Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Jeddah Historic District Program, part of the Ministry of Culture, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Historic Jeddah's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The program continues its efforts to revitalize the district, aiming to preserve its cultural and urban heritage and transform it into a global heritage destination in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The initiative also acknowledges the contributions of the Jeddah Governorate Municipality and the Heritage Commission in preserving the region’s heritage.

Historic Jeddah, with its unique architectural, urban, and cultural features spanning 2.5 square kilometers, is distinguished by its significant location on the Red Sea coast.

Since the seventh century, it has served as a major port for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and as a crossroads for global trade between Asia and Africa. The area has long been a center for cultural and economic exchange.

The district includes over 650 heritage buildings, five main historical markets, several historical mosques, and one historical school. It is renowned for its architectural style and urban fabric, characterized by multi-storey buildings, wooden components, and traditional construction methods unique to the Red Sea coast.

The program noted that Historic Jeddah’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List was due to its fulfillment of three criteria for exceptional global value: its human values over time, developments in architecture and town planning, and its association with significant events, ideas, beliefs, or artistic and literary works.

To enhance the preservation and revitalization of the region, the program has established four key pillars: intangible cultural heritage, archaeology (including historic walls and gates), urban fabric (markets, squares, streets), and historical buildings (houses and mosques).

These efforts are aimed at preserving the cultural and urban heritage of Historic Jeddah while developing it into an attractive center for business and cultural projects. By improving infrastructure and restoring historical buildings, the program seeks to enrich visitors' experiences and establish the region as a prominent tourist destination.