New Tourist Guides Cooperative Center Established in Jeddah

The Saudi Ministry of Culture has unveiled a new cooperative center for tourist guides in Historic Jeddah, located adjacent to the renowned Bab Al-Madina. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance visitor experiences, empower local guides, and promote cultural tourism within the UNESCO-listed heritage zone.

This center was established through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Tour Guides Cooperative, formalized during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the World Travel Market 2025 in London. The goal is to improve the quality of tours available in Historic Jeddah while promoting the professional growth of tour guides who are integral to narrating the city's rich heritage and history.

Managed entirely by accredited tour guides, the center provides a well-organized platform for visitors to delve into Jeddah's historical significance. It emphasizes the city’s role as a historical gateway to Makkah, showcasing its diverse landmarks and heritage sites. Through meticulously structured tours, the cooperative ensures visitors receive valuable insights into the architecture, history, and traditions that have influenced Jeddah for centuries.

The center accommodates both local and international visitors, offering two daily sessions: a morning session from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and an evening session from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Friday sessions available only in the evening. Guided tours are carefully designed to blend historical insights, storytelling, and cultural experiences, ensuring that every visit is both informative and engaging.

The Ministry of Culture highlighted that this initiative corresponds with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to promote cultural tourism, create job opportunities for local guides, and encourage deeper connections with the nation's heritage. By empowering guides with the necessary resources and training, the initiative aspires to ensure exceptional tourism experiences that honor the authenticity of Historic Jeddah.

In addition to bolstering visitor engagement, the center serves as a professional hub for tour guides, providing training programs, workshops, and certification courses aimed at enhancing guides' skills. This commitment ensures that all tours uphold high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and cultural awareness.

The opening of the center was met with enthusiasm from local tourism officials, operators, and community members. It is anticipated to become a prominent attraction in Historic Jeddah, promoting cultural exploration while preserving the city’s identity. This initiative also strengthens partnerships between government entities and local tourism stakeholders, cultivating a sustainable tourism framework that benefits both locals and visitors alike.

By merging cultural preservation with innovative tourism management, the Historic Jeddah Tourist Guides Cooperative Center establishes a new standard for heritage tourism within the region. It reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to developing high-quality, culturally enlightening tourism experiences that honor history while addressing the needs of contemporary travelers.