Jeddah cycling group combines fitness with tourism
Cycling has a special place in the hearts of Jeddah residents and it is becoming a popular tourism activity, says Jeddah Wheels founder
Updated 14 October 2020
DEEMA AL-KHUDAIR
JEDDAH: A Saudi cycling group marked Malaysia’s National Sports Month with a tour around Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district.
Jeddah Wheels teamed up for Sunday’s event with Malaysia’s consulate in the city. The cycling group was established in 2015 and founded by Hassan Ghandoura, 52.
“What makes us different from other cycling groups is that we are a recreational sports tourism team and also a charitable group,” he told Arab News. “Our goal is to use the bicycle in all our daily outings. In terms of tourism, we can use it to enter historic places, all of Jeddah’s alleys and districts, and showcase all of Jeddah’s old landmarks.
“Of course, it has its health and fitness benefits too.”
Ghandoura said the group wanted to participate in Malaysia’s celebration of sport with representatives from the consulate.
Jeddah Wheels has 1,000 members and had 35 participants at Sunday’s activity. They were split up in line with the COVID-19 pandemic precautions set by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health.
Ghandoura said that cycling had a special place in the hearts of Jeddah residents and that it was becoming a popular tourism activity.
“Jeddah, with its enchanting corniche and its beautiful tourist destinations, has gained many cyclist groups of all ages and both sexes. This sport has a special place for Jeddawis.”
He thanked the traffic department and policemen for their cooperation.
Makkah’s urban shift enhances city’s quality of life
By harmonizing religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah proves that a city can honor its past while embracing the future
Updated 18 min 25 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is at present witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle.
By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — more than 60 percent of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35 per cent increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SR3 million ($800,269) in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities such as the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have featured a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million visitors a year. This cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18 percent.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes the soul and the community.
