Sprawling east of Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, Al Azezeyyah is a residential suburb in Mecca. It has been nicknamed “Mini Pakistan” due to its large number of Pakistani residents, many of whom migrated to Saudi Arabia in the 1980s.
Things to do in Aziziyah
There are plenty of eateries clustered in the streets of Al Azezeyyah, including local restaurants and international fast-food chains. You can feast on fish nuggets and shrimp sandwiches at Al-Baik Restaurant, taste the famous biryani at Kabsa Hashi Restaurant or enjoy roast chicken and fries at Altazaj. For a sweet treat, head to Dunkin’ Donuts or the Neamah Bakery.
Al Azezeyyah is an ideal base for visiting the Aisha Al Rajhi Mosque, which can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers during Friday prayers. It features two soaring minarets and a large prayer hall that is beautifully decorated with black and white marble and a huge chandelier. As a contemporary mosque, it also boasts an escalator leading to its upper floor.
North of Al Azezeyyah is Ibn Baz Park, a leafy green space that centres around a large water tower. Kids can let off steam in the playground while parents can watch on from the surrounding benches. Further south is the triangular-shaped Garden Aziziyah and Torch Stadium, where you can see local soccer teams in action.
Getting around Aziziyah
Al Azezeyyah is around five minutes’ drive from the centre of Mecca and one hour from Jeddah. King Abdulaziz International Airport is 1.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Pilgrim trains connecting along the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro line travel to the Mina Train Station. Taxis are the main means of getting to and around Al Azezeyyah.