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JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has unveiled a series of landmark achievements in the revitalization of Historic Jeddah, illustrating continued progress under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Launched in 2021, the project plays a key role in the national strategy to preserve the Kingdom’s heritage and enhance its cultural landscape, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

In 2024, the ministry successfully restored 27 historic buildings, rehabilitated an additional 10 structures, and supported the stabilization of 39 others, fortifying the district’s unique architectural identity.

As part of broader adaptive reuse efforts, the first three heritage hotels opened their doors, delivering luxury experiences steeped in authenticity. This is the beginning of an initiative to transform 34 heritage buildings into boutique accommodations that merge cultural heritage with modern hospitality.

Important archaeological findings further enriched Jeddah’s historical narrative. Excavations at the Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed Ceylonese wooden fragments on mihrab pillars dating back to the 1st century AH (7th century CE).

Also, the discovery of a 13th-century pottery shard reaffirmed Jeddah’s long-standing status as a pivotal maritime and commercial hub linking the Islamic world to the Far East.

In a milestone of urban regeneration, the ministry completed Phase I of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon waterfront project, which included the removal of obstructive infrastructure to reconnect the sea with the historic Al-Bunt Port.

In parallel, 90,000 sq. meters of green space were developed, significantly enhancing the environmental and visual quality of the district. To enhance operational readiness, 110 pieces of equipment were used to service a six-sq. kilometer area.

Historic Jeddah is also going through a surge in cultural engagement. The Red Sea International Film Festival was hosted at Culture Square for the first time, attracting local and international audiences.

Simultaneously, the ministry inaugurated the teamLab Borderless Jeddah museum, spanning 10,000 sq. meters, and launched a Performing Arts and Cinema Centre, offering immersive experiences that bridge traditional heritage with contemporary expression.

A significant step in skills development was marked by the opening of the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, which promotes local craftsmanship and empowers Saudi youth to participate in cultural restoration. To integrate leisure with heritage, the ministry introduced Irth, a concept store and cafe that blends cultural offerings with a modern hospitality experience.

In support of long-term sustainability, the ministry signed six strategic agreements aimed at bolstering investment and enhancing cultural infrastructure. A dedicated digital tourism platform was also launched to provide comprehensive access to landmarks, events, and visitor services in the district.

In 2024, more than 140 educational trips were organized, engaging 2,100 students in immersive cultural experiences. To enrich visitor journeys, 500,000 copies of the official visitor map were distributed. These efforts contributed to a record-breaking 5.7 million visitors to Historic Jeddah over the year, including 2.5 million during Ramadan.

As part of the Historic Jeddah Master Plan, the Ministry of Culture is committed to restoration, infrastructure enhancement, and improving livability. These endeavors aim to position the district as a global destination for cultural tourism and creative industries, reflecting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and celebrating the Kingdom’s enduring cultural legacy.

RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry on Tuesday welcomed a joint statement by 28 countries stating the war in Gaza ‘must end now.’

“We reiterate our categorical rejection of the practices of the Israeli occupation authorities and their inhumane methodology of blocking aid and targeting civilians seeking it,” the statement said. 

| ترحب المملكة العربية السعودية بالبيان الصادر عن ٢٦ من الشركاء الدوليين، طالبوا بإنهاء الحرب على قطاع غزة بشكل فوري ورفع كافة القيود عن المساعدات الإنسانية وسرعة إيصالها بشكل آمن لسكان القطاع، وعبروا فيه عن رفض تغيير التركيبة السكانية في الأراضي المحتلة وتوسيع الاستيطان.

— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA)

The foreign ministers of 28 countries, including the UK, Australia and Canada, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.”

They condemned “the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”

The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the UN human rights office.

“The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” the countries said. “The Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the statement, saying it was “disconnected from reality and sends the wrong message to Hamas.” It accused Hamas of prolonging the war by refusing to accept an Israeli-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release.

(with AP)