Abdullah Al Rushud

JEDDAH: Even before becoming the port of Mecca in 647 AD, the Al Balad area (historic district of Jeddah) was built near an attractive coastal region, and over the years it has become a bustling hub for people from a wide variety of cultures.

In the Jeddah Al Barad District, there are 8 gates known from historical tales, and the most famous of these was built in the early 40s, in the Saudi Arabia area.

“Bab Jadid” is located on the East side, is considered the last gate of this castle wall, and there is eastern market fortress and bridge “Bab Mecca,” which faces the Bedouin market that follows it. There is also the large popular market of “Bab Sharif,” which is commonly used by people from the alleys to the south for picnics and visiting outdoors markets like “Haraj al-Asr.”

The city is famous for houses constructed intricately from Red Sea Coral, and you will see these as you enter the city. They have colorful Rawashin balconies attached to them known as Mashrabiya.

Rawashin is the plural form of Roshan and derives from a Persian word (Rosen/balcony). This refers to a high window that allows in a large amount of light, and, as Jeddah is basically a hot area, it has also been used for cooling water.

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia launched a new program aimed at teaching the necessary hospitality skills to 100,000 young citizens that would allow them to pursue careers in the thriving tourism industry. Jeddah City, including the international tourist base of Al Balad, is welcoming in tourists from a wide range of countries.