The 2027 eclipse from Jeddah
Saudi Arabia · Totality — Red Sea coast · Totality around 13:26 local (AST, UTC+3)
Across the Red Sea, the shadow makes landfall on Saudi Arabia's west coast. Jeddah — four million people, the Red Sea's largest city — gets around five minutes of totality in town, making it, with Luxor, the best-placed big city on the whole track.
Southeast of Jeddah the path crosses directly over Mecca. An eclipsed Sun above Islam's holiest site will carry deep significance across the Muslim world; Islamic tradition includes a special eclipse prayer, salat al-kusuf.
August in Jeddah is hot and humid but reliably clear, and with the early-afternoon Sun high overhead, viewing works from almost anywhere in the city.
Jeddah's conditions come with a Red Sea bonus: the western horizon is open water, giving an unobstructed line to the afternoon Sun, with coastal haze the only wildcard. With totality in the afternoon the Sun rides usefully low, so beachfront observers can frame corona and sea together. August heat on this coast is serious — shade and water are non-negotiable.
Other cities
Times and magnitudes are approximate — confirm with official predictions (e.g. NASA) before travel. Always use eclipse glasses during partial phases.