Saudi Arabia's bold new planned city on the Red Sea — pristine beaches, a championship golf course, and a futuristic promenade that feels more Dubai than desert.
Ships dock at the secure King Abdullah Port complex — walking out is not permitted. All passengers must use cruise-line shuttles or organized excursions.
💡 Pro move: Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. There are no exceptions — not at hotels, beach clubs, or on private beaches. Dress modestly outside designated beach areas.
King Abdullah Port is a deep-water container and cruise port — all visiting ships dock at the pier; there is no tendering.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| MSC Cruises, Aroya Cruises | King Abdullah Port passenger terminal📍 | Docked |
| Other cruise lines (Red Sea itineraries) | King Abdullah Port passenger terminal📍 | Docked |
From Red Sea snorkeling to a bullet-train day trip to Jeddah, KAEC punches well above its size for a modern planned city.
KAEC's signature beach in Bay La Sun — calm Red Sea waters protected by a coral reef, sun loungers, paddleboards, and kayaks. Swimwear (including bikinis) is permitted inside this designated beach area.
Find Yam Beach tours →Boat trips from KAEC Bay run 30-minute coastal cruises or full-day diving expeditions on the coral-rich Red Sea reefs. Fishing charters also available.
Find diving tours →KAEC has its own bullet-train station. The Haramain Railway reaches Jeddah in about 40 minutes — giving you a genuine day in the historic Al-Balad district and Corniche on a long port call.
Find Jeddah day tours →A 700-metre outdoor go-kart track near Bay La Sun — fast, fun, and popular with families. Runs day and night.
Find karting activities →Guided kayak tours through the mangrove forests along KAEC's protected coastline — a surprisingly lush Red Sea ecosystem right at the port's doorstep.
Find kayaking tours →An award-winning 18-hole championship course (designed by European Golf Design) that has hosted the Saudi International and now LIV Golf and other major international events. Non-golfers can visit the clubhouse restaurant for Red Sea views and excellent Saudi-international cuisine.
Find golf tours →Bay La Sun's canal-side promenade is the main walkable area — a clean, modern boardwalk connecting the marina, Juman Park, and beachfront.
Stroll the waterfront boardwalk from the Bay La Sun Hotel marina south past Juman Park and the outdoor art murals. Cafes, Starbucks, and food trucks line the route. Best in the morning before the heat builds.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for King Abdullah Port KAEC, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 62°F / 17°C | 4 | 7:01 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Feb | 85°F / 29°C | 64°F / 18°C | 3 | 6:51 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Mar | 92°F / 33°C | 69°F / 21°C | 2 | 6:29 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Apr | 97°F / 36°C | 74°F / 23°C | 3 | 6:01 AM | 6:39 PM |
| May | 103°F / 39°C | 80°F / 27°C | 3 | 5:42 AM | 6:51 PM |
| Jun | 107°F / 42°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 5:38 AM | 7:04 PM |
| Jul | 105°F / 41°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 5:47 AM | 7:05 PM |
| Aug | 104°F / 40°C | 83°F / 28°C | 1 | 5:59 AM | 6:50 PM |
| Sep | 103°F / 39°C | 82°F / 28°C | 2 | 6:07 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Oct | 98°F / 37°C | 77°F / 25°C | 3 | 6:16 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Nov | 89°F / 32°C | 71°F / 22°C | 5 | 6:31 AM | 5:38 PM |
| Dec | 85°F / 29°C | 66°F / 19°C | 4 | 6:50 AM | 5:40 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)