Al-Balad: Reviving the heart of a historic trade and pilgrimage hub

The Jeddah Historic District programme is promoting the historical centre of Jeddah or Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, at ITB Berlin this year.

Jeddah was, for centuries, one of the largest and richest entry gates for pilgrims to Mecca, also attracting traders and merchants to its shores on their way along the ancient Silk Road.

Being both a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes and the gateway for Muslim pilgrims turned the city into a multicultural centre with distinctive architecture. Today, Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, is testimony to these flourishing times. The quarter, with its narrow streets and alleyways lined with traditional souks, art galleries, and museums, is turning into a top attraction for travellers. The district offers some 650 historic buildings with distinctive architecture that reflects the resourcefulness and adaptation of its people to their environment. Al-Balad has also 36 historic mosques and 24 “ribat”; small fortified posts, inside the Saudi coastal city.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, the Jeddah Historic District programme is leading the efforts in the regeneration of the historical center of Jeddah. In addition to the restoration of the old tower houses and mansions, many projects are under development such as the Jeddah Historic Waterfront and a Cultural Square. Other developments include the establishment of historical restaurants and around 3,000 hotel rooms. The authorities are targeting some 20 million visits per year in the district by 2035.

At this year’s ITB, Jeddah Historic District will unveil three new hotels that have opened in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more by visiting the Visit Saudi stand today at 2pm!

Hall 4.2 / Stand 202

Photo: Old Jeddah Al Balad architecture – © Francisco Anzola – Flickr