A Digital Gateway to an Ancient City
In a pioneering move to showcase its cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia has launched a comprehensive digital platform for Historic Jeddah in collaboration with Google Arts & Culture. This initiative, a first for the Kingdom, transforms the UNESCO World Heritage site into a global virtual destination, aligning with the modernizing goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The project leverages immersive technology to preserve and promote the city’s unique history, making it accessible to an international audience of tourists, researchers, and history enthusiasts.
Blending Technology with Heritage
The new platform offers a range of innovative features designed for in-depth exploration. Users can embark on virtual tours of key landmarks, such as the Beit Jokhdar Hotel and Bayt Nassif, and navigate the historic district through AI-powered walking tours. Over thirty detailed narratives provide context, revealing the stories embedded in Jeddah’s ancient streets. This digital effort ensures that the architectural and cultural significance of the city, long considered the gateway to Mecca, is not only preserved but dynamically presented to the world.
A Pillar of Vision 2030
This collaboration is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader national strategy. Vision 2030 emphasizes cultural preservation and global connectivity as key drivers for the nation’s future. By digitizing Historic Jeddah, the Ministry of Culture is effectively expanding the nation’s cultural influence and integrating it into the global tourism ecosystem. The project moves beyond simple preservation, aiming to actively attract digital visitors and foster a greater international appreciation for Saudi heritage.
Reshaping Global Cultural Tourism
The initiative represents a significant step in reshaping how cultural heritage is conserved and shared. By utilizing cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence and interactive storytelling, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that a new generation can engage with its history. Historic Jeddah, with its blend of Hejazi architecture and rich history as a trading crossroads, is now poised to thrive in the digital age, cementing its status as a must-experience destination for global citizens.
