Jeddah life simulator

Jeddah sits on the Red Sea coast as Saudi Arabia's commercial hub and the main gateway for pilgrims to Mecca. Because of the hot coastal climate, days are quiet indoors while evenings stay busy past midnight. Families and friends gather after evening prayers along the Corniche, in malls, and at outdoor cafes.

Tariq, 27, starts a new life in a flat in Al-Safa and works at Jeddah Islamic Port. He sets two goals in his to-do list: make three local friends and visit the waterfront.

On Tuesday evening, Tariq searches the map for a cafe in Al-Rawdah. He talks to a neighbor there in his own words, and the neighbor remembers the chat the next day. On Friday, a coworker starts a group text and plans an outing to Al-Balad.

They walk past the coral-stone houses near Nassif House Museum and talk as a group. Each day ends with a recap of its moments, and Tariq's friends save the outing in their journals.

Jeddah uses the Saudi riyal. Most people pay with Mada debit cards, international credit cards, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and STC Pay. You can still use cash at traditional markets and small tea stalls.

Living costs vary across the city. Coastal districts like Al-Shati and Al-Hamra have the most expensive apartments and villas. Neighborhoods like Al-Salamah and Al-Rawdah offer mid-range housing. Inland areas like Al-Safa and Al-Faysaliyyah, along with southern districts like Al-Thaghr, are cheaper.

LifeSim does not charge rent or pay a salary. You do not pay bills or housing costs. Instead, your cash changes directly through the activities you do and the chats you have.

Local dishes include sayadieh, which is spiced Red Sea fish with rice, and saleeg, a creamy meat and rice dish. People also eat masoub with bananas and honey, or buy fried chicken from Al-Baik. Shoppers visit Souq Al-Alawi in Al-Balad or the Central Fish Market by the port.

In the game, you can search for real places like Red Sea Mall, Fakieh Aquarium, or Tahlia Street. You can also meet friends at Al-Rahmah Mosque or Al Tayebat International City Museum. When happenings like a house party or a pickup game appear on the map, you can join them.

In real life, most residents drive or use Uber and Careem on Madinah Road and Prince Sultan Road. SAPTCO and the Jeddah Transport Company run city buses on main routes across the city. The Haramain High Speed Railway links Al-Sulaymaniyah Station and the airport to Mecca and Medina.

Daytime heat keeps most walking to compact areas like Al-Balad, while people walk the Corniche at night. In LifeSim, you do not drive cars or ride buses. You search for any station, park, or cafe on the 3D map and go there.

Jeddah's economy runs on maritime trade at Jeddah Islamic Port, aviation, pilgrimage services, retail, and banking. Major employers include Saudia, Savola Group, SEDCO Holding, Saudi National Bank, and Abdul Latif Jameel. Students attend King Abdulaziz University, the University of Jeddah, Effat University, or Dar Al-Hekma University.

In LifeSim, you write your job or school into your character prompt at the start. There is no career ladder or job performance score. Your job shapes how people talk to you and what goals you set.