• Visitors are taken on a tour of Jeddah's Al Balad district in Saudi Arabia. All photos: Reuters
    Visitors are taken on a tour of Jeddah's Al Balad district in Saudi Arabia. All photos: Reuters
  • The district was founded in the seventh century and was once the beating heart of Saudi Arabia's second-largest city
    The district was founded in the seventh century and was once the beating heart of Saudi Arabia's second-largest city
  • A man reads the news on his smartphone in one of the old houses in Al Balad district
    A man reads the news on his smartphone in one of the old houses in Al Balad district
  • The district is famous for its traditional buildings, which were constructed with coral-stone and decorated with intricate latticed windows
    The district is famous for its traditional buildings, which were constructed with coral-stone and decorated with intricate latticed windows
  • Al Balad put Jeddah on the map as an ancient trading port and the primary gateway to Makkah
    Al Balad put Jeddah on the map as an ancient trading port and the primary gateway to Makkah
  • The district's Al Dahab Street was once the only way for pilgrims to reach Makkah
    The district's Al Dahab Street was once the only way for pilgrims to reach Makkah
  • Saudis take tea in Al Balad district
    Saudis take tea in Al Balad district
  • Al Balad's fascinating rabbit warren of streets are more easily navigated when you know what you are looking for
    Al Balad's fascinating rabbit warren of streets are more easily navigated when you know what you are looking for
  • The district is home to Bait Nassif, one of Al Balad's most important buildings
    The district is home to Bait Nassif, one of Al Balad's most important buildings
  • Bait Nassif is where King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, stayed for three years when he was in Jeddah
    Bait Nassif is where King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, stayed for three years when he was in Jeddah

Gulf

The historic district of Al Balad in Jeddah — in pictures

The area is famous for its traditional buildings

The National

March 20, 2023

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Updated: March 20, 2023, 8:35 AM
Saudi Arabia