Historic Jeddah—listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List—includes over 600 historic buildings with unique architectural designs, 36 historic mosques, and 5 main historic markets, in addition to ancient alleys, squares, and sites of significant historical importance.
The program encompasses projects such as the restoration of historic buildings, development of the waterfront of Historic Jeddah, Culture Square, archaeology and excavation, historic restaurants, artistic installations, historic markets, and heritage hotels.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince announced in 2021 the launch of the “Reviving Historic Jeddah” project, which aims to develop the living environment in the area to become acentral hub for business and cultural projects, and a key destination for entrepreneurs. This is being achieved through multiple tracks, including infrastructure and services, natural and environmental development, enhancement of quality of life, and urban revitalization. The goal is to establish Historic Jeddah as an inspiring site within the region and a global gateway for the Kingdom by leveraging its heritage sites and unique cultural and urban elements to create a vibrant living environment that fosters creativity for both residents and visitors.
In line with His directives, the Ministry of Culture, represented by the program, announced the completion of stabilization and rescue works for 56 buildings at risk of collapse in the area, which possess rich architectural and heritage elements. The project was supported with SAR 50 million from His Royal Highness’s private funds, contributing to the preservation of the Kingdom’s historical and civilizational assets.
The program also announced the operation of the first three heritage hotels in the area—Bayt Jukhaddar, Bayt Al-Rais, and Bayt Kadwan—which were restored and rehabilitated while preserving their unique architectural characteristics, following the highest international standards. The program will manage and operate these hotels as part of a portfolio including 34 heritage buildings.
Approximately 25,000 archaeological artifacts were discovered, the oldest dating back to the 1st and 2nd Hijri centuries, across four historical sites, including the Mosque of Uthman bin Affan – may God be pleased with him –, the ancient Shunah, sections of the eastern trench, and the northern wall.
