Al-Falah School in Jeddah Preserves a Century-Old Educational Legacy

📷SPA

Jeddah, August 31, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Amid the historic alleys of Jeddah, Al-Falah School remains a landmark institution that has shaped the city’s social and commercial life for more than a century, continuing to welcome students each year near Bab Makkah and the Bedouin Market.

Founded in a rented room with only six students, most historical sources trace its establishment to 1323 AH (1905 AD), though an inscription on its southern door cites 1324 AH (1906 AD). The name “Al-Falah,” meaning “success,” was chosen to reflect its mission of opening opportunities through education. The school’s expansion was fueled by donations and endowments, underscoring the community’s longstanding commitment to learning.

The school building is recognized for its unique blend of local and foreign architectural influences. Built from limestone with wooden roofs, it follows a U-shaped layout with classrooms opening onto a central courtyard. Distinctive features include a semi-circular arched entrance, an onion-shaped dome, and decorative facades, reflecting Jeddah’s role as a crossroads of cultures. An ancient well once provided water to the site.

Today, Al-Falah is regarded as more than a school; it is a cultural and educational landmark that has shaped generations and influenced both public and private education in Saudi Arabia. Its enduring role as a center of learning continues to link the city’s historic past with its modern development.