THIS is Why You MUST Visit AL-BALAD JEDDAH البلد جدة 🇸🇦

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you all for watching our videos and supporting our channel. We really appreciate it. This video is a small example of how incredibly friendly and hospitable the Saudi Arabian people were to us during our travels there. 😍 More videos are coming from Medina, Al Hasa and Khobar so stay tuned for more amazing adventures in Saudi Arabia. 👍💕

[@HistoryOfRevolutions]

Fun fact: The 3rd Muslim Caliph Uthman ibn Affan played a major role in developing the city of Jeddah and making it into a centre of trade.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much for sharing this information.

[@CapitolHillClips]

24:33 Thank you for sharing! So inspiring to see the kindness of people. That man buying you a drink is a legend. Whoever is reading this, you are a legend. Be kind and spread kindness ❤

[@FrugalTravellers]

We couldn't agree more! The hospitality and kindness of the people we met in Saudi Arabia was so heart-warming... it made our time there so very special. Thank you for your lovely comment, and you too are a legend! ~ Mandy 😁😃

[@ShajahanE4]

Al-Balad was founded in the 7th century and historically served as the centre of Jeddah. Al-Balad's defensive walls were torn down in the 1940s. In the 1970s and 1980s, when Jeddah began to become wealthier due to the oil boom, many Jeddawis moved north, away from Al-Balad, as it reminded them of less prosperous times.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for taking the time to share this very interesting information. We appreciate your knowledge, and this fascinating local history! ~ Mandy

[@abdulazizsaleh9567]

Im sorry but your info wasn't correct... Jeddah city have been mentioned in hestory 3000 years ...you can check it in Wikipedia 🧭 thanks💐

[@ShajahanE4]

@@abdulazizsaleh9567 . It is not known when Jeddah was founded, but Jeddah's prominence grew in 647 when the Caliph Uthman made it a travel hub serving Muslim travelers going for IsIamic pilgrimage to the hoIy city of Mecca. Since those times, Jeddah has served as the gateway for millions of pilgrims who have arrived in Saudi Arabia, traditionally by sea and recently by air.

[@ShajahanE4]

@@abdulazizsaleh9567 jeddah around 2500 years old but its not the actual count.al balad was found in the 7 century.

[@Deira854]

Its the same story of Dubai, the old district of Bastakia and Shindaga in Bur Dubai is where all the locals lived till the 1960's but by 1970s when Dubai locals got rich they moved out these districts and South Asians started living there

[@aburakan]

Wow, this is one of the best videos I've seen about Jeddah, time flies by watching your tour

[@FrugalTravellers]

Wow, thank you! That's so great to hear 🙏😃

[@carolinacadabra8278]

What a fascinating place! I sincerely hope that they successfully restore some of those amazing old buildings.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hello Carolina! They've done an excellent job on many of the buildings, with very sympathetic renovations. I'm sure Al Balad will look amazing in a few years time, and will last many more years! Thank you so much for taking the time to write. We always love hearing from you 😁🤗 ~ Mandy

[@TheScouser43]

Absolutely love your videos. This has to be one of the best. I will never, ever visit Saudi (I'm 80 - would be too much), and never, ever in the spectacular way you do. Thank you for allowing me to "travel" with you.

[@usuario99412]

Age is just a number, life is just one.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much, TheScouser43! This has to be one of the loveliest comments we've had 🙏😁 We really hope our videos are entertaining as well as informative, so it is wonderful to hear such positive feedback from you! ~ Mandy 😁😃

[@mydogsmells1733]

Lovely video! Thank you for posting. I've never thought of visiting Saudi or Kuwait but after watching your videos I might have to add them to my wish list!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Glad you enjoyed it. We were really surprised by our experiences there and are so glad we visited. 👍☺️ ~ Lee

[@Kwp-m8n]

Wow I am Saudi but I never Visited Jeddah Al balaad a , very beautiful and full of history

[@FrugalTravellers]

It really is such an amazing place! 🇸🇦😍

[@zoneone3855]

ok, you visited Jeddah at the perfect time in the winter. hope you enjoyed it. and you guys are so welcome anytime

[@FrugalTravellers]

It was certainly a great time to visit Jeddah! We had an amazing time there and met such lovely people. Thank you so much for your great comment, we appreciate you taking the time to write 🙏😁 ~ Mandy

[@هلاليالغربيةالمطيري]

رحلة رائعة ❤

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your kind comment! ~ Mandy

[@abumarwan6]

Welcome to Saudi Arabia. We had hoped for you to visit us in Al-Baha, in the south of the Kingdom. Al-Baha has a beautiful nature and clean air. We are honored to serve you when you visit us in Al-Baha. A beautiful trip.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much for your very kind comment and invitation. If only we'd had more time in Saudi Arabia, as we would have loved to have explored the south. We'll definitely go to Al-Baha the next time we're in KSA 😁😃

[@lucchese20]

Wonderful video. I love the appreciation you both show in all your work of local architecture, food, customs and people. 👍🏻 Very happy to see restoration work in the historic district of Jeddah. Would say there is a larger historic district in Jeddah compared to Riyad? Cheers. 👋🏻

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks Lucchese20. 🙏. The historic area of Riyadh is Diriyah, the former seat of the royal family on the edge of Riyadh. We didn't visit as it was being completely reconstructed and was a building site when we were there. I hope it doesn't lose it's authenticity by being converted into a sort of Disneyland for tourists. I think the thinking here is that everyone wants to see everything new and shiny. Al Balad seems way more authentic.

[@rahfalsohim-wj2xc]

اهلاً وسهلاً مرحباً بكم في المملكة العربية السعودية💚🇸🇦🇸🇦💚

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 🙏❤️🇸🇦

[@shakerghazi]

Very nice 😊

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 😊

[@ibrahimaldossri2646]

Hi…… for your information Jeddah never has winter. Thanks 🙏 keep it up 👍

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's good to know, thank you! What's the weather like in the middle of summer... is it scorching hot?!? 🔥🥵 ~ Mandy 😁😃

[@ibrahimaldossri2646]

@@FrugalTravellers hot hot and hot last week we reached the temperature 53 Celsius mor than half of the boiling water if you put an egg on the street within five minutes, cook it. Thanks 🙏

[@DarthTrotter]

Beautiful. Greetings from Cape Town.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much. Greetings to you, too. 😊

[@mozanmozans]

11:11 my dear you come to thier country you must talk to them in their language at least a simple language to communicate .. a single word could solve the problem 😊 they dont have to learn your language u r the visitor thanks 👍❤️

[@FrugalTravellers]

Yes, we completely agree, and spent a few months trying to learn Arabic! Lee speaks some Spanish, Portuguese and French, while I speak some Thai as well... so we don't simply expect everyone to understand English... even studied Russian for our 1.5 years traveling around the former USSR and Soviet bloc! We found Arabic to be a bit tricky, and just reverted to English! Thankfully there was always a kind person to help us out. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It was lovely to hear your perspective! ~ Mandy 😃🤗

[@barrybeans]

loved it!

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's great to hear, thank you 🙏🤗

[@noorahnn376]

Loved this video! As a native i'm learning with you about my own country as that i don't have the chance/time to travel around the country yet!

[@FrugalTravellers]

We're so happy that you enjoy our Saudi Arabia series, as we had such a wonderful time there 😀🤗

[@barbaras5874]

A wonderful travel vlog, we enjoyed watching this so much, so extremely interesting!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Barbara, that is so lovely, thank you. We had an amazing time in Saudi Arabia, and met such wonderful people. I'm not sure how many of our Saudi videos you've seen, so here's our Saudi playlist 🤗🥰 kzbin.info/aero/PLCmNbKU5iMrlRdlxyLurNYxyeJ2SGIcU5&si=gqXyE-NInq6y9rtz

[@mdbabujorvlog6947]

Nice ❤❤❤

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's so lovely, thank you 🙏🤗

[@Justmekkkki]

Saudi Arabia is very beautiful and I suggest you visit the south where there are more beautiful areas 👍🏻

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 🙏 Hopefully we can visit the South one day.

[@normaamella1962]

Im like traveling while watching 🎉

[@FrugalTravellers]

Awesome! We hope you enjoyed the experience 🙏😍

[@SpaceLifeMo]

Another great vlog entry Lee & Mandy, fyi Al Balad Jeddah literally translates to The Place Jeddah

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks for the info! 😃🙏

[@PlanetImo]

I really enjoyed this! Thanks, guys. :)

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks Imo. Such an interesting place with an incredible history. Very atmospheric! ❤️

[@MaxMax-hk6rm]

Wooow it’s like u r live in 1850 house 🏡 15:38 it’s looks like u cast of old film 🎥 in 28:47 the house is amazing it’s It's history and documentaries Part ❤

[@FrugalTravellers]

Yes some of those old properties are really amazing. To think they are made from sea coral! We loved the design and the feel of them. 😍

[@ShajahanE4]

Al Balad's maze-like alleyways are home to souks, mosques, and around 650 traditional buildings tightly packed in an area of roughly 2.5 square-kilometres.

[@FrugalTravellers]

It really is an amazing place. Feels like a living museum. Thanks for the figures. 🙏☺️

[@rikayangu3833]

Brilliant,a change from seeing and thinking everything in Jeddah is sparkling,how can there be motorways but no sidewalks? someone made a mistake somewhere.Bus rides there are quite affordable. Thanks for sharing really appreciate

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks so much. We try and show everything as we see it and don't gloss over the reality but also try to keep a positive view of things. We really enjoyed our experience of Jeddah overall. 👍😊

[@abdulazizsaleh9567]

Ok .. simply because of the weather...it's so Hot 🔥..the people can afford transportation in general... specific the taxes... easier faster... The weather really control our lives.... If they come doring the summer 🌞 I'm sure they would never be able to walk around.... So we always says..if you wanna visit Saudi Arabia...come at winter ❄️...it would be very different... Greetings from Saudi Arabia Riyadh City 🏙️🌴🇸🇦💐

[@NormAuParadis]

Cant believe Im seeing it here. I was born here.

[@FrugalTravellers]

We hope you enjoyed this video of your hometown 😀 🤗

[@NormAuParadis]

@@FrugalTravellers very much so, I left KSA back in 1996 at 9 and havent been back in more than a decade.

[@salmanadnan]

As a resident of Jeddah i also wish they make more walkable footpaths everywhere like they're doing in western jeddah near corniche area Also you were near a centre if you went there you would have more food options also in English

[@andrew543]

Loving your videos and the way you travel. I too prefer public transport and if I can pick your brains on the bus system in Jeddah, is the SAPTCO bus you took from the airport? I'm trying to avoid taxis but there is little information on the bus system although you knew which bus to take to Al_Balad. Safe travels

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 🙏 We didn't arrive in Jeddah by plane so unfortunately don't know anything about transport from the airport. We arrived at the Saptco bus terminal from Riyadh. You could try the Saptco website for information or put the journey into Google maps and sometimes it gives you transport options. Best of luck 🤞

[@navid8437]

Kaku (it means is Habibi) come to Shiraz (Iran) 🇮🇷😍

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hello! We were in Shiraz in 2018, and really enjoyed our time there! Thank you for your kind invitation! 🤗🙏 ~ Mandy

[@turkixix]

Welcome to the country of Saudi Arabia, there are many places that you have not visited, and also try Saudi food

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you very much 🙏 Keep watching our videos where we visit many more places in Saudi Arabia and try the delicious Saudi food. 😋😊🙏 ~ Lee

[@SpaceLifeMo]

I finally managed to catch up with your vlogs Lee & Mandy I wish you safe travels, fyi… Eid is right around the corner on June 29th expect they’ll be festivities in Kingdom.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks so much 🙏. Hope you enjoy them. We are currently staying in a Muslim run guesthouse in Sri Lanka and they are all preparing for Eid. Eid Mubarak! 👍😊

[@SpaceLifeMo]

@@FrugalTravellers Oh I can’t wait for the vlog I hope you’ll come back to Saudi Arabia soon and see the Neom during construction, and also stay in Dubai or maybe see Abu Dhabi? Anyway thank you for replying back.

[@lionsaleh5435]

nice video,

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 🙏

[@redpen3034]

البلد في جده عمر المباني يتجاوز ٣٠٠عام روعه خاصة ليالي رمضان

[@FrugalTravellers]

We had such an amazing time visiting Jeddah, and loved the incredible buildings in Al-Balad.

[@azoz2031]

👍👍👍🇸🇦

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 😁😃

[@aimeebauman4657]

Do you know if that was a trap/neuter/release they are doing to the street cats?

[@FrugalTravellers]

I'm not too sure, Aimee. I assumed so, but hopefully someone can let us know for sure. ~ Mandy

[@edikurs9667]

Hi, 1 card for two people or must each person have a card for transport?

[@FrugalTravellers]

Great question. I think we talk about it in the video... it was a year ago so I can't remember now.

[@DANIEL.KAMATERO]

Hello ! I ll be visiting Ryiadh next week for the first time. Are Uber /Careem much cheaper than the green taxis ?Is it worth getting a tourist SIM card from the airport to help me with the navigation /getting taxis ? Thank you for your time !

[@FrugalTravellers]

It's definitely worth getting a SIM when you first arrive. We always used taxi apps as it meant we knew the exact amount we had to pay AND the driver knew exactly where we wanted to go.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Good video. The atmosphere has changed COMPLETELY since we lived there. "Aish ism haatha?" What's the name of this? Enjoy 👍. Matbouli House looks fantastic 😍. +1

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much for that phrase. A really useful one! I've noted it and will use it next time. I tried to study Arabic on Duolingo before going but really struggled to learn some useful basic phrases. We really do like to try. Thanks so much 🙏

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@FrugalTravellers The problem with Arabic is that there are several dialects, even in one country. "What" is "Aish" in Saudi Arabia, "Eh" in Egypt ", "Shoo" in Lebanon and Syria, etc. Even after university and 40 years of professional life, I still can't understand the Arabic spoken in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria (no exposure). Those dialects are influenced by local languages before the Arab conquest, such as Amazigh. Most people who have been to school understand me though, if I speak MSA (Modern Standard Arabic). I also learned Egyptian dialect (lots of Turkish influences) at university and Hejazi (similar) while working. The Nejdi dialect was a struggle as I didn't do any work in Riyadh until I was 40ish.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@@FrugalTravellers Does Riyadh still have no English on the official street signs? Jeddah always did, as a pilgrim city. It shows the "closed" nature of society (then) that a country's capital only had signs in Arabic and not the modern international language - only some in the Diplomatic Quarter. I had fun researching "Riyadh Today" as it really was a place where Arabic was useful. Thanks for reviving these memories for me. 👍👍+1

[@warfaze00]

21:30 it was miswak. Traditional Islamic toothbrush.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you very much 🙏. I never knew the name before. We really appreciate this information. 👍👍

[@abdulsd2268]

As someone who is following the ongoing restoration project of the historic district , I can tell that the video was recorded in .. mmmm let me guess.. November or December 2021 :):)

[@FrugalTravellers]

You're pretty close! We were in Jeddah in January 2023, and had the best day in Al Balad! I shoot so much footage that our videos are 5 months behind... which is why we're going to be putting out 2 videos per week to try and catch up, as are currently in Sri Lanka, and will have videos to come first from Bahrain and Thailand! Thank you for taking the time to comment- we really appreciate it! ~ Mandy 😃

[@G-V-M]

invest in microphones, with windshield i barely can hear you both, specially outdoors, the mics will pic only your voices and block wind and other street/people

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks for the tip. 🙏. We do need to upgrade our gear.

[@dalalkwt7550]

السعوديه❤

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you 🙏😍

[@MUMMY9ful]

👌👌👌✌️❤️

[@FrugalTravellers]

🙏🙏 Thanks 🙏🙏 Al Balad was amazing 😍

[@SD077Q]

21:30 Thousands of years ago, the Arabs used to extract it from the arak tree and use it to clean their teeth before the invention of the toothbrush.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Oh my word, that's so interesting! Thank you so much for sharing this fascinating information... we really appreciate it! ~ Mandy

[@SALLY_SANDY]

❤❤❤

[@FrugalTravellers]

Glad you liked it. Thank you 🙏

[@KSA2030l]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@FrugalTravellers]

We are so happy that you enjoyed this video 😀🤗 ~ Mandy

[@SD077Q]

3:43 Blankets for AC not for winter😂😂we don't have winter in jeddah

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hahaha... that makes sense! Thank you for sharing this local knowledge 🙏 😁 ~ Mandy

[@mystyle_gy]

Those are not recreations, those are the actual Bab Makkah and Bab Jadeed, Bab Jadeed is called that way, not because it's a recreation. Welcome to Saudi

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your great comment and for providing this information. ~ Mandy

[@mystyle_gy]

@@FrugalTravellers you're most welcome

[@ENDAION]

You only eat Indian food. Look for the food of the people of the Saudi region. There are 13 administrative regions in each region. Each region has a different character and food from the other. “Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” If you need any help or have any questions about your visit, ask any Saudi and he will answer you

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your great comment and advice. If you watched this video you would see that we ate Yemeni food 😉🤣 ~ Mandy

[@centurytrending7266]

hi

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hello 👋

[@alotaibinoor9029]

Some hidden shops and restaurants are illegal. That's why they don't follow the Saudi hygienic rules for such business! :)

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's very interesting. Thank you for sharing your local knowledge. ~ Mandy

[@kungfu911]

maybe that was the case long time ago... but the restaurants at that areas are all legal.... yes it is not fancy but it’s clean food. They cannot open a restaurant without permission, otherwise the municipal will just close it down, specially now that it is being under the ministry of culture management.

[@IambiguousSegment]

The streets there look quite sparse in terms of trees and general greenery 😔

[@FrugalTravellers]

That is quite true as it is a desert climate and water is a scarce commodity.

[@IambiguousSegment]

@@FrugalTravellers I hope there will one day be a cacti revolution there haha

[@NA_J1]

You chose the wrong time! Everything starts In the evening...

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's the thing... we're morning people, and don't tend to go out at night! Wait until the next video though, when we have an awesome evening with Saudi friends! ~ Mandy

[@SALEM.ALTAMiiMii-KSA]

✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨👍✨

[@FrugalTravellers]

🙏👍🙏👍🙏👍😊🙏😊🙏😊🙏

[@whirltraveller1350]

I appreciate your videos but frankly Saudi does not appeal to me personally. I really thoroughly enjoyed your Portugal series and have visited many times. I am interested in your next project but there is one constructive comment I hope you accept in the same spirit that it is given. I recommend improving your audio because it is distracting from your content. Just a thought. Cheers.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much for your constructive feedback, Whirl Traveller. We did look at buying a lavalier mic just before leaving Australia, but the one I wanted was sold out... typical! Is there a brand or model you'd recommend? I know Rode and Hollyland are very popular but they're way out of our budget.~ Mandy

[@whirltraveller1350]

I just wrote to you via your website. Roger

[@zeze2825]

Those or not locals, most of them are yamenis and indians and pakstanis and few africans

[@FrugalTravellers]

Yes there are many people here from all over. Everyone so friendly and kind towards us. What a lovely place. 😍

[@Khaled_Alsharaf]

So you saw Albalad and its heritage architecture 😄 , that's a good experience. But I want to test you, do you know why the windows covered like this? 😄

[@FrugalTravellers]

It was so beautiful 😍. My understanding was for two reasons. To let the air flow and keep the building cool in the hot months. Also to protect the women inside so nobody could see in, but allowing them to see out at the same time. Am I right? 😊

[@Khaled_Alsharaf]

@@FrugalTravellers excellent 👍

[@ruuman88]

If only British and american people wer as welcoming as muslims,l.

[@FrugalTravellers]

We had such an amazing time in the Middle East 🤗🙏

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Any mention of the compulsory demolition of the building containing my old office? All that rubble around Bab Makkah was property owned by individuals 😮. A few square miles demolished with almost no warning. That's what happens in an absolute monarchy. 😢

[@FrugalTravellers]

We've heard of similar things happening in Uzbekistan and China 😳 ~ Mandy

[@gobshite]

Nah. Unconvinced.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Each to their own. ~ Mandy

[@منصورم-ن2ع]

كرك هندي منتشر في الخليج وادمنوه الاجانب

[@FrugalTravellers]

We love karak! 😃😍

[@kokipro4484]

س

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your comment.

[@christianecameron100]

122222222222345554567778999890trense411 ist auch

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your comment.

[@Samafro]

How do you go to a country and you don't even try to learn few words to help yourself ? I find it insulting when people from the west go to other countries and never try to speak the local language but then when foreigners come you the west they all try to speak your language. Arabic is spoken in many Asian and African countries, so its very helpful for you Western people to learn it aswell as Mandarin and urdu

[@FrugalTravellers]

I understand your point of view. We can get by in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Thai, Japanese and Russian, and Lee spent a few months trying to get some basic Arabic, but for some reason we both found it very difficult. We know more words in Sinhala after just 2 weeks in Sri Lanka! ~ Mandy

[@abdiaziizxaashi709]

Your comment is also insulting the choices of the visitors

[@FrugalTravellers]

@abdiaziizxaashi709 It's OK... everyone has the right to their own opinion, as long as it stays polite. Thank you though for your kind support 🙏😃 ~ Mandy

[@Anmxlegend94]

البني ادم هذا قعد يعطي شكاوي مغلفة بابتسامات عن عدم وجود اماكن باصات والمصعد حق الجسر عطلان وامور ثانية... وصدقوني راح ياخذوها في الاعتبار... ليش؟ لانه ببساطة من بني الاصفر الي الناس تنبطح لهم لانهم دايما هم الصح في امور الحياة... وانا من زمان كنت اتمنى يكون فيه باصات ومترو وثقافة تُدرّس للعامة الكل في طريقة استخدامها في كل انحاء المدينة وتتنقل بينها عشان يتم الاستغناء عن السيارات بالكامل طالما ان فيه نقل عام باجود الانواع.

[@FrugalTravellers]

It's great to see that the public transportation is being improved there. We really enjoyed being able to travel around by bus and everyone was very friendly and helpful towards us. 🙏

[@Anmxlegend94]

@@FrugalTravellers You guys are spies and cross lickers wanting to spread your cross-worshipping cult!