Al-Balad, Jeddah

This article is about the historical area in Jeddah. For the defunct newspaper in Lebanon, see Al-Balad (newspaper).
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
Wordmark
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Al-Balad, Jeddah is located in Saudi Arabia
Al-Balad, Jeddah
Location within Saudi Arabia
General information
Town or cityJeddah, Makkah Region
CountrySaudi Arabia
Coordinates21°29′N 39°11′E / 21.483°N 39.183°E / 21.483; 39.183
Website
Official Website
Official nameHistoric Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
TypeCultural
Criteriaii, iv, vi
Designated2014 (38th session)
Reference no.1361
Regionthe Arab States

Al-Balad (Arabic: البلد), also known as Jeddah Historic District (Arabic: جدة التاريخية), is the historical area of Jeddah, the second largest city of Saudi Arabia. Al-Balad can literally be translated to "The Town".[1] Al-Balad is the historic center of the City of Jeddah.[2]

Traditional Hijazi houses are characterized by their wooden Roshan (Arabic: روشان) windows and balconies, which are similar to the Mashrabiya found in Egypt, Iraq and other countries, and to the Gallarija found in Malta (which is a descendant of the Muxrabija).

In May 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a multi-billion dollar restoration of 56 historical building in Al-Balad. The first stage of the restoration is worth $13.3 million.[3]

In October 2023 and in line with Saudi Vision 2030, The Saudi Public Investment Fund announced Al Balad Development Company, which aims to transform Historic Jeddah into a global tourist destination.[4]

  1. ^ Dahir, Mubarak. "4 hours in Jeddah: Mubarak Dahir discovers Jeddah's intriguing historic neighborhoods and souks time to rwhile finding elax by the city's main attraction, the Red Sea." Business Traveler. 1 August 2004. Retrieved on 25 August 2009.
  2. ^ Baker, Razan. "Tales of Old Jeddah." Arab News. Thursday 25 January 2007 (06 Muharram 1428). Retrieved on 25 August 2009.
  3. ^ "Saudi Arabia's crown prince orders multi-million dollar restoration of historical buildings in Jeddah". Arab News. 2019-05-03. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  4. ^ "PIF creates Al Balad Development Co. to boost historic Jeddah area". Arab News. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2024-03-09.