Al-Haqil inspects historic Jeddah: Plans to develop tourism and manage crowds
Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majid Al-Hogail, conducted a comprehensive field visit to the historic Jeddah area (Al-Balad), during which he reviewed the progress of cultural and recreational activities taking place in the area, directing that efforts be intensified to enhance logistical organization and crowd management mechanisms, in order to consolidate the area’s position as a vibrant global tourist destination, especially in light of the massive public turnout it is witnessing.
Inspection tour and high-level coordination
The Minister was accompanied on his inspection tour by the Mayor of Jeddah, Saleh Al-Turki, and the General Supervisor of the Historic Jeddah Program, Abdulaziz Al-Issa, to ensure the integration of field efforts across various sectors. The tour also included the Deputy Mayor of Jeddah, Engineer Ali Al-Qarni, and the Head of the Al-Balad Sub-Municipality, Ahmed Al-Shafi’i, to directly observe the progress of organizational work and services provided to visitors.
In a related development, Al-Haqil held a working meeting with Zaki Hassanein, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Benchmark Company, to review the event routes and operational plans implemented at the site. The two sides discussed the details of the meticulous logistical arrangements and strategies for managing large crowds, aiming to provide a comprehensive and safe tourism experience for visitors, while taking great care to preserve the aesthetic and historical value of the heart of Jeddah.
Historic Jeddah: The fragrance of the past and the vision of the future
This visit is of particular importance given the great historical value of the “Al-Balad” area, which was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. The area is an open-air museum that tells a rich history, as it is distinguished by its unique architectural style represented by the wooden “Rawashin” and the buildings constructed of hewn stone, making it a living witness to the authentic Hijazi heritage and the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques throughout the ages.
Strategic and touristic
Minister Al-Haqil's directives align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on developing historical sites and transforming them into economically viable tourist destinations that contribute to the GDP. Through these events and logistical improvements, relevant authorities aim to integrate cultural heritage with modern styles, attracting tourists from around the world to explore the Kingdom's rich cultural history.
The tour concluded with an emphasis on the continued close monitoring of development efforts, as ministry officials praised the activities that skillfully blend authenticity and modernity, and embody the effective integration between the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Jeddah Municipality and the Historical District Program, to present this human heritage to the world in a manner befitting the Kingdom’s status.
