Ministry of Culture Highlights Key 2024 Achievements in Historic Jeddah Revitalization
JEDDAH — The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced impressive advancements in the revitalization of Historic Jeddah in 2024, including restoration work, cultural participation, and sustainable practices under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.
The project, started in 2021 at the behest of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is set to save the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and make Historic Jeddah a thriving international hub.
The ministry this year restored 27 historical structures, rehabilitated 10 buildings, and stabilized 39 others, consolidating the district’s architectural heritage. In an effort to marry cultural conservation with contemporary hospitality, the first three of what will be a series of heritage hotels were launched, the start of a project to turn 34 listed historic buildings into boutique hotels.
Archaeological finds have also contributed to the historical richness of Jeddah. Excavations at the Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed Ceylonese wooden structures on 7th-century mihrab pillars. A 13th-century pottery fragment discovered nearby further reinforced Jeddah’s historic status as a key trade center between the Islamic world and Asia.
The ministry finalized the first stage of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon project, restoring the sea to the historic Al-Bunt Port by clearing obstructive infrastructure. More than 90,000 square meters of green area were built to improve the livability and beauty of the district.
Cultural activities increased significantly as the Red Sea International Film Festival was organized for the first time at Culture Square, drawing an international crowd. New centres including the teamLab Borderless Jeddah museum and a Performing Arts and Cinema Centre were opened, providing experiential art experiences.
It also established the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts to promote domestic craftsmanship and opened “Irth,” a concept cafe and shop that combines traditional culture with contemporary design.
In order to ensure long-term sustainability, six strategic investment contracts were signed and a digital tourism platform was introduced to enable the public to navigate Historic Jeddah. In excess of 140 educational visits were hosted for over 2,000 pupils, and 500,000 copies of the official map of the district were delivered. The number of visitors hit a record 5.7 million, including 2.5 million during Ramadan itself.
Under the Historic Jeddah Master Plan, the Ministry of Culture continues to be dedicated to infrastructure development, restoration, and enriching the city experience, in line with the Kingdom’s overall cultural and economic transformation objectives.
