Jeddah has just scored a major milestone: it now leads Saudi Arabia in quality of life and holds second place in the Arab world, after Muscat, according to the 2025 Numbeo Quality of Life Index. Ranked 74th globally, the city’s achievement reflects years of steady improvements in safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and public facilities. More importantly, it shows how ambitious plans are being turned into everyday realities that directly benefit residents and visitors alike.
A Vision That’s Shaping Daily Life
The progress in Jeddah’s quality of life isn’t by chance, it’s part of the larger Quality of Life Program within Saudi Vision 2030. Under the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Jeddah Municipality has carried out landmark projects that have reshaped the urban landscape. From major infrastructure upgrades to neighborhood-friendly parks and walkways, the focus has been on making the city more livable, connected, and sustainable.
Coastal Developments Bring the Sea Closer
Few things define Jeddah’s quality of life more than its coastline, and the municipality has invested heavily in making it part of people’s everyday lives. Five integrated waterfronts now stretch across the city, offering walking and cycling paths, children’s play areas, public squares, and striking artistic sculptures.
The waterfronts also feature practical amenities like cafes, restaurants, piers, and shaded rest areas, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the Red Sea up close. Ongoing beach maintenance programs keep the waterfronts clean, protect marine life, and encourage community awareness about environmental care, an effort that reflects the city’s deep connection to the sea.
Parks and Green Spaces for Everyone
Another big factor in Jeddah’s quality of life is the rise of public green spaces. More than 445 parks have been developed across neighborhoods, providing safe and accessible places for families and friends to gather. Al-Saja Park, for example, features interconnected gardens and pathways that serve as a model for urban green design.
Meanwhile, Prince Majid Park, the largest in the city, spans over 130,000 square meters and includes shaded walkways, family-friendly play areas, and plenty of open space for community events. These parks don’t just provide relaxation, they also encourage healthier lifestyles by promoting outdoor activities year-round, like walking and running.
A City Built for Walking and Connection
Pedestrian pathways, modern lighting systems, and wider sidewalks are also changing how people move through the city, adding to Jeddah’s quality of life. These upgrades not only make walking safer and more comfortable but also encourage residents to spend more time outdoors. The municipality has paired these efforts with comprehensive cleaning and maintenance programs, from highway cleanup to waste removal, making sure that public spaces remain accessible and enjoyable.
Cleaner, Greener, and Smarter
Jeddah has also made progress in environmental management, which directly impacts quality of life. Brand new and effective waste management programs, such as sorting at source, recycling, and converting waste into resources, have been introduced across the city. These steps have improved air quality and enhanced overall urban comfort.
Neighborhood centers are being upgraded, and commercial facilities are modernized to better serve residents. Spaces for community activities have been added, giving people more ways to connect, relax, and just enjoy their city.
A Balanced Urban Experience
With its variety of coastal projects, green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and smarter waste management systems, Jeddah has positioned itself as both an economic space and a city that values the well-being of its residents. These initiatives highlight how Jeddah’s quality of life goes beyond rankings, reflected in daily routines like seaside walks, afternoons in the park or just strolling along different neighbourhoods.
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