DIRIYAH — The Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture has designated JAX District as an Industrial Heritage Site. This recognition is part of the Industrial Heritage Preservation Program aimed at protecting and celebrating locations of historical industrial significance throughout Saudi Arabia. JAX District, notable for its unique industrial architecture, now joins other significant sites across the Kingdom that highlight the evolution of industry and its impact on society. This designation not only honors JAX District's historical role as a center for large-scale industrial projects but also emphasizes its transformation into a cultural landmark that seamlessly integrates historical preservation with contemporary activations. Originally constructed in the 1970s and named after the company that built the site, JAX consists of an assembly of large warehouses that once formed a bustling industrial hub in the Riyadh region. In the mid-2000s, as commercial tenants began to vacate, the district took on a new life. Graffiti artists and young creators turned the abandoned warehouses into canvases and studios, leading to a vibrant transformation. Today, JAX District is a thriving community that fosters creative production and displays it prominently. It hosts a variety of cultural events such as the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, XP MDLBEAST Music Futures, Hia Hub, and Noor Riyadh. Additionally, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA), the first contemporary art museum in the Kingdom, serves as a key attraction within the district, further cementing JAX's role as a hub for both preserving heritage and nurturing modern creativity.
