AlBalad

Al Balad, also written Al-Balad and commonly known as the historic center of Jeddah, is a district in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Located in the city’s core along the Red Sea coast, it preserves a late medieval to early modern urban fabric that contrasts with the surrounding contemporary metropolis.

Historically, Al Balad developed as a coastal commercial hub and gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. From the 7th century onward it served as a bustling port where merchants from Africa, Asia, and the Levant conducted trade. The neighborhood remained a focal point of social and economic life through the 19th and early 20th centuries, until rapid modernization reshaped the city.

Architecturally, Al Balad is renowned for its traditional coral-reef masonry houses, lime plaster, and intricate mashrabiyas (wooden latticework). Narrow alleys, wind towers, and mosques intersperse with markets and old souks, such as the historic Souq Al Alawi in the area. Notable landmarks include the Gate of Makkah (Bab Makkah) and the Nasseef House, a 19th‑century merchant residence that now hosts a museum and cultural exhibits.

In 2014, the Historic Centre of Jeddah, including Al Balad, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its historical urban landscape and architectural heritage. Today, the district remains a living neighborhood that attracts visitors while facing conservation challenges and ongoing efforts to balance preservation with modernization and economic activity.