��������

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 ��������’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.

JAZAN: Young tour guides in Jazan embody the spirit of the region, with their passion and curiosity evident as they guide visitors through the sea, mountains, and plains.

Their efforts are helping highlight the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage and its prominence as one of the Kingdom’s premier tourist destinations.

The tour guiding profession in Jazan is gaining momentum, driven by growing awareness and a focus on training national talent.

Specialized programs in tourism, hospitality, and heritage have prepared a new generation of qualified guides who blend knowledge with hands-on experience, offering visitors an experience marked by both professionalism and genuine enthusiasm.

On sea tours, guides immerse visitors in the region’s history and maritime charm, where ancient stone architecture adorned with inscriptions embraces the azure waters and tranquil harbors, telling the story of Jazan and its people.

Mountain excursions take visitors past agricultural terraces, coffee plantations, and waterfalls, revealing another dimension of the region’s natural beauty and serene landscapes.

Rural tours across the Tihama plains showcase the warmth of the land and its harvest seasons, capturing the authentic spirit of southern life.

Today, young guides are a cornerstone of tourism development in Jazan. They are the face through which visitors experience the region’s beauty and the voice that conveys its story to the world, perfectly embodying the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes human-centered development and positions tourism as a bridge for cultural exchange.