Historic Jeddah Features Among Saudi Winter Tourism Destinations
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, November 4 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, is among the destinations featured in the Saudi Winter tourism campaign, offering visitors access to historic landmarks, museums, traditional markets and cultural attractions.
The district, known locally as Al-Balad, was once a major trading centre and gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah. Its centuries-old buildings, narrow streets and distinctive wooden balconies, known as rawashin, reflect the architectural traditions that developed through Jeddah’s connections with regional and international trade.
Among its principal landmarks are Nassif House, Bab Makkah and Bait Al-Sharbatly, which provide an insight into the city's architectural heritage and social history.
The Red Sea Museum, located in the historic Bab Al-Bunt building, examines the region’s maritime history and the role of the Red Sea in trade and cultural exchange. The Tariq Abdulhakim Museum presents Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage and the contribution of one of the Kingdom’s prominent composers.
Traditional markets remain part of the district’s commercial and cultural life. Souq Al Alawi, one of Jeddah’s historic marketplaces, offers handicrafts, local products and traditional foods.
Cultural spaces, including Zawiya 97, also host exhibitions and activities devoted to traditional crafts, supporting efforts to preserve local skills and introduce them to younger generations.
The district’s inclusion in the Saudi Winter campaign comes amid continuing restoration and conservation work led by the Ministry of Culture to protect its historic buildings and strengthen its position as a cultural tourism destination.
Historic Jeddah was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, recognising its architectural significance and its historical role in trade and pilgrimage routes across the Red Sea.
The area’s mild winter climate makes it a destination for visitors exploring Jeddah’s historic centre, where heritage sites, cultural institutions and traditional commerce remain concentrated within the old city.
Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
