Revitalizing Historic Jeddah Project

Revitalizing Historic Jeddah Project is a project dedicated to the rehabilitation and development of historic Jeddah. It was launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, prime minister, and chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. The goal is to transform historic Jeddah into a hub that attracts cultural and business projects, a primary destination for entrepreneurs from around the world, and an integrated region that stimulates the economy and contributes to the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Revitalizing Historic Jeddah project is part of the Historic Jeddah Development Program, which focuses on improving the living environment in the region. The program aims to transform Historic Jeddah into a place that preserves its rich heritage and invests its cultural and urban locations and elements to enhance the quality of life and safeguard these places as a cultural heritage that reflects the identity and nature of the region, and enhance urban aspects, making Historic Jeddah a global showcase for the Kingdom. The project is expected to extend over a period of fifteen years, following various paths and plans.

The work on the Revitalizing Historic Jeddah project progresses along various paths, including infrastructure and services, strengthening urban aspects, improving the quality of life and increasing its efficiency, and developing and preparing the environmental and natural space.

The project is a significant part of the Historic Jeddah Development Program, aiming to invest in history, cultural, urban, and economic elements to contribute to the growth of the GDP and achieve the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

Inside one of the country's ancient buildings in Jeddah. (Saudipedia)

The project aims to invest in the cultural and historical assets of the region, and support and enhance them to become contributors to the local economy. It seeks to showcase the historical sites and heritage landmarks within Historic Jeddah and invest in them, and their urban and cultural elements to create a vibrant living environment and provide the best resources for its residents and visitors.

Revitalizing Historic Jeddah project includes the creation of a complete environment that contains natural spaces, including open parks and green areas covering 15 percent of the total area of Historic Jeddah, and waterfronts stretching approximately fifteen km in length.

The project aims to highlight the historic landmarks of Jeddah, which are part of the Kingdom's rich heritage. It also targets the historical sites, which include thirty-six historic mosques, over six hundred heritage buildings, and five major historic markets. The buildings' ages range between one hundred and four hundred years. Al-Shafi'i Mosque minaret is considered the oldest existing structure in the region, with a history of 780 years. Additionally, there are squares, pathways, and sites of significant historical importance, such as the old waterfront that served as a major route for pilgrims.