Working in Jeddah: Jobs, Salaries & Guide 2026

City Overview: Jeddah

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's second-largest city and its commercial capital, a vibrant port city of over 4.5 million people on the Red Sea coast. Known as the "Gateway to Makkah" for its role in hosting millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually, Jeddah has a character distinctly different from Riyadh. The city is historically more cosmopolitan, more relaxed in social atmosphere, and deeply connected to international trade through its position as the kingdom's primary commercial port.

Jeddah's economy is anchored by trade, logistics, real estate, tourism, and the massive Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage industry. The city is also the launchpad for several transformative Vision 2030 projects, including The Red Sea Global tourism development, AMAALA luxury resort, and the Jeddah Tower (set to become the world's tallest building). The Jeddah Central Project, a $20 billion waterfront development, is reshaping the city's coastline.

For professionals, Jeddah offers a compelling mix of career opportunities, coastal lifestyle, and a more social atmosphere than Riyadh. The city's historic Al-Balad district (a UNESCO World Heritage site), its thriving art scene, and the Red Sea waterfront Corniche contribute to a quality of life that attracts professionals who prefer a more relaxed environment while still accessing the Saudi market's growth.

Top Industries Hiring in Jeddah

Logistics & Maritime

Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest port on the Red Sea and the second-busiest in the Middle East. The port and its associated logistics infrastructure employ thousands in shipping, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and supply chain management. Saudi Ports Authority, DP World Jeddah, Red Sea Gateway Terminal, and numerous shipping agencies recruit logistics professionals, marine engineers, and trade compliance specialists. The expansion of port facilities to accommodate Vision 2030's tourism and trade goals is creating additional opportunities.

Tourism & Hospitality

Jeddah's tourism sector is experiencing explosive growth. The Red Sea Global project alone will create over 70,000 jobs across luxury resorts, tourism operations, and support services. The annual influx of millions of pilgrims supports a massive hospitality infrastructure, from five-star hotels to budget accommodation. With the opening of Saudi Arabia to tourist visas, Jeddah is positioned as a key entry point. Hotel management, event coordination, travel agency operations, and customer service roles are abundant.

Real Estate & Construction

Multiple mega-projects are reshaping Jeddah. The Jeddah Central Project is developing a 5.7 million square meter waterfront area. The Jeddah Tower project, when completed, will surpass the Burj Khalifa. Obhur Creek developments and various residential projects create demand for architects, civil engineers, project managers, real estate agents, and urban planners. Major developers like Dar Al Arkan, Jabal Omar Development Company, and Ewaan Housing are active employers.

Retail & Consumer

As Saudi Arabia's commercial capital, Jeddah has a vibrant retail sector. Major malls like Red Sea Mall, Mall of Arabia, and the upcoming Jeddah Central retail district employ thousands. The city's diverse population supports international brands, local businesses, and a growing e-commerce logistics sector. Marketing professionals, retail managers, and e-commerce specialists find consistent demand.

Healthcare

Jeddah's healthcare sector includes major facilities like King Faisal Specialist Hospital (Jeddah branch), King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, and Saudi German Hospital. The pilgrimage season creates additional temporary healthcare demand. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare administrators are recruited from across the globe.

Education

King Abdulaziz University, Effat University, and numerous international schools and training institutes make education a significant employment sector. The growing demand for English-medium education and vocational training creates opportunities for teachers, academic administrators, and corporate trainers.

Major Employers in Jeddah

• Saudi Binladin Group: One of the world's largest construction firms, headquartered in Jeddah with projects across the kingdom.
• Savola Group: Major food production and retail conglomerate headquartered in Jeddah.
• National Commercial Bank (Al Ahli): Jeddah-headquartered bank, now part of Saudi National Bank.
• Red Sea Global: Developer of the mega tourism projects on the Red Sea coast, with significant Jeddah operations.
• Jeddah Port (Islamic Port): Major employer in maritime and logistics.
• Abdul Latif Jameel: Diversified family conglomerate with automotive (Toyota distribution), real estate, energy, and financial services.
• Dallah Healthcare: Leading private healthcare group.
• Saudia Airlines: Saudi Arabia's national carrier, headquartered in Jeddah.

Salary Overview

Jeddah salaries are slightly lower than Riyadh for most sectors, reflecting the smaller corporate market, but remain highly competitive in trade, logistics, hospitality, and healthcare.

Typical monthly salary ranges in Jeddah:

• Entry Level (0-2 years): SAR 5,000-11,000
• Mid Level (3-7 years): SAR 11,000-24,000
• Senior Level (8-15 years): SAR 24,000-48,000
• Executive/Director: SAR 48,000-120,000+

Packages typically include housing allowance (20-25% of base salary), annual flights, medical insurance, and GOSI contributions. Some employers, particularly in hospitality and tourism, offer accommodation as part of the package.

Cost of Living in Jeddah

Jeddah's cost of living is competitive, generally 10-20% lower than Dubai and slightly lower than Riyadh for housing.

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• 1-bedroom apartment (city center): SAR 2,500-5,000
• 2-bedroom apartment: SAR 4,000-8,000
• 3-bedroom apartment: SAR 6,000-12,000
• Villa: SAR 8,000-20,000
• Compound living: SAR 10,000-22,000

Transportation

• Taxi / ride-hailing: SAR 10-40 per trip
• Petrol: SAR 2.33 per liter
• Car lease: SAR 1,500-3,000/month
• Bus services: Limited but expanding

Daily Living

• Groceries for a couple: SAR 1,200-2,200/month
• Dining out (mid-range): SAR 35-80 per person
• Utilities: SAR 300-700/month
• Mobile plan: SAR 150-300/month
• Gym membership: SAR 150-400/month
• International school: SAR 25,000-80,000/year per child

A single professional can live comfortably in Jeddah on SAR 9,000-14,000 monthly. Families should budget SAR 20,000-35,000 depending on compound choice and schooling.

Neighborhoods and Areas for Expats

• Al Rawdah / Al Zahra: Central residential areas popular with middle-income expats. Good access to malls, restaurants, and hospitals. Reasonable rents with a mix of apartments and villas.
• Obhur: Northern beach area increasingly popular for residential developments. Beach access, newer compounds, and a growing dining scene. Popular with families.
• Al Hamra / Al Andalus: Upscale neighborhoods with larger villas and established compounds. Popular with Western expats and families. Close to international schools.
• Corniche District: Waterfront living along Jeddah's iconic Corniche. Premium apartments and proximity to restaurants and recreational areas.
• Al-Balad: The historic heart of Jeddah with UNESCO heritage sites. More budget-friendly accommodation in the surrounding areas, with cultural richness and character.
• King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC): About 100km north of Jeddah, this planned city offers modern housing, a golf course, and growing employment options. Some professionals commute from KAEC.

Transportation in Jeddah

• Jeddah Metro (under development): A three-line metro and Bus Rapid Transit system is under construction, which will significantly improve city mobility.
• Ride-hailing: Careem and Uber are the primary transport options and widely used throughout the city.
• Personal vehicles: Most residents drive. Jeddah's roads are generally good but can flood during rare rain events. Traffic is significant during rush hours and pilgrimage seasons.
• Airport: King Abdulaziz International Airport, with its new Haramain High Speed Railway terminal connecting to Makkah and Madinah.
• Haramain Railway: High-speed train connecting Jeddah to Makkah (20 min) and Madinah (2 hours), useful for both pilgrimage and business travel.

Job Search Tips for Jeddah

1. Leverage the tourism boom: Red Sea Global and related hospitality projects are recruiting thousands. If you have tourism or hospitality experience, Jeddah is an excellent market.
2. Connect with trading families: Many of Jeddah's largest employers are family-owned conglomerates (Jameel, Bin Laden, Bugshan, Alireza). Building relationships with these networks opens opportunities.
3. Monitor mega-project hiring: Jeddah Central, Jeddah Tower, and Red Sea developments have dedicated recruitment portals. Apply directly and attend their career events.
4. Consider Saudia Airlines ecosystem: As the national carrier's home base, Jeddah offers extensive aviation-related roles from engineering to cabin crew, ground services to catering.
5. Use local recruitment agencies: Jeddah-based agencies like Bdjobs, Jadeer, and Nadia Recruitment have strong local networks.
6. Embrace the cultural vibe: Jeddah's more relaxed social scene means networking can happen at gallery openings, beach events, and cultural festivals in addition to formal business settings.

Insider Strategies: Succeeding in Jeddah's Market

Seasoned Jeddah professionals share these insights:

• Understand the merchant culture: Jeddah has a deep trading heritage. Business relationships here are built over time through trust and social interaction. Do not rush business development; invest in relationship building.
• Tap into the art and culture scene: Jeddah's 21,39 art district, galleries, and cultural events provide networking opportunities with influential business families who are often patrons of the arts.
• Position for Red Sea tourism: The Red Sea Global and AMAALA projects represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Professionals with luxury hospitality, eco-tourism, or marine conservation experience are particularly valued.
• Consider the Hajj and Umrah economy: This sector alone is worth billions annually. Beyond hospitality, it drives demand in transportation, healthcare, food services, security, and technology. Professionals who understand this unique market have a competitive advantage.