Saudi Arabia’s crown prince orders multi-million dollar restoration of historical buildings in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered the restoration of 56 buildings of historic important in Jeddah, the first stage of which will be worth SAR50 million ($13.3 million), Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The buildings have “rich architectural elements” and are an important part of Jeddah's historical heritage, the report said.

The crown prince's support comes from his desire to "preserve, revive, rehabilitate" and save sites of cultural value from any threats that may lead to their demise, as stipulated by UNESCO, in order to register Jeddah as a World Heritage site, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Prince Mohammed's keen interest in the Kingdom's historic buildings, in addition to the emphasis that reflects King Salman's attention, is to ensure that they remain in excellent condition and continue to serve as a solid witnesses to Saudi Arabia'a cultural depth.

The crown prince's directives stated that the renovation project should be national, under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, to establish teams to restore work among Saudi youth, under the supervision of technicians with experience in historical buildings.

This is to be implemented in accordance with the design of the distinctive architectural heritage of Historic Jeddah and its unique architectural elements, according to the statement.

Some of the buildings are houses more than 500-years-old, and archaeological monuments owned by Jeddah families.

The Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan stressed that the ministry is working hard to develop Saudi culture in all its material and moral dimensions. 

"Saudi Arabia's historical buildings will receive special attention from the Ministry of Culture to ensure that they remain in excellent condition and remain as solid proof of the cultural depth of the Kingdom," he said.