Jeddah Corniche

Jeddah Corniche runs along the Red Sea coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's main port city on the west coast. It stretches for about 30 kilometres and is also known as the Jeddah Waterfront. The name corniche comes from the French and Italian word for a coastal road.

The waterfront was developed over several decades, and a major redeveloped section of about 4.2 kilometres of shoreline and 730,000 square metres was inaugurated on 30 November 2017 by the Governor of Makkah, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, as part of a plan to improve public spaces in the city. In the 1970s and 1980s the city commissioned many large outdoor sculptures, including works by international artists, and many stand along the Corniche, making it one of the largest open-air art collections in the region.

The Corniche has walking and cycling paths, lawns, playgrounds, sandy beaches, fishing piers and many cafes and restaurants. Al-Rahmah Mosque, built on pillars over the sea, appears to float at high tide and is a favourite photo spot. Offshore, King Fahd's Fountain shoots water up to about 260 metres high, one of the tallest fountains in the world, and it is lit at night. The northern end has newer developments, resorts and marinas.

Evenings are the busiest time, when families come for the cooler sea breeze, picnics and sunset views over the Red Sea.

Entry to the public areas is free. Some beaches and resorts charge fees. October to April has the most comfortable weather, and modest dress is expected in public.

The 2017 section cost about $212.3 million and was planned for up to 120,000 people at a time, with parking for 3,000 cars, three sandy beaches, 25 shaded huts, around 100 toilets and free Wi-Fi. Al-Rahmah Mosque was formerly known as the Fatimah Mosque.

Since 2021 the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has hosted the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix of Formula One along the waterfront. The race is due to move to a new circuit at Qiddiya from 2028.