Tour guides told Al-Youm: The Crown Prince's vision has revived historic Jeddah, making it a global tourist icon

In the heart of historic Jeddah , known as Al-Balad, where ancient wooden balconies intertwine with narrow alleyways that preserve the area's memory, tour guides recount the remarkable transformation the district has undergone in recent years. This transformation followed the launch of the Jeddah Historic District Rehabilitation Project, a key component of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
As the anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, approaches, the guides emphasize that Al-Balad's current state exemplifies the Kingdom's approach to preserving its cultural heritage and transforming it into a cultural, touristic, and economic force.
The guides believe that the Jeddah Historic District Revitalization Project has not only restored old buildings but has also reshaped the urban and cultural landscape of the area, transforming it from a collection of historic alleyways into a global platform for cultural exchange and a tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world. This clearly demonstrates the leadership's commitment to national identity and its efforts to enhance Jeddah's presence on the international tourism map.

Engineering consultant and tour guide Talal bin Abdullah Samarqandi says, “The project to preserve historic Jeddah is one of the most prominent cultural projects launched during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince. He emphasized that the project embodies a deep commitment to Saudi history and a belief in the importance of preserving it.” cultural heritage For future generations.”.

Samarqandi pointed out that Historic Jeddah has a unique story of transformation. It began as a small fishing village on the Red Sea coast before evolving over time into a major gateway for pilgrims arriving by sea to the Holy Land, in addition to its role as a vital commercial center in the Middle East. This historical significance culminated in the area's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, a pivotal moment in the preservation of this architectural heritage.
He explained that the Historic Jeddah Program, implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, aims to transform the area into a cultural and artistic beacon and a sustainable global heritage destination, capable of creating economic and developmental opportunities for the local community through investment in heritage and culture.

For his part, tour guide Mohammed Qari Bukhari explains that “Al-Balad” is not just an old neighborhood in Jeddah, but represents the historical heart of the city and its social, cultural and economic axis throughout the centuries.

He points out that the area was historically a hub of trade on the Red Sea, with goods from East Asia and India passing through its markets before being re-exported to Mediterranean ports.
He adds that the Jeddah Historic District Program, launched in 2021 under the guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, represents a significant shift in the area's development. It goes beyond simply restoring historic houses, aiming to revitalize the entire city and transform it into a global tourist and cultural destination. The program includes the restoration of hundreds of heritage buildings, some dating back 400 to 500 years, as well as the rehabilitation of approximately 35 historic mosques, some of which trace their origins to the early Islamic centuries.
He affirms that current indicators reflect the project's success in revitalizing the area, with Historic Jeddah witnessing a significant increase in visitor numbers during seasons and events, and many restored buildings beginning to resume their role in cultural, commercial, and tourist activities.

For her part, tour guide Marwa Al-Saeedi confirmed that the project to rehabilitate historic Jeddah represents a qualitative leap in preserving the Hijazi architectural heritage and enhancing its presence on the global stage, noting that the project brings life back to more than 600 historic buildings, in addition to developing the squares, mosques and old markets that form the identity of the place.

She said that the tours organized in Al-Balad reveal the amazement of visitors from around the world at the precision of the restoration work and the project managers' commitment to preserving authentic architectural details, especially the wooden latticework and traditional decorations that characterize Jeddah's old houses.
She added that Historic Jeddah has transformed into a vibrant destination hosting cultural and artistic events, offering visitors a comprehensive tourism experience that blends history, culture, and the arts. This cultural dynamism also empowers tour guides to provide rich educational content that introduces visitors to Jeddah's history and its role as a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques throughout the ages.
Al-Saidi believes that what Al-Balad is witnessing today marks the beginning of a new phase in its historical journey. It is no longer merely a preserved heritage site, but has become a living space that revives the city's memory and presents it to the world with a contemporary spirit, ensuring that Historic Jeddah remains a living legacy that inspires future generations and embodies the Kingdom's ability to combine the authenticity of the past with the ambition of the future.

For her part, tour guide Badour Samman pointed out that the generous directives of His Highness the Crown Prince focused on a crucial point, which is “cultural sustainability,” where the unique Hijazi architectural identity is preserved while transforming the region into an investment and tourism attraction center.

Saman explained that the restoration of many old houses has transformed the area into an "open-air museum," teeming with visitors, especially with the new projects to repurpose and repurpose historical homes as hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums, and much more.
She added, "On this anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance, we, as tour guides, feel proud and grateful because today we possess a world-class tourism product that rivals the most prestigious historical cities, thanks to the inspiring leadership that believed our heritage is our true wealth and our window to the world."