Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced the temporary closure of heritage hotels in the Historic Jeddah area as part of a seasonal maintenance plan aimed at preserving high-quality cultural and hospitality experiences for visitors.

The closure supports the Ministry’s broader efforts to restore and sustain heritage buildings through a project that involves the renovation and adaptive reuse of 34 traditional structures, transforming them into culturally authentic hotels that retain their architectural character and original elements.

The first phase of the initiative saw the launch of three heritage hotels — Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess, and Beit Kedwan — following extensive restoration in line with UNESCO guidelines and international conservation standards.

Each property showcases unique architectural features reflective of the district’s cultural identity.

The scheduled maintenance is designed to ensure the operational continuity and structural integrity of these hotels, which serve as key elements in the living heritage of Historic Jeddah.

The aim is to preserve the spirit and authenticity of place while meeting the expectations of modern-day cultural tourism.

Hospitality services at the heritage hotels will resume upon completion of the maintenance work, reinforcing their role as integral components of Jeddah’s vibrant cultural landscape and enhancing the city’s appeal as a heritage tourism destination.