Jeddah’s Cultural Renaissance Captivates Global Audience at London’s World Travel Market

Jeddah – Historic Jeddah, known as Al-Balad, is captivating visitors at the World Travel Market in London, one of the world’s most prestigious tourism industry events taking place from November 4 to 6, 2025.

The district’s participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to showcasing its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and growing tourism potential on the global stage.

Through immersive exhibits, innovative digital experiences, and creative storytelling, Historic Jeddah is positioning itself as a symbol of the Kingdom’s cultural revival and sustainable tourism transformation under Vision 2030.

This year’s showcase continues Jeddah’s presence at the global travel event, reinforcing its reputation as a leading cultural and historical destination.

The exhibition highlights the ongoing revival of Al-Balad as a living museum of Saudi heritage and innovation. The district is unveiling a series of new tourism products and interactive experiences that blend history, art, and technology, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of Jeddah’s role as the gateway to Makkah and Madinah.

Among the highlights is the new Historic Pilgrimage Route, a guided experience that connects ten archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.

This route retraces Jeddah’s legacy as the entry point for millions of pilgrims over centuries, providing insight into the city’s cultural and spiritual importance.

Visitors can also engage with digital displays that bring to life archaeological discoveries through QR codes, allowing them to explore historical narratives, architectural designs, and rare artifacts with modern technological ease.

In addition, special tourism packages are being promoted for the upcoming teamLab Borderless Museum, which combines modern digital art with Jeddah’s deep cultural roots.

This innovative museum represents the intersection of art and heritage, where light, sound, and motion tell stories inspired by the region’s traditions.

Complementing this, Historic Jeddah’s dedicated page on Google Arts and Culture offers global audiences the opportunity to take virtual tours of its landmarks, showcasing the city’s timeless charm to millions of online viewers.

The participation of Historic Jeddah in the London event underscores the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to strengthen the district’s international profile.

More than 40,000 tourism professionals and cultural experts attended last year’s exhibition, making it an ideal platform to highlight Jeddah’s transformation.

The initiative is part of a broader strategic development project launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which focuses on reviving and preserving the historic heart of the city.

This ambitious project aligns with the Vision 2030 objectives that seek to protect Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage while expanding its cultural and tourism sectors.

By merging traditional identity with modern infrastructure, the program aims to make history a key driver of sustainable economic development.

The revitalization of Al-Balad also contributes to cultural tourism, job creation, and community engagement, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a top global destination for heritage and leisure.

Located along the Red Sea coast, Historic Jeddah is one of the oldest urban settlements in the region, with a legacy that spans centuries of trade, pilgrimage, and cross-cultural exchange.

Its distinct Hijazi architecture — featuring coral-stone buildings, intricately designed wooden rawasheen, and vibrant souqs — reflects a unique aesthetic that continues to inspire architects and travelers alike.

In recognition of its global importance, Al-Balad was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The Jeddah Historic District Program, established by the Ministry of Culture in 2018, continues to drive restoration projects, enhance public spaces, and introduce cultural events that celebrate the area’s living heritage.

Through a balance of preservation and innovation, the initiative is breathing new life into old streets, transforming Al-Balad into a hub for art, creativity, and cultural exchange.

As Jeddah shines at the London World Travel Market, its story stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation — where history, modernity, and sustainability come together to define a new era of cultural tourism.

The city’s revival not only honors its past but also positions it as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and global connectivity.