The first three heritage hotels in Jeddah's Historic District have finally opened after much anticipation and careful restoration.
These hotels, namely Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al-Rayes, and Beit Kedwan, have been meticulously restored in accordance with guidelines from UNESCO, which awarded as Al Balad, Jeddah Historic District, as World Heritage Site in 2014.
These hotels proudly display the exceptional architecture and craftsmanship of historic Jeddah and offer best local Saudi cuisine at their restaurants with starting price of 5000 SAR per night. These new Al Balad hotels are great addition to the growing number of luxury Jeddah Hotels.
Al Balad: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Jeddah Historic District, also known as Al Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved traditional architecture and bustling souks. The district is a historic area celebrated for its traditional charm, winding alleys, welcoming locals, and offers visitors a window into the city's deep-rooted traditions and cultural legacy.
Unveiling The Heritage Hotels
Beit Jokhdar Hotel
Beit Jokhdar stands out among the three heritage hotels, known for its expansive wooden balconies, which are among the largest in the region.
This boutique hotel, with just nine rooms and suites, offers a modern twist on traditional design while preserving the aesthetic of historic Jeddah. Distinctive elements like plaster decorations, arches, and stained glass are showcased, contributing to the hotel's charm.
Beit Al-Rayes Hotel
Beit Al-Rayess, another newly opened heritage hotel, is characterized by its captivating interior design.
The rooms overlook a charming courtyard enveloped by columns decorated with stone arches. The hotel offers a modern luxury experience while maintaining the traditional architectural design of the building.
Beit Kedwan Hotel
Situated strategically near Naseef Square in the Al-Alawi Market, Beit Kedwan is the third heritage hotel.
Known for its unique historical significance, the hotel stands out with its wooden rawasheen (large, protruding windows) and mashrabiyyas (windows or balconies enclosed with carved wood latticework usually found on the upper floors of a building).
A Blend of History, Art, and Modern Hospitality
These heritage hotels, managed by Al Balad Development Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, promise an authentic hospitality experience deeply rooted in the region's culture.
The hotels also house restaurants that offer the finest local Saudi cuisine, allowing guests to taste the local flavors while immersing themselves in the rich history and architecture of the district. The prices for rooms start from 5000 SAR per night.
Cultural Preservation with Heritage Hotels
The opening of these heritage hotels marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage. The Jeddah Historic District Program, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, has meticulously restored these hotels, adhering to the highest global standards and UNESCO guidelines.
The restoration aimed to maintain the buildings' original charm while offering the most luxuriously appointed rooms.
Jeddah’s Al Balad: A Premier Destination
The Jeddah Historic District, with its rich history, cultural significance, and commitment to preserving heritage, is poised to become a preferred destination for visitors from across the globe.
The restoration of these heritage hotels not only enhances the tourism appeal of the district but also contributes to the ongoing revitalization efforts, ensuring that the spirit of Jeddah’s past remains vibrant for generations to come.
This initiative showcases the district's rich history and emphasizes the community's commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural identity.
Promoting Saudi’s Heritage
The inauguration of these heritage hotels in Jeddah's Historic District is a significant step towards preserving and promoting the rich Saudi Arabian heritage. It provides an immersive cultural experience to visitors while contributing to the ongoing revitalization efforts in the area.
These heritage hotels in Jeddah, combined with the lively Jeddah hotels and the finest dining options available at Jeddah restaurants, provide a unique experience that honors the abundant cultural heritage of this captivating destination, integrating history, art, and contemporary hospitality.
As Jeddah's Historic District continues to evolve, it is set to become a global attraction, uniquely bringing the past and present together.
Jeddah: A Popular Tourist Destination
Jeddah Corniche
The New Jeddah Corniche, located along the Red Sea in Jeddah, covers 30 kilometers and is one of the most popular places to visit in Jeddah. It features a coastal road, relaxation areas, various sculptures, and the famous King Fahad's Fountain, acknowledged as the tallest fountain globally.
Additionally, the Jeddah Corniche offers the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit, scheduled to host the annual Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 from March 7th to March 9th, 2024. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the world's longest and fastest Formula 1 street circuit.
Jeddah Yacht Club
The Jeddah Yacht and Marina Club caters to everyone who is passionate about boating and sailing. Whether you are a seasoned yacht owner, a beginner embracing the sea, or a tourist, the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina offers the ideal setting for your maritime interests.
Launched in March 2022, the newly established Jeddah Yacht Club is a pioneering facility along the Red Sea Coast. Boasting a capacity exceeding 100 yachts and superyachts, it extends customs and immigration services to all incoming boats in the region.
Jeddah Yacht Club is open to the public and is home to some of the best fine dining in Jeddah Yacht Club restaurants. You can also find a great variety of Jeddah Restaurants across the whole city.
Upcoming Developments in Jeddah
Jeddah Central Destination
The Jeddah Central Development Company has marked a significant milestone in elevating Jeddah into a premier global tourist destination.
With the recent announcement of $3.2 billion in contracts for Phase One of the Jeddah Central project, this ambitious development spans over 5.7 million square kilometers.
It features a state-of-the-art stadium, an oceanarium, luxurious beach resorts, 2,700 hotel rooms, shopping centers, dining options, and 17,000 housing units.
The strategic positioning of Jeddah along the Red Sea and its proximity to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah underscores the ideal setting for the PIF-owned developer to metamorphose the $20 billion Jeddah Central project into a year-round tourist destination.
MARAFY Waterfront Project
ROSHN, a real estate firm owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has recently commenced the MARAFY Waterfront project in Jeddah by laying the foundation stone.
The highly anticipated MARAFY development will feature an 11km artificial canal, establishing a direct connection to the Red Sea.
The waterside districts within MARAFY are anticipated to be seamlessly interconnected, providing convenient access to one another and the wider Jeddah community through modes such as water taxis, ferries, and a dedicated metro station.
Furthermore, there are intentions to establish a direct canal link from MARAFY to King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Jeddah Tower
Jeddah Tower, currently under construction in Saudi Arabia, is set to resume its construction, targeting a height surpassing 1,000 meters and outshining the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, this skyscraper is a feat in engineering and an aesthetic marvel.
Its sleek, glass-clad exterior and uniquely sloped façade draw inspiration from the gracefully folded fronts of desert palm trees, promising to redefine the skyline with its impressive design and unprecedented height.
Keep Reading: Jeddah Historic District Program and Al Balad Development Company Partner to Open Heritage Hotels
