Located in the center of Jeddah, Al-Balad is a historic quarter in Saudi Arabia that is a living reminder of centuries of religious, cultural, and commercial activity.
Al-Balad is a timeless gem that has managed to preserve its architectural wonders and cultural character despite the fast urbanization of Jeddah, the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, where modernity and tradition have blended.
This 7th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating maze of ornate wooden balconies, lively souks, and coral-stone homes that evoke the past.
For more than a millennium, Al-Balad has played a significant role in Jeddah’s history as the entryway for pilgrims en route to Makkah.
Visitors are taken back in time to a time when traders from the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Ocean came together to barter goods, customs, and tales along its winding lanes, or “hara.”
A Tradition of Hospitality The heart of Arabia is Al-Balad, where visitors are welcomed with open arms and may immerse themselves in the rich customs of Saudi society.
Generations of Hajj pilgrims have traveled through Bab Makkah, the district’s traditional gateway, en route to the holy city.
Built in the 19th century and once occupied by King Abdulaziz, the famous Nasseef House epitomizes the magnificence of ancient Jeddah.
The building’s coral-stone walls and wooden lattice windows demonstrate the architectural creativity used to endure the extreme desert heat of the area.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia initiated the Jeddah Historic District Revitalization Project in 2021 after realizing the district’s enormous cultural and historical value.
The project intends to revitalize and improve the neighborhood, maintaining its rich history while increasing its accessibility to tourists from across the world. Al-Balad has set a lofty goal to become a globally recognized historical destination by 2040, where ancient charms coexist together with modern amenities.
A Marketplace of TraditionsVenturing deeper into Al-Balad, one encounters vibrant souks where traders sell everything from aromatic spices and hand-woven textiles to exquisite gold jewellery and traditional perfumes.
The famed Al-Balad Gold Market remains a key attraction for those seeking fine Arabian craftsmanship, while the Bedouin Market offers an authentic experience of Saudi heritage with its handmade jewellery, antique furniture, and traditional attire.
As the sun sets, the district comes alive with cultural festivities. Local musicians play age-old melodies, elders share folklore, and families gather to enjoy traditional Arabian coffee and dates. The atmosphere is electric- a reminder that Al-Balad is not merely a relic of the past but a thriving hub of heritage and identity.
“Walking through Al-Balad is like stepping into a beautifully illustrated history book, where every alleyway tells a story,” said Emad M. Kashmiri, CEO of Hamza Camel Tours, a prominent Saudi tour operator renowned for catering to foreign visitors.
For travellers and history enthusiasts alike, he said, Al-Balad offers an immersive experience, an opportunity to step into the rich past of the Arabian Peninsula while witnessing the nation’s bold vision for the future.
A Prospective Perspective Al-Balad has gained attention as a result of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and increase tourism. Due to the country’s open-door policy, Umrah pilgrims and tourists from around the world can now explore its ancient landmarks, making the neighborhood a must-see destination for Saudi tourists.
Al-Balad saw an incredible 2.5 million visitors during Ramadan in April 2024, highlighting its growing stature as a historical and cultural sanctuary.
Al-Balad’s ultimate goal is to draw 150 million tourists by 2030, which is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision-2030.
In order to do this, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) created the Al Balad Development Company (BDC) in October 2023, laying the groundwork for a significant overhaul.
The master plan calls for a built-up area of 3.7 million square meters, which includes 1.3 million square meters of commercial and office space, 1,800 hotel units, and 9,300 residential units spread across 2.5 million square meters.
The regeneration plan calls for the meticulous restoration of 650 ancient structures, the resuscitation of five traditional marketplaces, and the preservation of 36 old mosques, all of which will support Al-Balad’s comeback as a major center of culture worldwide.
Al-Balad continues to serve as a link between the past and present, providing the world with an unmatched window into the heart of Arabia as Saudi Arabia boldly moves into the future.
