continue their sacred journey to Mecca.
The annual Jeddah Season transforms the corniche with dazzling concerts, theatrical performances, and pop-up restaurants, showcasing the city's modern entertainment ambitions.
Exploring the narrow alleyways of Al-Balad offers a tangible connection to Jeddah's past as a historic trading port.
The city's strategic location on the Red Sea has cemented its role as a critical logistics and commercial hub for the entire region.
For a breathtaking view, residents and visitors often stroll along the Jeddah waterfront at sunset to see the King Fahd's Fountain illuminate the skyline.
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