When you visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, you cannot miss the King Saud Mosque, located in the Al-Sharafeyyah District. As the largest mosque in Jeddah, covering an impressive 9,700 square meters with a 2,464-square-meter prayer hall, this magnificent brick landmark offers a breathtaking study in Islamic architecture. Designed by renowned architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil and completed in 1987, it replaced a 1950s concrete structure and earned a shortlisting for the prestigious 1989 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
As you explore the site, you will admire a layout inspired by historic masterpieces. Its design echoes Persian four-iwan structures like the Great Mosque of Esfahan, while its soaring 60-meter minaret and attic details draw inspiration from Cairo's Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan. Walk along Medinah Road to capture an eye-catching view of the iconic entrance group, where steps lead to a grand iwan framed by the towering minaret.
Inside, discover a central court, pillared halls, and a massive main dome spanning 20 meters and reaching 42 meters high. Notice how the outer walls adjust at unique angles so the internal qibla wall points precisely toward Makkah, blending practical devotion with master craftsmanship.
What to see at King Saud Mosque
- Largest mosque in Jeddah, spanning 9,700 square meters mostly constructed of bricks
- Soaring 60-meter-tall minaret inspired by Cairo's Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
- Massive main dome featuring a 20-meter span and reaching 42 meters high
- Clever layout angled against the street grid so the qibla wall points to Makkah
- Eye-catching western facade off Medinah Road with steps leading to a grand iwan
Visiting tips
Look up at the mosque from Medinah Road when traveling north to catch the best view of the iconic minaret and grand entrance iwan.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
King Saud Mosque is easy to reach on Jeddah’s public transport, and pairs naturally with King Fahd's Fountain and Tomb of Eve. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Jeddah travel guide.
See the full Jeddah travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.