ADVANCED PROJECTS CO. LIMITED

Restoration of Al Wajh Historic Souq

Al Wajh

Restoration of Al Wajh Historic Souq

Completed
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Al Wajh / Completed

Ministry of CultureMinistry of Culture

The project comprised the restoration and rehabilitation of 120 historic houses, utilizing traditional construction techniques and materials, including lime-and-sand plaster and solid hardwood roofs and beams. The scope of works also included the development of dedicated restaurant and café areas, the restoration of the Grand Market Square public realm, and the rehabilitation of the historic Al-Manakha Market paths. In addition, the project included stabilization of the cliff adjacent to the market, together with the installation and extension of water supply, sewerage, irrigation, HVAC, data, and fire-fighting systems. The project further included the construction of a new 13-meter-high lighthouse, designed to replicate the original historic lighthouse at the port, while preserving, restoring, and integrating the remaining structure of the original lighthouse.

Part of the Al Wajh Historic Souq project

Historic Lighthouse Reconstruction and Restoration

  • Construction of a new 13-meter-high lighthouse.
  • Replication of the original historic lighthouse design.
  • Preservation and restoration of the remaining original structure.
  • Integration of the historic structure with the new lighthouse.

Foundations and reinforcement

Foundation and reinforcement works
Foundation construction and formwork

During construction

Lighthouse construction and scaffolding
Lighthouse during construction
Lighthouse finishing works and scaffolding

After completion

View of the lighthouse from the sea
The completed lighthouse at night

Before and after restoration

Cliff and steps

After
Before
BeforeAfter

Souq and harbour

After
Before
BeforeAfter

Heritage Woodwork Restoration Workshop

A dedicated restoration workshop established for the careful inspection, numbering, documentation, and rehabilitation of historic wooden doors and architectural elements using specialized restoration techniques. Preserving historic elements through skilled craftsmanship.

Inspection and documentation of a historic timber door
Workshop for inspection and restoration of timber doors
Workshop team documenting and restoring timber elements

Project consultants

Chatillon Architectes

A leading French architecture practice specializing in heritage restoration, rehabilitation, and the sensitive transformation of historic buildings. The studio is known for combining architectural heritage with contemporary design.

Urko Sánchez Architects

An award-winning international architecture studio known for sustainable, context-driven design. Its work integrates local culture, traditional materials, and climate-responsive strategies across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Documentation before restoration

Roof and stone elements before rehabilitation
Passage between historic buildings before rehabilitation
Stone wall details before restoration
Historic timber window before restoration

During restoration works

Excavation and restoration beside the cliff
Site works and stone elements during restoration
Restoration of roofs and timber elements
Al Wajh souq project information board
Courtyard and shading works
Roof works during restoration

Views following rehabilitation

Internal courtyard with timber and stone elements
A market passage following rehabilitation
View from the souq toward the harbour
Public space and steps following rehabilitation
Stonework and timber ceiling details
The public square and cliff at night
Souq overlooking the sea
Steps, public spaces and shading within the souq
Stone passages and buildings following rehabilitation
Overview of the souq and harbour
Stone public spaces following rehabilitation
Heritage passages in the evening