JEDDAH: The Jeddah Historic District Program celebrated the 10th anniversary of the district’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The district was inscribed on the list in 2014 in recognition of its outstanding universal value.
According to a statement, the program oversaw the regeneration and preservation of the district’s cultural and urban heritage, transforming it into a global destination aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Historic Jeddah spans an area of 2.5 sq. km along the Red Sea coast. Serving as a major port for pilgrims arriving in Makkah and a hub for global trade routes between Asia and Africa since the 7th century, the district has been a center of cultural and economic exchange for centuries.
According to UNESCO’s criteria for inscribing the Historic Jeddah district on the World Heritage List, the area fulfills three key requirements — representing an important interchange of human values over time, being an outstanding example of a type of building or architectural ensemble, and being directly associated with events, living traditions, or artistic works of outstanding universal significance.
Facing numerous challenges, such as the need to save dilapidated buildings and improve infrastructure while preserving the area’s historical and cultural character, the program has implemented various projects within the framework of the regeneration plan. These efforts have enriched the visitor experience and enhanced the district as an attractive tourist destination, according to the statement.
The Jeddah Historic District Program has established four main pillars for the district’s restoration efforts: intangible cultural heritage, archaeology and excavation (the wall and historic gates), urban fabric (markets, squares, and streets), and historic buildings (houses, mosques, and endowments).
The program has also set standards for the preservation of the area’s heritage, including the use of traditional materials and the maintenance of original building heights.