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JEDDAH: For a city with a historic connection to the Red Sea, Jeddah’s relationship with its coastline is entering a new chapter shaped by luxury, intentional design and a demand for privacy.

The city’s once-limited options have evolved into a range of private beach resorts offering everything from bohemian barefoot luxury to women-only wellness retreats.

Along Jeddah’s Obhur coast, a number of beach resorts have appeared in recent years, tailored for specific audiences and moods.

“Honestly, the development is very clear,” says Majda Abdulgader, a Jeddawi longtime beach lover who works as an education and social adviser.

“In the past, options were extremely limited, mostly confined to certain resorts or private chalets. But now there’s a wide variety of both public and private beaches, all focused on the overall experience; not just the location, but also the atmosphere, events, and safety.”

Each destination appeals to different sensibilities. Mangrove Beach Resort, for instance, offers women-only days and upscale, serene decor.

La Mer Beach Resort offers a more accessible mid-range option with a relaxed ambience, great for water sports, sunbathing or a quiet read by the shore.

Oia Beach Resort is another option with a Greek island feel, complete with whitewashed walls and deep blue pools.

The rise of women-only beaches — safe, respectful environments for women to relax and socialize — are allowing greater numbers of people to enjoy the sea on their terms.

Resorts like Le Ponte de l’Amitie and La Maison d’Obhur offer spa access, yoga sessions, and peaceful sunbathing in female-only spaces.

“My experience at Oia during a women-only day with my daughter was wonderful,” Abdulgader shared. “They genuinely care about the comfort of female visitors. What stood out to me was the high level of organization, respect, and privacy.”

According to resident Najla Bukhari, the expectations are clear: “People are mainly looking for a clean beach; the sand itself should be clean, with well-arranged and comfortable seating.

“A restaurant and music are important. If towels are provided, that’s even better. Showers and clean bathrooms with basics like tissues and shampoo are essential. And kids should have a separate area from the adults.”

For Noura Samargandi, a marketing professional who prefers to get tanned naturally after a good dip, privacy is key.

“I love tanning, and honestly, I just want to enjoy the beach without worrying about how I dress or who’s watching. That’s why I prefer places like La Maison or Boa Beach on their women-only days. It’s about freedom and feeling at ease.”

Meanwhile, Khalid Al-Abdulwasi, a 32-year-old software engineer and avid kite surfer, prefers open, uninterrupted access to the water.

“I go to La Mer a lot. It’s relaxed, not overly crowded, and great for watersports. I can bring my gear, get straight into the water and focus on the waves.”

Many of these private beaches carry global aesthetics such as minimalist decor, Mediterranean touches, and curated playlists. But some beachgoers hope to see more rooted, local influences.

“There are attempts to blend local culture with global trends,” Abdulgader observed. “But most tend to lean toward international styles.”

“I hope in the future we’ll see beaches that reflect more of the local identity — not just in design, but also in events and content.”

During events like the Jeddah Season, private beach resorts play a vital role in attracting both locals and tourists.

“They present a modern and appealing image of the city,” said Abdulgader. “They offer unique destinations for tourists. And demand increases significantly during big events since beaches are part of the fun and diverse event lineup.”

She added, “As the Bride of the Red Sea, Jeddah has huge potential. Many expats love the beach, and well-managed beaches provide them with an experience like what they’re used to back home. This makes Jeddah even more attractive as a place to live or visit.”

Despite the progress, there is growing awareness that beach access remains limited for some.

“We need reasonably priced beaches, sea trips, and options for families, youth, the elderly, and children, all while being mindful of different needs and privacy preferences,” Abdulgader urged.

Private beach resorts in the city come with price tags for entry that range from SR150 ($40) all the way up to SR345.

Meanwhile, Jeddah’s public beaches are more accessible options for families and tourists looking to enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea without breaking the bank.

Public beaches like Alexandria and Al-Mahazem are popular among residents and citizens alike.

Amira El-Sayed, an Egyptian expat living in Jeddah who works as a private math tutor, told Arab News that Alexandria Beach is one of her favorites.

“I’ve gotten used to spending my weekends at this lovely free beach. It’s fun for adults and has a special play area for children. I prefer to come early in the morning, before noon, to enjoy the clean sand and clear water before the beach gets crowded with families.”

Public beaches are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering umbrellas, chairs, lifeguards and designated swimming zones to ensure visitor safety.