Al Balad: 18 photos of Jeddah's vibrant historical neighbourhood

It was once the beating heart of Jeddah, and it has retained its charm

Men drinking tea in the alleyways of Al Balad, Jeddah’s historical district. The World Heritage Site was founded in the seventh century and was once the beating heart of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city. The area was formed as an ancient trading port and acted as the primary gateway to Makkah. Today, it is famous for its traditional buildings, which were constructed with coral-stone and are decorated with intricate latticed windows. Reem Mohammed / The National

A resident of Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

The small, secluded balconies and windows are known as rawasheen: local stories say that these bay windows were once the place from which women would assess their would-be suitors. Shielded by the wooden shutters, they could see the men proposing marriage in the majlis below, and would decide yes or no, while retaining their privacy. Reem Mohammed / The National

The detail of a historical building in Al Balad. Reem Mohammed/The National

Tea time in the alleyways of Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

A badge featuring Saudi Arabia's King and Crown Prince worn by an Al Balad resident. Reem Mohammed/The National

Jeddah's Academy of Arts in Al Balad historical district. Reem Mohammed / The National

Idris Mustafa from Sudan looks after Jeddah Academy of Arts in Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

A street market near Al Balad, Jeddah’s historical district. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abu Inabah masjid in Al Balad. Reem Mohammed/The National

You'll find palm trees dotted around the maze-like streets. Reem Mohammed/The National

The area was formed as an ancient trading port and acted as the primary gateway to Makkah. Today, it is famous for its traditional buildings, which were constructed with coral-stone and are decorated with intricate latticed windows. Reem Mohammed / The National

Tea time in the alleyways of Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

The minaret of Masjid Al Farah in Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

Tea time in the alleyways of Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

Tea time in the alleyways of Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

The town was formed as an ancient trading port and acted as the primary gateway to Makkah. Today, it is famous for its traditional buildings, which were constructed with coral-stone and decorated with intricate latticed windows. Reem Mohammed / The National

A sculpture opposite Bab Jadid in Al Balad. Reem Mohammed / The National

Nestled in the city of Jeddah, this historical neighbourhood is one of Saudi Arabia’s World Heritage Sites. The area, made up of a rabbit warren of streets, has a fascinating history.

It was founded in the seventh century and was once the beating heart of Jeddah, the country’s second-largest city.

The town was formed as an ancient trading port and acted as the primary gateway to Makkah.

Today, it is famous for its more than 400 historical buildings, the majority of which are from the 19th century. They are mostly crafted from coral-stone and decorated with intricate latticed windows. The National's Reem Mohammed visited the area recently to capture photos of life in its streets.

It is now home primarily to residents from Yemen, Africa, India and Pakistan: and the real joy of the area is its people.

Pass by the children’s corner where little ones bounce on trampolines and teenagers crowd around video screens installed outside on the park walls. Ask and they’ll let you join in. Buy some grapes from the sellers pushing the old carts around the streets and you can expect some friendly banter. Even the men playing dominoes in the street, where the games get decidedly heated, aren’t averse to company.

Visiting Al Balad soon? Our guide to 9 things to do in Jeddah's oldest neighbourhood will help you navigate the area.