Developing Historic Jeddah: A global tourism icon with Vision 2030
In the heart of Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, lies Historic Jeddah , known as "Al-Balad," where ancient wooden balconies embrace narrow alleyways that preserve the memory of the place. Tour guides recount the remarkable transformation the area has undergone in recent years, following the launch of the area's rehabilitation project as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. As the anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, approaches, experts affirm that what the area is witnessing today represents a living example of the Kingdom's approach to preserving its cultural heritage and transforming it into a cultural, touristic, and economic force.
The Roots of Historic Jeddah: From a Pilgrim Port to a World Heritage Site
To understand the true value of this project, one must consider the broader context and historical background of the area. Jeddah's strategic importance dates back to the reign of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him), who designated it as the main port for Mecca in 647 CE. Since then, Historic Jeddah a pivotal role as a major gateway for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land by sea, and as a vital trading hub connecting the continents of the Old World. This historical and architectural significance culminated in the area's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, a landmark that drew global attention to this authentic Hijazi treasure.
A cultural project reflecting the depth of Saudi history
Engineering consultant and tour guide Talal bin Abdullah Samarqandi says, “The project to preserve the area is one of the most prominent cultural projects launched during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince.” He emphasizes that the project embodies a deep commitment to Saudi history and a belief in the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Talal Abdullah Samarqandi
The area covers approximately 2.4 million square meters and includes some 650 heritage buildings, five historic souks, 36 historical mosques (some dating back to the early Islamic era), and 16 charitable hostels that once housed needy families and travelers. The program aims to transform the area into a cultural and artistic hub and a sustainable global heritage destination.
Economic and tourism impact: local and international dimensions
The impact of this massive project extends far beyond the cultural sphere, holding immense significance and anticipated effects that will resonate locally, regionally, and internationally. Locally, the project will create thousands of jobs and support entrepreneurs and the local community through investment in heritage. Internationally, it is estimated that by 2030, the project will achieve remarkable results, including attracting approximately 15 million visits annually, contributing over 43 billion riyals to the GDP, generating around 40,000 jobs, developing vast commercial spaces, and providing more than 3,000 heritage hotel rooms, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position on the global tourism map.
Restoring the city to become a global destination
For his part, tour guide Muhammad Qari Bukhari explains that "the old city" is not just an old quarter, but represents the historical heart of the city and its social and economic center for centuries. He points out that goods coming from East Asia and India passed through its markets before being re-exported to Mediterranean ports.
Muhammad Qari Bukhari
He adds that the development program, launched in 2021 under the guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, aims to revitalize the entire city, transforming it into a global tourist and cultural destination. The program includes the restoration of hundreds of heritage buildings, some dating back 400 to 500 years, and the rehabilitation of historic mosques whose origins trace back to the early Islamic centuries.
Preserving the Hijazi architectural heritage
Tour guide Marwa Al-Saidi affirmed that the restoration project represents a qualitative leap in preserving the Hijazi architectural heritage. She noted that the tours reveal the amazement of visitors from around the world at the precision of the restoration work and the attention to authentic architectural details, especially the wooden latticework and traditional decorations.
Marwa Al-Saidi
She added that the area has now become a vibrant destination that embraces cultural and artistic events, giving visitors an integrated tourist experience that combines history and the arts, and contributing to enabling guides to provide rich educational content.
An open-air museum to welcome visitors
Tour guide Badour Samman pointed out that the generous directives of His Highness the Crown Prince focused on “cultural sustainability,” where the unique Hijazi architectural identity is preserved while transforming the region into an investment and tourism attraction center.
Badour Samman
She explained that the restoration of old houses has transformed the area into an “open-air museum” teeming with visitors, especially with the new projects to repurpose historic homes as hotels, restaurants, and cafes. She concluded, “As guides, we feel proud and grateful because today we possess a world-class tourism product that rivals the most prestigious historical cities, thanks to the inspiring leadership that believed our heritage is our true wealth and our window to the world.”.
