Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, visited the heritage festival in the old quarters of historic Jeddah Friday night. "His Royal Highness gave an address to the visitors and people of Old Jeddah. Old Jeddah is at the heart of Jeddah and it also lies in the hearts of every Saudi. The UNESCO's World Heritage has undergone renovation to ensure that the historical architecture is preserved but safe for people to visit," said a source. The source said the prince highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the significance of historical places and their contribution to national tourism. The festival, known as Ramadanana Kida (Our Ramdan was like this), started on the third day of Ramadan and will run until the 19th. During the visit, Prince Sultan announced that the authorities have begun the construction of Haj Road project with a budget of SR70 million. Speaking about the restoration of buildings in Balad, he affirmed the importance of development of heritage sites "in order to reflect the history and grandeur of our homeland". He cited the existing cooperation between the commission and Jeddah Municipality to renovate the historic buildings in Jeddah. "There are around 1,000 requests for full or partial restoration licenses, with many families paying greater attention to their old houses. We show due respect to the place in order to restore respect to its people," Prince Sultan said. He made it clear that no one can encroach on the property because it is a national treasure and not owned by any official body, whether Jeddah Municipality or the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. Prince Sultan on Friday visited a market dedicated to members of Productive Families and entrepreneurs. The market is located south of Al-Juffali Mosque by Al-Arbaeen Lake, said the source. He said the market contains around 300 kiosks enabling members of Productive Families and entrepreneurs to showcase their brands. "The prince visited the house of the commission in Old Jeddah and Zainal's House. He also visited Al-Sham Alley and its gate. He was able to watch a number of activities and programs in that area, including the Banajah Circle, which offers training programs in various traditional crafts all year round," said the source. The prince met and greeted many shop owners, performers and visitors of the festival. "He stopped for pictures and was very impressed with the organization and planning of the festival. He was also glad to see a great number of people queuing up to enter the festival venue," said the source.
