Insights Preserving Saudi Arabia's Cultural Heritage

What is the Historic Jeddah Development Program? 

The Historic Jeddah Development Program (HJDP) was launched by the Saudi government in 2007 with the aim of preserving and revitalising a historic district in Jeddah, Al-Balad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The program will attract new businesses and cultural projects to focus on restoring and renovating historic buildings, improving infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and promoting tourism and cultural activities in the area. 

AtkinsRéalis has been awarded the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services contract by the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia for the HJDP. We are in a unique position to contribute to this program by combining our global expertise with local knowledge. Are you ready to drive efficiency and value? 

Then you’ll want to consider Project Management jobs in Saudi Arabia to improve the quality of life, enhance urban aspects, and create a positive impact on the region. 

Celebrating and preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage 

“The rehabilitation of Historic Jeddah is a significant project that will showcase the Kingdom’s authentic cultural heritage and support its socio-economic development agenda by providing great opportunities for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs. 

We are proud to work with the Ministry of Culture on this world heritage landmark and be a part of delivering a lasting legacy for future generations in Saudi Arabia.” - Ian L. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis .

The role of technology in helping preserve culture 

When it comes to historical preservation, there can be a certain hesitance to introduce new technologies. However, technology can assist in the restoration and preservation process. How? 

Technology can assist in documenting and digitizing cultural heritage. Digital mapping, for example, can be used to create accurate and detailed digital representations of historic buildings, artifacts, and cultural sites in Al-Balad. This can be an invaluable resource for restoration work. And this is just one example of how technology can be leveraged to our advantage. 

Here at AtkinsRéalis, we are at our best when we are combining technology with innovation. Our project management approach is underpinned by digital solutions and net zero best practices. We understand that everything we do and everything we touch has a direct impact on the world around us. This is why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. 

How Project Management professionals can contribute 

As a Project Management professional on the HJDP, you’ll play a key role in the execution and implementation of various initiatives aimed at celebrating and preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. 

The project is set to create an integrated environment which includes 5 kilometres of developed waterfronts, green spaces and open gardens covering 15 per cent of the total project area of 2.5 square kilometres. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the program through: 

• Planning and strategy - define project goals and objectives, as well as the steps your team will take to achieve them. 
• Stakeholder management - you’ll oversee the coordination with program stakeholders, from real estate development to infrastructure, public realm and landscape to ensure the historic and non-historic building protection measures are met. 
• Project execution - you’ll monitor and document progress, and ensure work carried out meets regulatory requirements, as well as heritage preservation guidelines. 

If finding new and better ways of doing things excites you, you’ll enjoy a career at AtkinsRéalis as a Project Manager, tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our industry. Innovation is one of our core values and the essence of our identity. 

Make an impact in the communities where we operate

In addition to Historic Jeddah, AtkinsRéalis has supported restoration projects in two of Saudi Arabia’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Diriyah, an 11 square kilometre mixed-use historic, cultural and lifestyle destination, and AlUla, a long-term plan to explore and preserve a “living museum” of cultural heritage. 

Explore Project Management, Consulting, and Architecture jobs and unlock an opportunity to work on exciting and world-class projects with AtkinsRéalis .