Jeddah is known as the most dynamic, accommodating, and youthful city in the Kingdom, especially for women. With female running collectives, women-only fitness studios, signature cafes, and contemporary art galleries, this is a city that offers more than you think. So, if you’re in Jeddah for a while, take a plunge into the local community and explore the different collectives and clubs offering great ways to have fun, network, and belong:
Book Clubs
If you’re a bookworm or just looking to share your favorite read with new friends, Jeddah has a few book clubs to check out. For those looking for a women-only book club, there is The Literary Girls “that meets once every month. The club was started by friends who wanted to express their passion for books and has succeeded in inspiring and encouraging women to read.” If you’re looking for more diversity, there is the Jeddah Book Club for both men and women. You can find them on Meetup.com.
Toastmasters
Toastmasters is well-known all across the globe, “a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.” Toastmasters has several clubs in Jeddah, just check out the website to locate them. “The meetings are open to both genders, there is a registration fee and interested members can attend a couple of meetings.”
Cyclist Collectives
If you’re looking to be more active and be out in the city more, why not take up cycling? Get in touch with Team Bicicleta (Jeddah_Woman on Instagram), Jeddah’s first women cyclist collective, to see how you can take part in exploring the city’s corniche on two wheels.
Running Collectives
Jeddah has a couple of running collectives that are accessible to women, the most popular ones this year being Bliss Run and Jeddah Running Collective, which was formed by three expatriates – Jaqueline, Rod, and Chase – in December of 2013, and is “the first female running crew in Jeddah powered by Movement Jeddah and supported by Nike Middle East.”
