Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – November 12, 2026

The Historic Jeddah Program, affiliated with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture, was honored during the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026 for contributing to the content design of the exhibition's main entrance at the Jeddah Superdome.

The design drew inspiration from the historic Bab Al-Bunt Port, reflecting Jeddah's longstanding role as a maritime gateway for pilgrims traveling to Makkah.

The conference was held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program.

A Design Inspired by Jeddah's Pilgrimage Heritage

The exhibition entrance incorporated architectural references to the historic Bab Al-Bunt Port, which once served as an important arrival point for pilgrims traveling by sea.

The design highlighted Historic Jeddah's architectural identity and its significance as a gateway connecting international pilgrims with the holy city of Makkah.

By drawing on this heritage, the exhibition brought a cultural dimension to an event focused on the future of Hajj services.

Bandar Naqro Accepts Recognition

Bandar Mohammed Naqro, Director General of the Tourism Destination Management and Marketing Office, accepted the recognition on behalf of the Historic Jeddah Program.

The honor acknowledged the program's contribution to presenting Jeddah's historical identity through the exhibition's entrance design.

Historic Jeddah's UNESCO Heritage Status

Historic Jeddah was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance.

The district reflects centuries of commercial and cultural exchange, as well as Jeddah's historical relationship with pilgrims arriving from different parts of the world.

Preserving Heritage Through Revitalization

The recognition also reflects the Ministry of Culture's work through the Historic Jeddah Revitalization Project, which aims to preserve tangible and intangible heritage, protect the area's architectural identity, and promote its cultural value.

The project supports efforts to strengthen Historic Jeddah's position as a cultural and tourism destination.

Connecting Cultural Heritage with Modern Hajj Services

The sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition brought together local and international organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Its specialized sessions explored technology, logistics, operational readiness, and service improvements for pilgrims.

The Historic Jeddah Program's contribution highlighted the relationship between the historical pilgrimage journey and contemporary efforts to improve the pilgrim experience.

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The initiative aligns with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, particularly efforts to preserve national heritage and develop cultural tourism destinations.

The recognition demonstrates how Saudi Arabia's pilgrimage history can be presented through modern exhibitions while preserving the identity of its historic cities.