Jidda

Jidda, or Jiddah (pop. 1,500,000), city in western Saudi Arabia, situated on the Red Sea. Jidda has the country's largest airport and is the port of entry for millions of Muslims making pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina. Founded in the 7th century A.D., Jidda is a banking, oil refining, and manufacturing center.

See also: Saudi Arabia.