Al-Haqil inspects historic Jeddah: Enhancing services and global standing
In a move reflecting the government’s growing interest in promoting the tourism and heritage sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majid Al-Hogail, conducted a comprehensive field inspection tour in the historic Jeddah area (Al-Balad), to review the progress of work in cultural and recreational activities and the logistical plans prepared to receive visitors.
Inspection tour to enhance logistics services
Minister Al-Haqil personally inspected the organizational preparations for crowd management, emphasizing the need to enhance logistical efficiency to ensure a smooth and safe tourist experience for the large number of visitors to the area. He was accompanied on this tour by the Mayor of Jeddah, Saleh Al-Turki; the General Supervisor of the Historic Jeddah Program, Abdulaziz Al-Issa; the Deputy Mayor, Engineer Ali Al-Qarni; and the Head of the Al-Balad Sub-Municipality, Ahmed Al-Shafi’i, as part of the integrated efforts between various government sectors.
Historic Jeddah: A global heritage and an exceptional status
This visit is significant due to the profound historical value of the Al-Balad district, which was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2014. With its traditional buildings featuring wooden latticework windows and ancient alleyways, the district stands as a living testament to the unique Hijazi architectural style and has served as a historical gateway for pilgrims throughout the ages. The Minister's tour underscores the Kingdom's commitment to preserving this human heritage while simultaneously developing it to meet the demands of the modern era.
Vision 2030 and the revival of architectural heritage
These initiatives fall within the framework of the "Development of Historic Jeddah" program launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to transform the area into a vibrant hub for business and cultural projects, and a world-class destination open to visitors. During the tour, ministry officials commended the skillful blend of tradition and modernity in the events, which successfully attracted diverse visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad, thus contributing to the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to diversify income sources through cultural tourism.
Partnerships to ensure quality experience
On the sidelines of the tour, Al-Haqil held a meeting with Zaki Hassanein, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Benchmark Company, to discuss the operational plans for the events and mechanisms for managing large crowds. The discussion focused on the intricate details of the logistical organization, ensuring the preservation of the site's aesthetic value while providing the highest standards of safety and comfort for visitors. These efforts exemplify the effective collaboration between the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Jeddah Municipality, and the Historic District Program, to present Saudi Arabia's rich heritage to the world in its most splendid form.
