Jiddah

views updated Jun 11 2018

Jiddah (Jedda) Administrative capital and largest port of Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea, 75km (45mi) w of Mecca. Under Turkish rule until 1916, it was taken in 1925 by Ibn Saud. It acts as a port of entry for the Hajj. Oil wealth has also expanded the city and port. Industries: steel rolling, oil refining, cement and pottery manufacture. Pop. (2002 est.) 2,674,000.

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