Jeddah's Cultural Revival Takes Spotlight at London Travel Event
Historic Jeddah showcases its growing tourism attractions and digital experiences at World Travel Market.
Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is participating in the prestigious World Travel Market in London from Nov. 4 to 6, highlighting its rising prominence as a global cultural and tourism destination.
This year's exhibition marks the district's continued presence at the event and features new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its expanding appeal to visitors.
Key attractions include guided routes such as the Historic Pilgrimage Route, which explores Jeddah's role as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and connects 10 archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.
Visitors can also engage with digital displays via QR codes that reveal historical insights into sites, architecture, and artifacts, merging knowledge, heritage, and technology.
Special tourism packages have been developed in partnership with the teamLab Borderless Museum to blend modern digital art with Jeddah's rich heritage.
Furthermore, Historic Jeddah’s presence on Google Arts and Culture offers global audiences virtual tours of its landmarks and cultural treasures, enhancing international visibility.
The participation in London is part of the Ministry of Culture's broader strategy to strengthen Historic Jeddah's global standing under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 objectives by preserving Saudi Arabia's architectural heritage, fostering growth in its cultural and tourism sectors, and utilizing history as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
Al-Balad, situated in the heart of Jeddah, is one of the oldest settlements along the Red Sea coast.
It has historically served as a hub for pilgrims and traders, with distinct Hijazi architecture that includes wooden rawasheen, coral-stone buildings, and traditional souqs.
This unique character earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
The Jeddah Historic District Program, initiated by the Ministry of Culture in 2018, has been instrumental in revitalizing Al-Balad's architectural and cultural significance through restoration projects, improvements to public spaces, and the introduction of new cultural activities.
Through such efforts, Jeddah continues to assert its position as a vital center for cultural preservation and tourism.
This year's exhibition marks the district's continued presence at the event and features new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its expanding appeal to visitors.
Key attractions include guided routes such as the Historic Pilgrimage Route, which explores Jeddah's role as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and connects 10 archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.
Visitors can also engage with digital displays via QR codes that reveal historical insights into sites, architecture, and artifacts, merging knowledge, heritage, and technology.
Special tourism packages have been developed in partnership with the teamLab Borderless Museum to blend modern digital art with Jeddah's rich heritage.
Furthermore, Historic Jeddah’s presence on Google Arts and Culture offers global audiences virtual tours of its landmarks and cultural treasures, enhancing international visibility.
The participation in London is part of the Ministry of Culture's broader strategy to strengthen Historic Jeddah's global standing under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The initiative aligns with Vision 2030 objectives by preserving Saudi Arabia's architectural heritage, fostering growth in its cultural and tourism sectors, and utilizing history as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
Al-Balad, situated in the heart of Jeddah, is one of the oldest settlements along the Red Sea coast.
It has historically served as a hub for pilgrims and traders, with distinct Hijazi architecture that includes wooden rawasheen, coral-stone buildings, and traditional souqs.
This unique character earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
The Jeddah Historic District Program, initiated by the Ministry of Culture in 2018, has been instrumental in revitalizing Al-Balad's architectural and cultural significance through restoration projects, improvements to public spaces, and the introduction of new cultural activities.
Through such efforts, Jeddah continues to assert its position as a vital center for cultural preservation and tourism.
