Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, is set to become home to a collection of “heritage” hotels. The initiative comes as part of a collaboration between the Jeddah Historic District Program, supported by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and Al Balad Development Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, which will manage the hotels upon completion.
On 26 February, the Jeddah Historic District Program, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, signed an agreement with Al Balad Development Company, a PIF Company, to operate heritage hotels in the Jeddah Historic District. The move aims to develop the tourism sector in the area, enhance the level of services provided to tourists and visitors, and offer exceptional experiences to visitors of Jeddah Historic District enabling them to learn about the history of Jeddah and experience Saudi culture.
The Jeddah Historic District Program is spearheading the restoration of over 600 historical buildings, ensuring that the architectural integrity of the district is maintained. This aligns with UNESCO’s standards, under which Al Balad was designated a World Heritage Site in 2014. The project aims to enhance the tourism appeal of the area while delivering top-tier services to visitors.
Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, Director General of the Jeddah Historic District Program, underlined the significance of this project in providing visitors with an exceptional experience. He says the restored heritage buildings, to be managed by Al Balad Development Company, represent a crucial step in revitalising the area and offering a comprehensive visitor experience.
For his part, the CEO of Al Balad Development Company, Jamil bin Hassan Ghaznawi, expressed his delight for signing the agreement and the collaboration between the two parties, saying: “As the main developer for Al Balad, we work in close integration with the Jeddah Historic District Program to achieve a common goal, which is to revive the Jeddah Historic District ‘Al Balad’ and make it an attractive destination for business and investment and a global tourism destination. This signing is just a step on the way to greater cooperation between the two parties.”
Upon completion of the restoration efforts, the heritage hotels, encompassing 34 heritage houses, will be operated by Al Balad Development Company’s hospitality arm, “Al Balad Hospitality”. These establishments promise to blend authenticity with modern comfort, offering guests a culturally immersive experience in the heart of Jeddah Historic District.
The Destination Management Office of the Jeddah Historic District Program will work in conjunction with Al Balad Hospitality to provide guests with distinctive local products and traditional Saudi experiences.
This strategic partnership is set to enrich Jeddah’s historic district, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage through a luxurious lens.
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