Jeddah Historic District, ‘Al Balad’ Launches First Three Heritage Hotels with UNESCO World Heritage Status
Three historic properties have opened their doors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH - Jeddah Historic District today launches the restoration and regeneration of three historic properties in Al Balad into heritage hotels, an area of great historical and cultural significance on the West Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with UNESCO heritage protection. The hotels are part of Jeddah Historic District Program, under the Ministry of Culture, which has paved the way in the regeneration of the old town of Al Balad. Named House of Jokhdar, Kedwan and Al Rayess, each hotel has been carefully reinvigorated with the work of historians and the knowledge of locals, utilising local artists, carpenters and architects as well as locally sourced products. The three properties thoughtfully reflect their original layout and design whilst offering luxurious and effortlessly chic modernity.
Beit Jokhdar
Comprising of nine light and airy rooms and suites, including the Royal Suite, Dar Neem Suite and Deluxe Suite, the unique hotel has been thoughtfully designed to provide a haven of tranquillity amid the vibrant bustling streets of Al Balad. The luxury hotel has a stunning roof terrace for guests’ exclusive use, with stunning views of the historic centre.
Beit Al Rayess
With six suites and rooms, Beit Al Rayess’ grandeur is evoked through its impressively high ceilings. Matching its surroundings, the heritage hotel focuses on bridging the gap between old and new, tradition and luxury. Whilst evoking tradition, the amenities and facilities provide modern comforts for guests to feel at home during their stay.
Beit Kedwan
A blend of heritage and contemporary, Beit Kedwan can be hired in its entirety, boasting two guestrooms alongside multiple living spaces where traditional Arabian design merges with modern comfort. Beit Kedwan also has an exclusive rooftop terrace for guest use, offering an enclosed space with views of the Arabian skyline where visitors can enjoy their meals.
Each property offers a set menu for both lunch and breakfast at one centralised restaurant for all three properties, where locals and visitors can also enjoy the delicious local flavours.
All guests of the properties will be enveloped in the heritage and history of the area, greeted with coffee and rose-infused tea upon arrival and given the opportunity to personalise their visit ahead of time. Everything from the chocolates in their airport transfer to the scent of incense in their room is personalised, offering guests a home away from home.
The properties are part of a wider restoration of a collection of heritage properties and represent the first 17 keys to open of a further 165 keys that will belong to 34 heritage properties that will open by 2027.
Getting there
Visitors can fly direct to Jeddah from London Gatwick in 5 hours and 50 minutes with Saudia. All guests are also offered complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure waiting in their room.
Room rates across the properties begin at 2,200 SAR (approx. £463) per night, excluding breakfast. Beit Kedwan rates begin from 8,400 SAR (approx. £1,760) per night.
About Jeddah Historic District (Al Balad)
Located at the mid-point of Saudi Arabia’s western coastline, Al Balad (‘the city’ in Arabic) is Jeddah’s historic heart, and a destination uniquely characterised by the Red Sea it borders. For hundreds of years a gateway for traders heading to market and pilgrims from around the world on their journey to Mecca, it’s a window into the Kingdom’s past – as well as being integral to its future.
About Jeddah Historic District Program
Jeddah Historic District Program, established in 2018 under the Saudi Ministry of Culture, is on a mission to restore Al-Balad, the city's restoration historic district. This ambitious undertaking aims to transform the area into a vibrant, integrated urban and cultural centre, while carefully preserving its rich heritage and fostering economic and community prosperity. The program operates under a holistic philosophy, balancing the protection of cultural and architectural treasures with the enhancement of community life and economic activity. A key objective is to cultivate Al-Balad as a thriving hub for business and cultural initiatives, attracting entrepreneurs and creative minds. This mission aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030 contributing to its goals for diversification and cultural development. The program strives to project the historic and cultural essence of Jeddah’s Historic District, positioning it as a global exemplar for heritage city restoration. The area's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 emphasizes its exceptional value and the imperative to safeguard its legacy.
The Ministry of Culture is responsible for the Kingdom’s cultural scene on a local and international scale, and it is keen to preserve the Kingdom’s historical heritage while striving to build a prosperous cultural future in which various kinds of culture and arts flourish.
The Ministry has a crucial role to play in delivering Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation program, Vision 2030. Its goal is to contribute to building a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
Its aim is to provide an authentic experience, build a vibrant and creative community and establish Jeddah Historical District as an economic centre and a global historical destination inspired by Jeddah’s ancient heritage and diverse culture, under the support of the Ministry of Culture. The establishment of the company follows the directive of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to develop historic Jeddah, which began in 2019.
About Albalad Hospitality
Al Balad Development Company (BDC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has launched Albalad Hospitality with the primary aim of delivering authentic hospitality experiences within Al Balad.
This strategic initiative is in line with the overarching objective of transforming Al Balad into a global, historical, and cultural destination on the tourism map.
The launch of Albalad Hospitality underscores a commitment to offering guests a comprehensive hospitality infrastructure and experience in Al Balad ranging from hostels to three new, premium heritage hotels situated the heart of Al Baladاقرأ المزيد
Emphasising the cultural richness of the area, Al Balad Hospitality Collection will endeavour to protect and promote authenticity, providing local luxury products, promoting exploration, and upholding traditional hospitality etiquette to preserve the region's heritage.
