JEDDAH: Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is taking part in the World Travel Market in London, one of the world’s premier tourism industry events that runs from Nov. 4 to 6.
This year’s participation builds on its continuing presence at the exhibition, underscoring the district’s rise as a global cultural and tourism destination.
At the event, Historic Jeddah is unveiling new tourism products and interactive experiences that reflect its growing visitor attractions.
Highlights include diverse guided routes such as the Historic Pilgrimage Route, which traces Jeddah’s role as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and connects 10 archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.
Visitors can also explore digital displays of archaeological discoveries via QR codes that reveal the history behind sites, architecture, and rare artifacts — blending knowledge, heritage, and technology.
Special tourism packages for the teamLab Borderless Museum offer a fusion of modern digital art and the district’s rich heritage. Additionally, Historic Jeddah’s page on Google Arts and Culture allows global audiences to experience virtual tours of its landmarks and cultural treasures.
Through this global platform — which drew more than 40,000 industry specialists last year — the ministry of culture aims to strengthen Historic Jeddah’s international presence and highlight its revival under the strategic development project launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The initiative supports Vision 2030 objectives by preserving Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage, growing its cultural and tourism sectors, and turning history into a driver of sustainable economic development.
Located in the heart of Jeddah, Al-Balad is one of the oldest settlements on the Red Sea coast. For centuries it served as a hub for pilgrims and traders, its distinct Hijazi architecture — wooden rawasheen, coral-stone buildings, and traditional souqs — earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
The Jeddah Historic District Program, launched by the ministry of culture in 2018, continues to revive the area’s architectural and cultural vitality through restoration, public space upgrades, and new cultural activities.
