Jeddah F1 Trip — Apr 16

10:40

✈️

Depart Malta

TK1370 to Istanbul

14:10

🇹🇷

Istanbul Layover (4h 15m)

Explore IST airport — Turkish coffee, shops, lounges. One of Europe's best airports.

18:25

✈️

Depart Istanbul

SV278 Saudia to Jeddah

22:15

🏠

Arrive Jeddah

Uber/taxi to Airbnb, check in, late dinner near the Corniche

08:30

🕌

Al-Balad (Old Town)

UNESCO World Heritage Site — coral-stone houses, carved wooden rawasheen balconies, narrow alleys. Visit Nasseef House for rooftop views. Best in cooler morning hours. Allow 2–3 hours.

11:00

🛍️

Traditional Souks

Browse the markets for spices, oud perfumes, textiles, and antiques in the lanes around Al-Balad.

13:00

🍽️

Lunch — Hijazi Cuisine

Try kabsa (spiced rice with meat), mandi, or fresh Red Sea grilled fish at a local restaurant.

15:00

🤿

Red Sea Snorkeling / Diving

Half-day boat trip to offshore coral reefs. Jeddah has world-class reefs and the April water is a warm 27°C. ~€50–80 per person.

18:30

🌊

Al Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque)

Built on stilts over the Red Sea — stunning at sunset. Quick stop on the way back along the Corniche.

19:00

🍔

Five Guys / Dave's Hot Chicken

Both have multiple locations across Jeddah — perfect for a casual dinner. Five Guys at Red Sea Mall; Dave's Hot Chicken at The View mall.

10:00

☕

Late Breakfast / Relax

Sleep in, recharge for the evening ahead. Brunch at a Corniche cafe.

14:00

🚕

Head to Circuit

Gates open ~2 PM. Grab your spot at Central Grandstand, explore the fan zone, food courts.

16:30

🏎️

Free Practice 3

Final practice session — teams dial in their setups for qualifying. Watch the cars through Turns 1 & 2 right in front of you.

20:00

⚡

QUALIFYING

Q1 → Q2 → Q3 under floodlights. The fastest street circuit on the calendar — expect drama at 252 km/h average speed.

21:30

🎤

Post-Qualifying Concert

Live music at the Turn 13 stage — included with your ticket. Previous headliners include David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia. 2026 lineup TBA.

10:00

☀️

Morning — Beach Club

Start race day relaxed at a Red Sea beach club — swim, sunbathe, maybe some kayaking. Day passes ~€30–60.

14:00

🍔

Late Lunch & Head to Circuit

Eat before heading in. Gates open ~2 PM. Soak in the atmosphere — support races, fan zone.

19:00

🔥

Pre-Race Build-Up

Grid walks, driver parade, national anthems. The tension builds as the sun sets over the circuit.

20:00

🏁

LIGHTS OUT — RACE START

50 laps of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit under floodlights. 27 corners, 6.2 km per lap. New 2026 regulations — active aero and new power units. Watch the cars brake hard into Turn 1 right in front of Main Grandstand B.

~21:30

🏆

Podium Ceremony

Visible from Main Grandstand B — champagne (or rose water) celebration on the podium.

~22:00

🎤

Post-Race Concert — Shakira

Confirmed headliner for the post-race show. More artists TBA. Included with your F1 ticket.

09:00

🤿

Option A: Full-Day Diving / Snorkeling

Boat trip to the outer reefs or Thuwal (north of Jeddah) for pristine coral and marine life. Full day ~€80–120.

10:00

🎨

Option B: Art & Culture

Visit Hayy Jameel — contemporary arts district with galleries, cafes, and exhibitions. Then walk the Jeddah Sculpture Museum along the Corniche (open-air works by Miró, Henry Moore).

16:00

🛒

Shopping

Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia for last-minute souvenirs, local brands, or just AC.

18:00

🍗

Dave's Hot Chicken or Five Guys

Grab a casual meal at one of these if you haven't tried them yet — both scattered across Jeddah.

20:00

⛲

Sunset Farewell at King Fahd's Fountain

Walk along the Corniche as the world's tallest fountain (312m) lights up at dusk. Pack for tomorrow's departure.

07:00

🚕

Airbnb → Airport

Check out and Uber to JED. Allow 2+ hours for check-in and security.

10:00

✈️

Depart Jeddah

SV257 Saudia to Istanbul (3h 45m)

13:45

🇹🇷

Istanbul Layover (3h 10m)

Quick layover — last Turkish coffee, duty free shopping.

18:30

🇲🇹

Arrive Malta

Home by evening. TK1371 lands at MLA 18:30.

Malta 🇲🇹 → Jeddah 🇸🇦