JEDDAH: Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, deputy emir of Makkah, on Wednesday launched a workshop for the development of the historical area of Jeddah. The workshop took place in cooperation with 21 bodies, including the province’s development agency; Jeddah Municipality; and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). Its aim was to encourage owners of historic buildings to properly maintain and improve them, to increase their value in regard to the Saudi government’s vision for the preservation and development of culturally significant heritage areas. The workshop incorporated discussions about strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors to implement investment initiatives in the historical area of Jeddah, how to remove obstacles to best facilitate investors’ work, and how to support investment in the development of the area and in its various events and festivals. It also reviewed the aspirations of owners and investors, the government’s plans for the area’s development, attractive investment opportunities, and events held in Historic Jeddah. Participants were divided into eight groups, and they showcased their proposed development plans. Jeddah Municipality presented a worksheet on the province’s road network and its own development plans for different parts of the province. The Traffic Department highlighted traffic obstacles in Historic Jeddah and proposed solutions to ensure fewer traffic jams and develop pedestrian-friendly areas. It also stressed the need to provide alternative means of transportation to limit traffic congestion. The General Directorate of Civil Defense discussed the potential health and safety hazards and plans that need to be implemented to alleviate risk. Finally, SCTH showcased its efforts and future plans to develop the historical area, as well as its documentation and restoration efforts.