Jeddah Historic District Program: Preserving Heritage Buildings for a Prominent Tourist Destination
Nawaf Alfadly, the projects manager of the heritage assets restoration department for the Jeddah Historic District Program, is on a mission to revitalize heritage buildings in order to enhance the experience of visitors and residents. The ultimate goal is to transform the area into a prominent tourist destination.
Commitment to Safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s Historical Heritage
In an interview with Arab News, Alfadly emphasized the importance of safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s historical heritage. He cited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2018 project to preserve 56 heritage buildings in Al-Balad as evidence of the commitment to this cause.
Preservation and Transformation of Al-Balad’s Heritage Buildings
The historic significance of Jeddah’s buildings lies in their spiritual and material value, making them a cultural hub and pilgrimage gateway. The crown prince allocated SR50 million ($13.3 million) to strengthen and preserve 56 heritage buildings in Al-Balad, showcasing the commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s architectural and cultural legacy.
Revitalizing Heritage Buildings for a Richer Experience
The Jeddah Historic District Program aims not only to repair the buildings but also to repurpose them for hotels, residences, and cultural spaces. With the engagement of local and international specialists, the program ensures the preservation of buildings’ historical authenticity and architectural identity.
Preserving the Historical Significance of Al-Balad
Alfadly stated that the Jeddah Historic District Program covers an area of approximately 2.5 sq. km and aims to preserve the historical significance of Al-Balad’s ancient buildings. The restoration program focuses on restoring 650 historic buildings and repurposing them for various uses, aligning with the overall plan for Historic Jeddah.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Status and Collaboration with International Experts
The Historic Jeddah area gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014, ensuring that all activities adhere to international guidelines. Restoration efforts involve collaboration among specialists from both local and international backgrounds to preserve the buildings’ historical authenticity and architectural identity.
Challenges and Prioritization of Architectural Preservation
Anoud Al-Shaikh, assistant director of heritage and preservation at the Jeddah Historic District Program, highlighted the challenge of preserving the historical value of buildings during restoration efforts. The focus is not just on restoration but also on preserving architectural features to maintain the area’s unique charm.
Revitalization of Historic Jeddah Project
Under the direction of the crown prince, the Ministry of Culture formed teams to restore Jeddah’s historic buildings, prioritizing the preservation of its unique architectural heritage. The Revitalization of Historic Jeddah project aims to develop the area into a business and cultural hub while preserving its historical charm.
Preservation of Architecturally Significant Structures
The district boasts over 600 buildings, including mosques, marketplaces, and squares significant to Muslim pilgrims. Buildings dating back 500 years are being preserved, with a focus on architecturally significant structures to narrate the history of pilgrimage to Historic Jeddah visitors.