Can a 7th-century district transform from a forgotten relic into a global luxury destination?

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Al-Balad, the historic heart of Jeddah, was once abandoned by locals chasing the modern oil boom. Today, massive state-led restoration projects are breathing new life into its ancient, wooden-latticed architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is now being reimagined as a premier cultural hub for the global traveler.

Founded in the 7th century, Al-Balad served as the traditional center of Jeddah for generations. Its architecture is defined by distinctive Hijazi houses, featuring intricate wooden mushrabiyas and Roshan windows designed for climate control and privacy. Some of these structures reach heights of over 30 meters, standing as resilient testaments to centuries of craftsmanship. However, the mid-20th century brought rapid change; as Jeddah grew wealthier during the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s, many residents migrated north. The area, once the city's bustling core, became associated with a less prosperous past, eventually seeing its defensive walls demolished and its demographics shift as the original population departed.

The tide began to turn in the 1990s with the creation of the Jeddah Historical Preservation Society, and by 2014, UNESCO officially recognized the district as a World Heritage site. Recent years have seen an aggressive push to revitalize the area under Saudi Vision 2030. In 2019, leadership committed significant funding to restore dozens of historical buildings, with the Ministry of Culture overseeing efforts to convert select houses into luxury hotels. The Al Balad Development Company, established in 2023, now spearheads the mission to position the district as a top-tier international tourism destination, blending its ancient heritage with modern hospitality.

Beyond its main residential quarters, Al-Balad holds layers of complex history, including the Non-Muslim Cemetery. Dating back to the 16th century, this site contains over 400 graves, including those of explorers and soldiers from the Second World War. While the district’s primary focus remains the restoration of its 500-year-old structures, it also hosts cultural initiatives like 'Kanz Al-Balad,' a scavenger hunt designed to immerse visitors in the area's historical significance. Through these diverse efforts, the city is attempting to reconcile its rapid modernization with the preservation of its foundational identity.

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