A new visual exhibition has opened in the Red Sea port city. It shows a picture of how Jeddah’s buildings have changed over time. The exhibition compares the sea-related history with the fast growth of modern city life. It does this by showing the work of Saudi photographers.
This display is happening because Saudi Arabia is doing a lot of work to protect its culture and build things. They are doing this as part of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan. The exhibition has buildings made of stone, and these buildings have window frames. These wooden window frames are called rawasheen. The rawasheen are from the area of Al-Balad, in Saudi Arabia. It also shows modern buildings. This shows how the city is changing in both shape and society.
Urban photographer Yasser Halawani is one of the artists in the exhibition. He and other Saudi visual artists created photos. Their work looks at street views, building details and everyday life in the city. The collection highlights Jeddah’s dual identity as both the centuries-old gateway for millions of international pilgrims travelling to Mecca and a growing regional centre for commerce, tourism, and contemporary creative arts.
The exhibition aims to give emerging Saudi photographers a prominent public platform while simultaneously building a permanent visual record of the city’s changing urban landscape. Cultural observers note that the initiative reflects a broader trend across the Kingdom, where public demand for visual storytelling that celebrates native heritage while embracing modern progress continues to rise.
To enhance visitor engagement, organisers incorporated digital features across the display space. Each photograph includes dedicated QR codes linking directly to background information on featured landmarks, as well as digital profiles of the participating photographers to support their ongoing creative careers.
As Jeddah continues to undergo extensive revitalisation, such artistic showcases reinforce the role of local creative talent in capturing the city’s evolving character, serving as a vital bridge between its rich historical legacy and ambitious future.
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