Jeddah is one of the most important cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, located on the Red Sea coast in the western region of the Kingdom. Jeddah is the economic and tourist capital of the country, and plays a pivotal role in trade and culture due to its strategic location and proximity to the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Jeddah's history dates back more than 2,500 years, when it was an important trading port linking the Arabian Peninsula with the world. In the Islamic era, Jeddah became a major gateway for pilgrims coming to Mecca. Jeddah is considered a major economic center in the Kingdom, as it is home to the headquarters of many major companies and banks. It is also home to the largest seaport on the Red Sea (Jeddah Islamic Port), making it an important hub for international trade.