Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, unveiled on Monday the Historic Jeddah Revival Project as part of a program aimed at developing the city’s historic districts. The goal aims to develop the city into a business and cultural projects hub and a destination for ambitious entrepreneurs.
The project is part of the Crown Prince’s keenness on preserving and rehabilitating historic locations in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The project will highlight the most significant heritage landmarks in the region as it is one of the Kingdom’s most unique historic locations. It boasts over 600 heritage buildings, 36 historic mosques and five main historic markets, as well as ancient alleys and squares, and sites with important historical significance such as the old waterfront, which was a major route for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan said the Historic Jeddah Revival Project is a sophisticated project that blends history and culture with economic and development opportunities. It achieves the goals of Vision 2030 with its various development dimensions.
He said the announcement of the project reflects the Kingdom’s leadership’s ongoing support for everything that secures the interests of the people.
The project represents a national example for investing in and developing historic locations so that they can contribute to the national economy.
Crown Prince Mohammed had announced similar revival projects in the past, such as those aimed at renovating heritage buildings in central Riyadh and another aimed at renovating historic mosques throughout the Kingdom.
The Jeddah revival project will span 15 years and cover infrastructure and services, nature and environment development and improving the quality of life with the aim of transforming historical Jeddah into a regional hub and global destination.
This will be achieved through investing in its heritage sites and unique cultural and architectural elements. The project spans 2.5 kilometers and aims to develop a 5-kilometer waterfront and green spaces and gardens that cover 15 percent of Jeddah al-Balad.
The project focuses on investing in historic landmarks to create a vital environment for society and artists. It will serve as an example of cultural development and quality of life where history blends with modern life. It will meet the people’s needs for innovation and transform Jeddah into the beating heart of the region and a significant element in improving quality of life for the people, an example of diversity and a platform where generations can come together.