12 years since the inclusion of historic Jeddah on the World Heritage List and continuous efforts for development

Historic Jeddah is celebrating the 12th anniversary of its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, since its inscription in 2014, as one of the most prominent heritage sites in the Kingdom and the world, due to the exceptional historical, cultural and urban value it represents that reflects its position as a cultural and commercial center on the Red Sea coast over many centuries.

This celebration comes at a time when the Ministry of Culture continues its efforts to revive the region and preserve its urban and cultural identity and its rich heritage, through Implementing specialized programs and projects in restoration, rehabilitation and development, in a way that enhances the sustainability of historical Jeddah and consolidates its position as a prominent cultural, tourism and economic destination.

The inclusion of historic Jeddah on the World Heritage List is based on its fulfillment of three criteria of exceptional universal value approved by UNESCO, as it reflects cultural and civilizational exchange across the Red Sea through building materials and architectural styles that shaped the identity of the region, and also embodies its historical role as a center for trade, pilgrimage and transit to Mecca. Al-Makarah, in addition to its unique urban fabric and historical buildings of exceptional heritage value.

Historic Jeddah is a living witness to the nobility of local architecture and the cultural cross-fertilization that the region has witnessed throughout the ages, as it includes ancient historical buildings, a deep-rooted civil culture, and an urban fabric that has maintained its authenticity over hundreds of years, making it one of the most prominent historical cities registered on the World Heritage List.

The numbers reveal the size of the legacy. The urban and cultural landscape that the region embraces, as the development area extends over an area estimated at approximately 2.5 square kilometers, and includes more than 650 historical buildings, 36 historical mosques, 5 historical markets, 62 historical halls, in addition to 14 historical ribats, together representing an integrated system of heritage monuments that reflect the history of Jeddah and its cultural status.

The focus of The Ministry of Culture in its development plans aims to achieve a set of strategic goals aimed at reviving historic Jeddah and transforming it into an integrated model of sustainable urban development, by investing in its heritage sites and its unique cultural and urban elements, in a way that creates an attractive environment for living, working and creativity.

These efforts seek to provide natural incubators for creative production, and create attractive sites for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs, which contributes to supporting economic growth and enhancing cultural and investment activity in the region, in addition to developing the living space and raising the quality of living. Life.

The development goals also include creating an integrated urban environment that includes waterfronts, green spaces, and open parks, while preserving the historical character of the area and highlighting its heritage landmarks, in order to achieve a balance between preserving the urban heritage and meeting the requirements of modern development.

The Ministry continues to implement its projects aimed at highlighting the heritage landmarks that historic Jeddah embraces, and transforming it into a vibrant center that combines authenticity and development, and enhances its position as a global cultural destination that reflects the depth of history. Saudi Arabia and its cultural legacy extending across generations.