The transnational Gulf City: Saudi and migrant values of public open spaces in Jeddah

Abstract

This paper outlines patterns of use, perceived benefits and place attachment relating to public open space in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a city in which almost half the residents are born overseas. The methods included case studies representing different recreational landscape typologies, observational analysis and 85 on-site interviews (46% Saudi, 54% migrants). The findings outline the benefits of visiting as a retreat from busy lifestyles, for everyday sociability, for improving health, for religious practice and for mutual support, highlighting dimensions of gender, transnationality and heritage. The paper explores place attachment related to displacement comparing between impacts of migration and of rapid urbanisation. The narratives suggest that experiences shaped by temporality and memory inform emotional geographies for both Saudi and migrant residents. There are differences in patterns of use between resident groups, but the paper concludes that, within a highly stratified society, the public open spaces of Jeddah provide an important resource of shared pleasures and everyday multiculture.

Keywords:

• Urban greenspace
• Saudi Arabia
• migration
• place attachment
• wellbeing

Notes

1. Atkins (Jeddah Waterfront) http://www.atkinsglobal.com/en/projects/jeddah-waterfront Kamphans (North Corniche) http://www.kamphans.com/waterfrontdevelopment.