Al-Balad, Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
Wordmark
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location within Saudi Arabia
General information
Town or city	Jeddah, Makkah Region
Country	Saudi Arabia
Coordinates	21°29′N 39°11′E / 21.483°N 39.183°E / 21.483; 39.183
Website
Official Website
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iv, vi
Designated	2014 (38th session)
Reference no.	1361
Region	the Arab States

Al-Balad (Arabic: البلد), also known as Jeddah Historic District (Arabic: جدة التاريخية), is the historical area of Jeddah, the second largest city of Saudi Arabia. Al-Balad can literally be translated to "The Town".^[1] Al-Balad is the historic center of the City of Jeddah.^[2]

Traditional Hijazi houses are characterized by their wooden Roshan (Arabic: روشان) windows and balconies, which are similar to the Mashrabiya found in Egypt, Iraq and other countries, and to the Gallarija found in Malta (which is a descendant of the Muxrabija).

In May 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a multi-billion dollar restoration of 56 historical building in Al-Balad. The first stage of the restoration is worth $13.3 million.^[3]

In October 2023 and in line with Saudi Vision 2030, The Saudi Public Investment Fund announced Al Balad Development Company, which aims to transform Historic Jeddah into a global tourist destination.^[4]