Jeddah Historic District Program is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Historic Jeddah's inscription on UNESCO World Heritage List

The Ministry of Culture's Jeddah Historic District Programme is commemorating the tenth anniversary of Historic Jeddah's 2014 placement on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In keeping with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the programme keeps up its efforts to revitalise the area to preserve its urban and cultural legacy and make it a world-class tourist attraction. 

The programme also recognises the Heritage Commission's and the Jeddah Governorate Municipality's efforts to the preservation of the area's cultural heritage. The distinctive urban, architectural, and cultural aspects of 2.5 square kilometres that make up Historic Jeddah set it apart from other cities along the Red Sea coast. It has functioned as a significant harbour for pilgrims en route to Makkah and as a hub for international trade between Asia and Africa since the seventh century. The region has traditionally served as a hub for trade and cultural interchange. 

In addition to five major historical marketplaces, many historical mosques, and one historical school, the region is home to around 650 heritage structures. It is well known for its multistory structures, timber elements, and traditional building techniques that are exclusive to the Red Sea coast. It is also known for its urban fabric and architectural style.

According to the programme, Historic Jeddah met three requirements for exceptional global value in order to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List: its human values over time, advancements in town planning and architecture, and its connections to important historical occurrences, concepts, ideologies, or literary and artistic works. 

The programme has developed four major pillars to improve the preservation and regeneration of the area: historical structures (houses and mosques), urban fabric (markets, squares, streets), archaeology (including mediaeval walls and gates), and intangible cultural treasures. The objective of these endeavours is to conserve Historic Jeddah's cultural and urban legacy while transforming it into a desirable hub for commercial and cultural endeavours. The programme aims to enhance visitor experiences and position the area as a popular tourism destination by renovating historic buildings and upgrading infrastructure.