(BSS) – Al-Balad, a historic district of Saudi Arabia lies in the heart of Jeddah as a living testament to centuries of trade, culture, and faith.

Despite the rapid urbanization of Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital Jeddah, where modernity and tradition intertwined, Al-Balad remains as a timeless treasure, preserving its architectural marvels and cultural essence.

Established in the 7th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a mesmerizing labyrinth of coral-stone houses, intricate wooden balconies, and bustling souks that echo the past.

Once the gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah, Al-Balad has been a vital part of Jeddah’s history for over a thousand years.

Walking through its narrow alleys, known as ‘hara,’ visitors are transported to an era when traders from across the Indian Ocean, Africa, and the Middle East converged there, bringing their goods, traditions, and stories.

A Heritage of HospitalityAl-Balad is the Heart of Arabia, where one is greeted with warm hospitality and connects with the rich traditions of Saudi culture.

Bab Makkah, the historic gateway at the entrance of the district welcomes generations of Hajj pilgrims passed on their way to the holy city.

The iconic Nasseef House, built in the 19th century and once home to King Abdulaziz, embodies the grandeur of old Jeddah.

With its wooden lattice windows and coral-stone walls, the structure showcases the architectural ingenuity designed to withstand the region’s intense desert heat.

Recognizing its immense cultural and historical significance, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Jeddah Historic District Revitalization Project in 2021.

The initiative aims to restore and enhance the district, making it more accessible to global visitors while preserving its rich heritage. Al-Balad has set an ambitious vision to become a world-renowned heritage destination by 2040, where antiquity seamlessly blends with contemporary charms.

A Marketplace of TraditionsVenturing deeper into Al-Balad, one encounters vibrant souks where traders sell everything from aromatic spices and hand-woven textiles to exquisite gold jewellery and traditional perfumes.

The famed Al-Balad Gold Market remains a key attraction for those seeking fine Arabian craftsmanship, while the Bedouin Market offers an authentic experience of Saudi heritage with its handmade jewellery, antique furniture, and traditional attire.

As the sun sets, the district comes alive with cultural festivities. Local musicians play age-old melodies, elders share folklore, and families gather to enjoy traditional Arabian coffee and dates. The atmosphere is electric- a reminder that Al-Balad is not merely a relic of the past but a thriving hub of heritage and identity.

"Walking through Al-Balad is like stepping into a beautifully illustrated history book, where every alleyway tells a story," said Emad M. Kashmiri, CEO of Hamza Camel Tours, a prominent Saudi tour operator renowned for catering to foreign visitors.

For travellers and history enthusiasts alike, he said, Al-Balad offers an immersive experience, an opportunity to step into the rich past of the Arabian Peninsula while witnessing the nation’s bold vision for the future.

A Vision for the Future Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy and boost tourism has placed Al-Balad in the spotlight. The country’s open-door policy now allows Umrah pilgrims and global travellers to explore its historical sites, making the district an essential stop on the Saudi tourism map.

During Ramadan in April 2024, Al-Balad welcomed an astounding 2.5 million visitors, underscoring its rising prominence as a cultural and historical haven.

The overarching vision for Al-Balad aligns with Saudi Arabia`s Vision-2030, aiming to attract 150 million visitors by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has established the Al Balad Development Company (BDC) in October 2023, setting the stage for an ambitious transformation.

Spanning 2.5 million square meters, the master plan envisions a built-up area of 3.7 million square meters, incorporating 9,300 residential units, 1,800 hotel units, and 1.3 million square meters of commercial and office spaces.

The revitalization blueprint includes precise restoration of 650 historic buildings, revival of five traditional markets and preservation of 36 historic mosques-all contributing to Al-Balad’s renaissance as a global cultural hub.

As Saudi Arabia steps confidently into the future, Al-Balad remains a bridge between the past and present, offering the world an unparalleled glimpse into the soul of Arabia.