Global - Technology - Review

A world away from Jeddah's gleaming new buildings is al-Balad, or the old town. The city wall was torn down long ago, but the old gates still mark where it once stood. You will find a warren of ancient buildings and traditional souks , and the teetering, multistorey coral houses that Jeddah is famous for. Many of the ancient houses are in a poor state because coral is a fragile building material but it is an eye opening experience and really brings to life the startling contrasts between rich and poor, ancient and modern.