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preserved after being restored. The exquisite buildings of
the major companies and trade centers with their ordered
lines, modern materials and formidable arcaded vestibules
leave a strong impression on the spectator.
King Abdulaziz Airport, which is constructed by using
the most up-to-date technologies, is an example of the
sequence of architectural traditions. It occupies an area of
150 square kilometers and consists of three terminals: the
international, local and the pilgrim terminals. The latter
receive pilgrims and is built in the shape of tents, a shape
that is close to the heart of every Saudi. Thus there are
big cones made of glass fibers that come close together
to form a silicon roof that protects tourists from the hot
sun. Its unique design involves an effective ventilation
system that provides comfortable air conditioning in the
hot and damp weather. This airport was awarded the prize
of Islamic architecture in 1983.
Six years later, the prize was awarded to the snow-white
mosque on the shore. This is a beautiful mosque specially
when seen from the direction of the sea where the ordered
lines of the walls, the domes and the spear-like minaret
are reflected on the flat surface of the sea-shore water.
It is no accident that Jeddah is called the commercial
capital of the Kingdom. It does not merely import and
export goods; it is rather a large trade center. Thus there
is the Jamjoom Trade Center, which is in fact a city
within a city. To see all the stores in it one needs more
than one whole day. In it there are company branches,
restaurants, big stores, children entertainment centers,
barbers, tailors and departments of very special goods and
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Kingdom
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Spouse
other establishments. Another big trade center has been
recently opened – Mahmoud Saeed Center - which I have
not seen personally but which my husband says exceeds
the Jamjoom Center in terms of size, the number of stores
and the richness of its contents. In short, Elman Arasli
says it is something beyond imagination. As to the rows
of markets in Jeddah, they are puzzling in view of the
variegated goods, the fragrance of their oriental perfumes,
and the sound of grocers who advertise their delicious
goods and invite people to taste them.
Jeddah’s corniche, which extends many kilometers,
plays an important role in the life of Jeddah’s population.
It is planted with high-rising trees and is decorated with
all sorts of beautiful and ultra modern sculptures. Here one
can see a breath-taking view of a strong jet that springs
from the depths of the sea. Its pumps are so strong that
they push the water to an altitude of 150 meters. Hence, the
water column and the cloud of drizzles can be seen from a
distance that is a few kilometers away, even at night when
strong lights illuminate it. As
the evening approaches, the
cornice attracts great multitudes of people. The children
find a great deal of amusement in the fully equipped plazas
where they can enjoy the swings, the merry-go-rounds
and riding ponies, horses and even camels. Families fill
the hundreds of small and big restaurants that overlook
the seawater and serve various kinds of national dishes
that satisfy different tastes. People who are careful about
their health can take walks or jog along specially designed
paths near the sea. Some prefer just to sit and watch the
slow movement of the setting sun in the warm and quiet