The host city offers football fans a chance to explore its heritage, museums, music and contemporary art alongside the tournament.
As Gulf football fans arrive in Jeddah for Khaleeji 27, taking place from September 23 to October 6, the experience extends beyond the stadiums. The Red Sea city offers visitors a mix of historic neighbourhoods, cultural institutions, contemporary art and technology-driven experiences.
Jeddah’s cultural story begins in Al-Balad, the city’s historic district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through its traditional rawasheen, historic houses, markets and narrow streets while exploring the relationship between the city, its port, the Red Sea and the historic trade and pilgrimage routes.
Historic landmarks including Nassif House, Baeshen House and Matbouli House form part of the area’s heritage landscape. The neighbourhood also brings together local food, cafés, traditional crafts, markets and cultural activities.
Discovering Jeddah Through the Red Sea
Close to historic Jeddah, the Red Sea Museum, located in the historic Bab Al-Bunt building, offers another perspective on the city’s identity.
The museum explores the long relationship between people and the Red Sea, covering subjects including navigation, trade, travel and marine biodiversity through cultural and educational exhibits.
From Heritage to Digital Art
For a more contemporary experience, teamLab Borderless transforms art into immersive digital environments where visitors can interact with and move through the artworks.
The experience offers a different view of Jeddah, highlighting the city’s growing connection with technology, contemporary art and interactive experiences. It can be particularly appealing to families, younger visitors and photography enthusiasts.
Music and Saudi artistic heritage are represented at the Tariq Abdulhakim Center in historic Jeddah. The centre celebrates the legacy of the late Saudi musician and artist Tariq Abdulhakim through his works, personal belongings and contributions to Saudi music.
The building itself forms part of the heritage setting, bringing together architecture, history and music.
A Broader View of Saudi Heritage
The Al Tayebat International City of Science and Knowledge offers visitors a wider look at the history and heritage of Jeddah and the Kingdom. Its collections cover aspects of Islamic history, social life, arts and crafts, currencies, manuscripts and traditional clothing.
Beyond museums, Jeddah has also developed into a destination for contemporary art and creative culture. Places including The Art of Islamic Civilization, Jameel Arts Centre, local art galleries and Jeddah Art Promenade add exhibitions, design, cinema and other creative experiences to the city’s cultural landscape.
Together, these destinations offer visitors an opportunity to experience both the historic and contemporary sides of Jeddah while attending Khaleeji 27.
Exploring Saudi Arabia Beyond Jeddah
The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched the “Our Gulf Spirit” promotional initiative for football fans travelling to the Kingdom for the Gulf Cup. The initiative highlights destinations and experiences across Jeddah, Asir, AlUla and the Red Sea.
The official Saudi tourism platform, Visit Saudi, also provides a Khaleeji 27 guide covering tickets, stadiums, transportation and suggested routes for exploring Jeddah between matches, along with travel, accommodation, tour packages and other experiences.
For Khaleeji 27 visitors, the tournament can therefore be an opportunity to explore another side of Jeddah, from the historic streets of Al-Balad to its museums, music and contemporary art experiences.
More information: VisitSaudi.com/GulfCup27
