Jeddah

The Grand Mosque Seizure was a significant event that occurred on November 20, 1979, when a group of armed Islamist militants, led by Juhayman al-Otaybi, took over the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The incident led to a siege lasting two weeks and shocked the Islamic world. Although the event took place in Mecca, it had significant repercussions in Jeddah and throughout Saudi Arabia, as the government responded to the crisis and sought to address the underlying issues that led to the extremist action.

In 1982, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia initiated a series of economic reforms that included significant investments in infrastructure and modernization. Jeddah, as one of the principal economic and commercial hubs of Saudi Arabia, was profoundly impacted by these changes. The city saw massive investments in its port facilities, road networks, and public services, which helped transform it into a major center of commerce and tourism in the region. These reforms were part of King Fahd's broader vision to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil dependence.

On November 25, 2009, the city of Jeddah experienced one of the worst floods in its history, following heavy rains. Parts of the city were inundated with water, resulting in over 120 deaths and significant damage to infrastructure and property. The floods highlighted issues with the city's drainage system and prompted discussions about urban planning and emergency preparedness in Jeddah. The disaster led to a reassessment of infrastructure projects and motivated efforts to improve the city's resilience to future natural disasters.

Jeddah experienced another severe flooding event on November 23, 2011, resulting in widespread destruction and multiple deaths. The floods exposed continued vulnerabilities in Jeddah's infrastructure, despite previous efforts to address drainage and urban planning issues following the 2009 floods. This catastrophe intensified public outcry and put pressure on local authorities to implement comprehensive solutions to prevent future disasters, leading to significant policy and infrastructure developments.

On March 26, 2015, Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention in Yemen, known as Operation Decisive Storm, to support the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels. Jeddah, as the base of Saudi naval operations, played a crucial role in this military campaign. The port city became a strategic logistical hub for the coalition forces, providing supplies and support for operations. This intervention marked a significant point in Saudi Arabia's foreign policy and had wide-ranging implications for regional stability and security.

On September 23, 2017, the new terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah was officially opened, marking a major milestone in the city's development. The state-of-the-art terminal was part of a broader initiative to improve and expand the airport's capacity, making Jeddah a key gateway to pilgrims visiting Mecca and a hub for international flights. The modern facilities aim to accommodate the increasing number of travelers and boost Jeddah's status as a leading destination in the region.

In December 2019, Saudi Arabia hosted its first international tennis tournament, the Diriyah Tennis Cup, which included matches in Jeddah. This event was part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and promote tourism and sports. The tournament featured top international players and was a significant step in boosting the Kingdom's reputation in the global sports arena. Jeddah, as one of the host cities, showcased its capacity to organize major international sporting events and attracted visitors and media attention internationally.

In March 2020, Jeddah, like many other cities around the world, began implementing lockdowns and health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Saudi government took decisive actions, including closing public spaces, imposing travel restrictions, and promoting remote work and online education. Jeddah, a major urban center and port city, faced unique challenges in controlling the virus's spread while ensuring the continuation of essential services. The pandemic significantly impacted daily life and prompted rapid advancements in healthcare and technology in the city.

On December 7, 2021, Jeddah made history by hosting the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a Formula One race held on a specially designed street circuit. This event represented a significant milestone for the city and Saudi Arabia's efforts to attract major international sporting events. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which runs along the Red Sea, received global attention and praise for its breathtaking views and challenging design. The race was a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to boost tourism and international engagement.

The Jeddah Season Festival, first held in March 2022, was part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to boost tourism and entertainment as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The festival featured various cultural, entertainment, and sporting events, attracting locals and tourists alike. It showcased Jeddah's vibrant culture and aimed to establish the city as a year-round destination for entertainment and leisure. With activities ranging from concerts to art exhibits and food festivals, the Jeddah Season added a new dimension to the city's cultural and economic landscape.