Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district is set to be transformed into a global cultural and heritage marvel thanks to a ground-breaking initiative with the establishment of Al Balad Development Company (BDC).
This historic announcement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to revitalising its rich heritage, transforming Jeddah into a thriving economic hub, a global cultural and heritage epicentre, and a premier tourism destination. It aligns with PIF’s strategy to develop and enable the real estate and tourism sectors, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030
Al-Balad, affectionately known as “The Town” in Arabic, boasts a history that dates back to the 7th century. Over time, as Jeddah experienced economic prosperity during the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s, many residents sought opportunities elsewhere, leading to a decline in the district’s vibrancy.
To accommodate modernisation, the historic defensive walls were dismantled in the 1940s, and a gradual exodus ensued.
Recognising the urgency of preserving this cultural treasure, the Municipality of Jeddah initiated historical conservation efforts in the 1970s. In 1991, the Jeddah Historical Preservation Society was founded, marking a significant step towards safeguarding Al-Balad’s architectural gems and cultural heritage.
This commitment was further solidified in 2002 when a US$4 million allocation was made for the preservation society. In a more recent development, Saudi Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman also pledged US$13.33 million to restore 56 historic buildings within Al-Balad.
The district is home to unique and striking buildings including the Al Nassif House and Al Jamjoom House in the Yemen neighbourhood, Al Baeshen House, Al Qabal Mosque, and Al Shafi’i Mosque in Al Mazloum, along with Dar Al Banaja and Al Zahed Houses in the Al Sham neighbourhood. Many of these structures have proudly stood for over 500 years, their timeless construction remarkably preserved.
Singularly, the Al-Shafi’i Mosque stands as a shining testament to the city’s cultural legacy. Also known as Al-Atiq Mosque, it proudly holds the title of being Jeddah’s oldest mosque, its roots tracing back to the illustrious reign of Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab. This venerable structure graces the Mazloum District, a veritable treasure trove of historical sites within Jeddah. Al-Shafi’i Mosque derives its name from Imam Muhammad ibn Idris Al-Shafi’i, one of the four esteemed imams of Islam, born in the year 767.
The construction of Al-Shafi’i Mosque is a testament to the artistry of its builders, who skillfully employed an intriguing blend of sea mud, brick, stone, and wood. These materials, typical of the traditional houses of Jeddah, come together to form a distinctive architectural masterpiece. The mosque stands proudly with its rectangular design, an open courtyard, and four marble columns graced with pointed arches, elegantly aligned with the Qibla (prayer direction) wall.
In recognition of its status as a prominent heritage site, the late King Abdullah initiated a comprehensive restoration project for the mosque. This restoration unearthed a treasure trove of historically-significant artifacts, breathing new life into the mosque’s storied past. Notable among the preserved features is the 900-year-old minaret, an enduring symbol of the mosque’s longevity. Additionally, the mosque’s ancient piping system, spanning an impressive 1,700 square meters, remains an integral part of its heritage. King Salman bin Abdulaziz, during his visit to the mosque in 2014, further reinforced the commitment to its preservation by ordering additional restoration work.
Nestled within the UNESCO-listed historical Jeddah area, Al-Shafi’i Mosque holds a pivotal role as a cornerstone of a World Heritage Site. It stands as an enduring testament to heritage, surrounded by the bustling souks that have gracefully retained their traditional character over the years. This mosque, steeped in history and culture, continues to be a cherished jewel in the crown of Jeddah’s rich heritage.
The Non-Muslim Cemetery, formerly known as the Christian Cemetery, is another remarkable facet of Al-Balad. Over 400 graves are nestled within its walls, including a sarcophagus honouring French explorer Charles Huber and a solitary Commonwealth War Graves Commission gravestone, a poignant reminder of a British soldier from the Second World War.
With the establishment of Al Balad Development Company (BDC) and the Crown Prince’s generous contribution, Al-Balad stands on the threshold of a grand revival. This revival goes beyond the restoration of bricks and mortar; it is the rekindling of a cultural gem. As BDC sets its sights on restoring Al-Balad, Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030, is reclaiming its heritage, promising a brighter future while cherishing the tapestry of its past.
BDC’s Transformative Role
BDC, set to become the main developer of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, envisions a comprehensive transformation. The company’s mission includes:
- Infrastructure Enhancement: BDC will focus on improving the district’s infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of urban planning for historic areas.
- Architectural Restoration: One of BDC’s key tasks is overseeing the restoration of historic buildings in Al Balad, breathing new life into these architectural marvels.
- Development of Services: The company plans to develop service facilities, creating a conducive environment for residents and visitors alike.
- Diverse Offerings: BDC intends to diversify the district’s offerings by introducing recreational, residential, commercial, hotel, and office spaces.
The overall project development area is set to encompass approximately 2.5 million square meters, with a total built-up area of 3.7 million square meters. This includes 9,300 residential units, 1,800 hotel units, and around 1.3 million square meters of commercial and office space.
BDC will collaborate extensively with the private sector and specialists to ensure that the development aligns with the best practices of urban planning and environmental sustainability. Preservation of the unique heritage of Historic Jeddah, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains a top priority.
A Cultural and Tourism Hub
The transformation of Al-Balad aims to establish it as a leading global tourism destination, attracting visitors from around the world. This not only contributes to economic development but also offers attractive investment opportunities and quality commercial options for the people of Jeddah.
BDC aims to provide a rich experience for residents and visitors, emphasising the cultural and historic dimensions of the district. By creating an integrated environment that fosters residential, work, cultural, and recreational development, BDC aims to enhance the quality of life in Al-Balad.
As Al-Balad embarks on this transformative journey, it renews its commitment to preserving its heritage, celebrating its diversity, and embracing the future. Saudi Arabia, through initiatives like BDC and the support of Vision 2030, is poised to showcase its historical treasures to the world while fostering sustainable development and cultural enrichment.
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Text by Gerard Lefebvre
