During Jeddah’s Formula One Grand Prix this month, visitors were drawn to the historic old town, beyond the event’s main attractions like Lewis Hamilton and Jennifer Lopez.
Jeddah is typically known as Saudi Arabia’s modern commercial hub. However, the old town had fallen into neglect due to the departure of its merchant class.
The kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. This plan includes revitalizing culture to attract tourism revenue.
Visitors who attended the F1 event appreciated the slower pace of the restored old Jeddah.
Al-Balad, as it’s known in Arabic, retains the atmosphere of past centuries. Its Arabic-styled wooden architecture features brown and blue colors, reflecting the city’s location between the Arabian desert and the sea.
“It’s my first time in Saudi Arabia and the old city is very beautiful with earthly tones… and has a very particular architecture,” said Rossella from Milan.
Al-Balad achieved UNESCO world heritage site status in 2014. Since then, the government has accelerated plans to restore approximately 650 buildings. They are also working to revive the district’s local businesses.
Fadil Zahir, born in the old town, works there as a barista. He notes, “Tourists and visitors are coming to al-Balad in great numbers.”
UNESCO recognized historic Jeddah as “the only surviving urban ensemble of the Red Sea.” Coral stone tower houses, adorned with Roshan wooden balconies, stand alongside ancient mosques. These mosques date back to the advent of Islam, when the third Caliph Uthman bin Affan declared the city Mecca’s official port.
“I am 62 now, I now see what I could see 40 years back. You talk about changes, I say it’s actually going back to the original,” said Ahmed Alkhanbashi, a general manager at Alkhanbashi Business Development Bureau.
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