Explore Historic Jeddah on Google Arts & Culture

Editor’s note: For the launch of the first Google Arts & Culture collaboration in Saudi Arabia celebrating the partnership with Jeddah Historic District, we invited Abdulaziz Alissa, Director General of Jeddah Historic District, to introduce Historic Jeddah to a global audience.

Whenever I walk the lively alleys of Historic Jeddah, I am reminded that here, history does not sleep. The district is a living canvas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014: sun-soaked coral-stone houses, rawasheen watched over by centuries, and the everyday melody of vendors in Historic Jeddah’s markets. This is the heart of Jeddah, a crossroads where countless cultures have converged throughout the history of the Kingdom. Through our first collaboration with Google Arts & Culture, we invite the world to Explore Historic Jeddah virtually. This collaboration marks a significant moment for both preservation and innovative technology to support culture in Saudi Arabia.

Wander Our Historic Alleys with Street View Captures

For the very first time, the intricate beauty of Historic Jeddah's ancient streets and stunning architecture is accessible globally through Street View captures. Google Arts & Culture has digitized more than 10 iconic sites and landmarks, as well as more than 15 kilometers of external 360 imagery, offering an unprecedented opportunity for close-up, ground-level, and even bird's-eye views. Now you can virtually navigate through the same historical path taken by pilgrims on their way to Hajj, or Pilgrimage, for decades, discover mosques dating back to the 17th century, and step into living rooms that pay homage to generations past.

Listen to AI-powered storytelling

Every corner of Historic Jeddah has a story to tell, and now, with AI-powered Talking Tours you can use the power of artificial intelligence to learn more about the cultural landmarks. As you move through the virtual streets, AI provides context-rich commentary, detailing the history of some of Historic Jeddah’s craft practices, the significance of the architecture, and the role Historic Jeddah played in global trade and pilgrimage.

Travel through time with a bespoke Pocket Gallery

History in Historic Jeddah is a vibrant tapestry, where the threads of time weave through living narratives, breathing life into every era. Our bespoke Pocket Gallery Restoring History: Historic Jeddah’s Regeneration unveils rare archival photographs alongside contemporary images, allowing you to witness the remarkable transformation of the city, as well as the restoration efforts. With 10 new archival photos, as well as before and after restoration photos, you can deepen your appreciation for Jeddah’s history and our regeneration program.

Once you’ve had a chance to fully explore the beauty of Historic Jeddah, bring the whole family in on the fun and test your skills with a Puzzle Party where you can reconstruct images of iconic buildings and locations across the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uncover Historic Jeddah’s countless stories, experience its vibrant culture, and immerse yourself in our unique blend of heritage and innovation at goo.gle/historicjeddah on Google Arts & Culture, and on Visit Al Balad.