Comparison · Dubai vs Jeddah · United Arab Emirates / Saudi Arabia
Dubai vs Jeddah
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Dubai for Burj Khalifa and Luxury hotels; choose Jeddah for Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. Jeddah is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,691 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,691 km
- Less expensive
- Jeddah
- Best time for Dubai
- November–March
- Best time for Jeddah
- November–March
Side by side
| Dubai | Jeddah | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Known for | Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and Shopping malls | Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain and Jeddah Corniche |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$380 | $160–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 41°C (106°F) | July, 38°C (100°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 29°C (84°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 3 |
| Beaches | Kite Beach | Jeddah Waterfront beaches |
| Airports | DXB, DWC, SHJ | JED |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Dubai for…
Burj Khalifa and Luxury hotels. Dubai grew from a pearling and trading port on Dubai Creek into a city of skyscrapers stretched along the Gulf coast. The old quarters of Al Fahidi and Deira keep wind-tower houses, gold and spice souks and wooden abras crossing the creek, while Downtown has…
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Choose Jeddah for…
Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. Jeddah has been the Red Sea gateway for pilgrims and traders since the 7th century, and its historic core, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO-listed quarter of coral-stone tower houses with carved wooden rawasheen balconies and old souqs. North of the old town, the…
Top sights compared
| # | Dubai | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa – At the Top | Al-Balad (Historic Jeddah) |
| 2 | Dubai Mall | Nasseef House |
| 3 | Dubai Fountain | Souq Al Alawi |
| 4 | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood | Bab Makkah and its souq |
| 5 | Abra ride across Dubai Creek | King Fahd's Fountain |
Food compared
| Dubai | Jeddah |
|---|---|
| Shawarma | Saleeg |
| Machboos | Mutabbaq |
| Harees | Ful and tameez |
| Luqaimat | Masoub |
Which is cheaper?
Jeddah is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $160–$300 per person there, against $200–$380 in Dubai (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Jeddah on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,691 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Dubai or Jeddah cheaper?
Jeddah is usually less expensive: about $160–$300 a day mid-range against $200–$380 (estimates).
+Is Dubai or Jeddah better for a first trip?
Pick Dubai for Burj Khalifa and Luxury hotels, or Jeddah for Al-Balad, King Fahd's Fountain, lower day-to-day costs and a short break.
+How far is Dubai from Jeddah?
About 1,691 km in a straight line.