essentially it boils down to getting a visa on arrival or applying for an Evisa. The VOA seems pretty straightfoward (i see people usingvthe VOA desks at JED), but I imagine it could take some time: and it's not cheap.

The evisa is more expensive but covers multiple visits over a year.

The 9 hour transit would be at best 6 hours free time, and Im not sure you'd find 6 hours in Jeddah very productive. Dont get me wring, its a fine place, but it takes a bit of getting used to. There's nothing you'd recognise as public transport so you'd be relying on a rental car or taxis/uber. And the traffic can be horrendous. Right now the climate - heat and humidity - is punishing, even at night.

If you go for it, you could head for the old town, which has some attractive features, but it's not yet tourist friendly. An alternative might be the Hamra corniche area, where there are shops and cafes and a coastal park/walk. But all that's best considered only in the winter months, or during the evening/night when Jeddites themselves come out of hiding.

You could try calling Saudia about their offer of a free transit visa. The kindest comment I heard about that was "dysfunctional". i seem to remember that even when it works, it covers only stops of over 12 hours. And I think there was an unexpected administrative fee.


PS I just remembered the Islamic Arts Biennale held by the airport's Haj terminal - certainly worth a visit IF it is stil running