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Jeddah Beautification Project

The Jeddah Beautification Project, also known as the Jeddah Tajmil, refers to a public art initiative launched in the 1970s to transform the streetscapes of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is famous for leading to the installation of dozens of large-scale, open-air public sculptures created by international artists. These sculptures were predominantly installed in the Jeddah Corniche. Over the decades, these sculptures faced deterioration from the harsh arid climate.

History

Al-Kandara district in Jeddah during the 1970s.

The Jeddah Beautification Project commenced in September 1974 by the mayor, Mohamed Said Farsi and Spanish architect, Julio Lafuente [it] who led the initiative. They envisioned "an arena of public art" across Jeddah, leading to the commissioning of a large-scale public art project. Farsi began with working with Lebanese artists Aref El Rayess and Shafiq Mazloum, and Egyptians Mustafa Senbel and Salah Abdulkarim.[1] Eventually, famous sculptors around the world, including Joan Miró, César Baldaccini, Alexander Calder, Victor Vasarely, and Jean Arp, were commissioned to develop over 400 artworks. Lafuente's own designs were modelled after baroque Rome architecture, where monuments provided a vivid, recognisable guide around unnamed roads for both tourists and locals.[2] Farsi would also encourage private businessmen to donate their own sculptures, monuments, and fountains.[3] All sculptures evolved around traditional Saudi culture, the industrial past of Jeddah, and the scientific achievements of the Muslim world.[4]

The Monument to the Unknown Cyclist by Julio Lafuente.

The installation of the first sculpture began in November 1974 by South Korean engineering firm, Samhwan Construction Inc. The mayor requested that the project be completed by 20 December when the annual hajj was set to begin, and the company responded by extending works into the night. Numerous torch lights were used, and King Faisal had happened to come across the procession. Moved by the dedication, he later ordered that more projects be undertaken by Samhwan.[5] On a broader scale, the Jeddah Beautification Project also led wide-spread landscaping projects funded at $45 million. This prompted the creation of greener streetscapes and planted urban environments, including the introduction of plants acclimated to arid conditions. Over six million trees were planted, creating about 6 square kilometres of green shade cover from a city that almost had no trees. Furthermore, up to 300 public gardens, 50 landscaped playgrounds, 60 public fountains, and 3,000 municipal flower boxes were earmarked for installation.[6]

The Seagull by Egyptian artist and city planner Mustafa Senbel.

By the late 1970s, the Jeddah Beautification Project would influence other Gulf cities to develop their own elements of urban centers containing modern art.[2] The Jeddah Beautification Project continued in the 1980s, with 95,179,768 riyals awarded by the Jeddah Mayoralty in 1984.[7]

Present

By the early 2000s, the sculptures began to deteriorate due to the salt-laden winds from the Red Sea. Subsequently, in 2011, independent art organization Art Jameel and the Jeddah Municipality collaborated on a restoration project to preserve the sculptures.[8] Additionally, 20 were relocated for exhibition in the open-air Jeddah Sculpture Museum.[9] The museum was opened in September 2013.[10][11]

Works

The following is a list of sculptures completed under the initiative. Over the years, many sculptures have since been dismantled or relocated.

Title & Artist Inception Synopsis Materials & Dimensions Location Footnote
Jeddah Sculpture Museum
Altercations in Space by François Kovacs 1982 Strongly influenced by the artist's career in medicine, this sculpture features a diagonal geometric abstract cube. It is modelled after the spongy structure seen in cancellous bone. Bronze, 110cm high Relocated to Jeddah Sculpture Museum in 2011. [12]
Balance in the Air by Vasarely 1982 This sculpture features two interlocking geometric shapes resembling 3D isometric cubes. The lower cube uses a palette of cooler colours, while the upper cube transitions into warmer shades. Enamelled steel, sculpture is 250cm high Relocated to Jeddah Sculpture Museum in 2011. [13]
Flexibility of Balance by Calder 1974 Among the last works by Calder, this sculpture features three large, red stabiles. Another version is located in the Calder Foundation in New York City. Three painted steel sheets, 300cm high. Relocated to Jeddah Sculpture Museum in 2011. [14]
Al Andalus Street
Optical Composition by Vasarely 1980s Featuring vibrant violet and turquoise colors, this sculpture is composed of intersecting geometric forms arranged in a rotational, pinwheel composition around a central point. Enamelled steel Corner of Al Andalus Street and Al-Seif Street. [15]
Al-Qiblah by Lafuente Directly influenced by the Winged Victory of Samothrace, assembly took place in Italy spanning five years. 260 pieces of carved travertine marble 21°32′32.26″N 39°09′16.51″E / 21.5422944°N 39.1545861°E / 21.5422944; 39.1545861 [16]
The Four Lanterns by Lafuente This sculpture features four large internally lit Mamluk mosque lamps hung by steel tension cables. Steel and stained glass 21°32′38.94″N 39°08′02.22″E / 21.5441500°N 39.1339500°E / 21.5441500; 39.1339500 [17]
Al Balad District
Unnamed by Abdulhalim Radwi 1981 Abstract stone sculpture featuring detailed engravings, symbolising modern Islamic expressionism mixed with brutalist folk art. It was entirely obscured by kiosks and buildings until recent demolitions in 2021 uncovered the sculpture. Stone [18]
Al Falah Street
Horse and Jockey (unknown artist) This sculpture features a large, galloping horse using interlaced ribbons of bronze sheets. On the top of the horse is the rider, which was rather made solid. Bronze Located in the corner of Al Falah Street and Stadium Street south of the city. [19]
Al Kurnaysh Branch Road (Corniche Road)
Balance in the Air by Shafiq Mazloum One of many by Mazloum utilising recycled materials, this sculpture embodies constructivist minimalism by using steel beams positioned at counter-balancing diagonals. It is completely painted in an industrial blue hue. Steel, 3 metres tall The exact location on the Corniche is unclear, although it is given at Al-Ruwais. [20]
Builder's Plumbline by Mustafa Senbel Built as a tribute "to the achievements of the master builders of the ancient world," this sculpture features three curved, steel columns each hanging a large plumb bob. As it was built sturdy, the plumb bobs do not sway in the wind. Formerly located in a roundabout, it was unmoved and included in the 2021 Jeddah Art Promenade development. Steel Jeddah Art Promenade 21°38′41.96″N 39°06′05.95″E / 21.6449889°N 39.1016528°E / 21.6449889; 39.1016528 [21][22]
Fish by Al Hindi and Hesham Banjabi Originally located in a canal, this sculpture features a large steel cut-out of a fish's two halves. Steel The sculpture was dismantled and later reassembled during works on the South Obhur waterfront project. 21°43′18.94″N 39°06′52.32″E / 21.7219278°N 39.1145333°E / 21.7219278; 39.1145333 [23][24]
Koranic Verse by Lafuente Standing on a concrete base, this bronze calligraphic sculpture features a verse translating to "Surely thou art upon a mighty morality." Concrete and bronze The exact location on the Corniche is unclear. [25]
Large Ball Bearing Symbols by Ottmar Hollmann [de] 1982 or prior Hence its name, this sculpture features a large, cast hollowed sphere with curved vertical ribs and claw-like legs that flare outward to the ground. Locally, it is known as 'The Spaceship' or 'The Octopus'. Cast alloy Middle Corniche Park 21°31′23.82″N 39°09′02.89″E / 21.5232833°N 39.1508028°E / 21.5232833; 39.1508028 [26]
Pure Abstraction by Aref el Rayess Another example of abstract expressionist, this sculpture features rectilinear cutouts with sudden angular shifts. It is entirely painted white. Stone Al Hamra Corniche Park [27]
Ship and Sail (unknown artist) Anchored on stylized blue, layered concrete waves, this installation features a red traditional dhow sculpture with white calligraphic sails. The sculpture is entirely made of painted reinforced concrete. Recently, it was repainted. Reinforced concrete Located in the middle of Al Safina roundabout. 21°44′23.92″N 39°07′37.28″E / 21.7399778°N 39.1270222°E / 21.7399778; 39.1270222 [28]
The Seagull by Mustafa Senbel Considered one of the largest abstract sculptures standing at 55 meters tall, this sculpture features a large reinforced concrete wing and two shorter curved pieces. The wing's face features sun rays, flying seagulls, and Arabic calligraphy. The curved pieces resembles the splash of the sea as a seagull dives to catch prey. Taking three years to construct, it is in the style of Abstract Expressionist and Modernist. Reinforced concrete 21°35′25.41″N 39°06′26.54″E / 21.5903917°N 39.1073722°E / 21.5903917; 39.1073722 [29]
The Solar Clock by Walter Ferro 1982 Located behind the Large Ball Bearing Symbols sculpture, this monument features two large obelisks displaying the time and temperature using solar-powered technology. In January 1982, Ferro was commissioned by the Mobil Oil Corporation, and its design was finalized by February. After the obelisk was built, the sculpture was then donated to the municipality for installation. 12.1m in height, 1.2m x 1.8m solar panel Middle Corniche Park. 21°31′24.76″N 39°09′01.77″E / 21.5235444°N 39.1504917°E / 21.5235444; 39.1504917 [30]
Unification Fountain (The Shahada al-Tawhid) by Lafuente Once-located in the middle of a roundabout, it is a granite and marble calligraphic sculpture positioned over a body of water. Based off the Shahada from the Five Pillars of Islam, the verse expresses "There is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God." The sculpture was unmoved during a corniche redevelopment spanning 2015–17. Granite and marble 21°35′52.27″N 39°06′22.43″E / 21.5978528°N 39.1062306°E / 21.5978528; 39.1062306 [31]
Unnamed by Lafuente This sculpture features an upward-curving crescent made of reinforced concrete resembling sails, with two boats paralleling it and another two side-by-side boats behind the installation. It was assembled using a Coles mobile crane. Google Earth imagery shows that one of the back boats was removed in 2008-9. Four boats and reinforced concrete 21°32′11.69″N 39°09′20.53″E / 21.5365806°N 39.1557028°E / 21.5365806; 39.1557028 [32]
Al Makarunah Road
Engineers' Tools by Hisham Benjabi and Ali Amin Reflecting Jeddah's modernisation projects, this sculpture feature an enormous protractor, ruler, and compass. Steel, marble and concrete Located at Engineers' Square. 21°35′12.87″N 39°11′12.87″E / 21.5869083°N 39.1869083°E / 21.5869083; 39.1869083 [33]
Al Nakheel Road
Solidarity by Salah Abdulkarim 1981 A modern adaptation to girih, this open sculpture features a white, interlaced diamond lattice column. It sits on a polished granite/marble plinth. Another sculpture of similar design was erected in Multan, Pakistan. Reinforced concrete and granite/marble 21°40′56.38″N 39°06′20.62″E / 21.6823278°N 39.1057278°E / 21.6823278; 39.1057278 [34]
Hira Street
Fruit Boat by Mohamed Bayoumi and Dr. Ali Bayoumi 1977 Among Jeddah's common coastal theme, this sculpture rather features the sculpture of a fruit-bearing blue and white striped boat. It features oversized fruits overflowing the boat, including apples, bananas, pomegranates, and grapes. The sculpture is mounted on a concrete plinth over a blue tiled base representing the ocean. In September 2008, a week-long restoration led by the Alwan Maintenance Company oversaw repainting aging colours and repairing broken tiles. Concrete and tiles 21°36′26.17″N 39°07′34.86″E / 21.6072694°N 39.1263500°E / 21.6072694; 39.1263500 [35]
King Abdulaziz Road
The Globe by Lafuente Built in Italy, this sculpture features a large, framed glass globe with a surface area of 600 square metres. It is perched on a concrete base painted blue. The sculpture is often illuminated at night, showing Mecca as the light and heart of Islam. Concrete and glass Located on the roundabout at the intersection between King Abdualziz Road and Assalam Street.21°39′52.31″N 39°06′38.88″E / 21.6645306°N 39.1108000°E / 21.6645306; 39.1108000 [36]
King Fahd Street (Setten Road)
Monument to the Unknown Cyclist by Lafuente 1982 One of Jeddah's most iconic landmarks, this sculpture features a large, free-standing bicycle in the middle of a roundabout. It was built out of scrap metal from an old marble factory owned by Muhammad bin Ladin. It is also simply known as The Bicycle. Metal, white granite, and blackstone, measures 15m high and 25m long Al-Darraja Square 21°34′04.88″N 39°11′00.29″E / 21.5680222°N 39.1834139°E / 21.5680222; 39.1834139 [37][4]
The White Steed by Rabi al-Akhras Built using local stone, this sculpture featured abstracted horse heads of different sizes beside stylized swords and spears. Due to religious objections surrounding figurative art, the sculpture was erased in 1991. There are no known photographs of this work other than a replica. Stone The White Steed Roundabout at Hira Street and King Fahd Street.21°36′57.87″N 39°10′00.73″E / 21.6160750°N 39.1668694°E / 21.6160750; 39.1668694
Sails by Mustafa Senbel Also known as Ships, this sculpture was organised by the Municipality of Jeddah to replace the prior White Steed installation. It featured a large open-frame steel sail surrounded by three red and orange steel boats. The roundabout was painted in flowing shades of blue to resemble waves, thus it was renamed to 'Sails'. Steel 21°36′57.87″N 39°10′00.73″E / 21.6160750°N 39.1668694°E / 21.6160750; 39.1668694 [38]
Palestine Street
Column of Light by Aref El Rayess 1981 This sculpture, 28 metres tall, features four aluminium columns each symbolising a letter from the Arabic calligraphy spelling of "Allah". Aluminium 21°32′10.87″N 39°13′05.61″E / 21.5363528°N 39.2182250°E / 21.5363528; 39.2182250 [39]
Swords of God by Aref El Rayess Standing 30 metres tall, this sculpture features three abstract columns intending to spell out "Allah" in Arabic calligraphy. Originally intended to be built of marble, El Rayess instead built it using a steel frame clad in aluminium due to its practicality. Steel and aluminium The intersection of King Fahd Street and Palestine Street. 21°40′56.38″N 39°06′20.62″E / 21.6823278°N 39.1057278°E / 21.6823278; 39.1057278 [40]
Prince Sultan Street
The Verse Boat by Lafuente 1981 Inspired by Hassan Massoudy's book, Calligraphie Arabe Vivante, this installation features a calligraphic bronze sculpture. The verse is taken from Al-Isra' 17:80 of the Quran. Bronze, total weighing 20 tonnes 21°40′07.74″N 39°07′17.97″E / 21.6688167°N 39.1216583°E / 21.6688167; 39.1216583 [41]
Prince Faisal Ibh Saud Street (Al Tahliah Street)
Accident!!! (Crazy Speed) by Lafuente Considered one of Jeddah's most famous sculptures, this work features five colourful cars half-positioned inside a large block of reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete and five cars. Located on the Northern Corniche, Obhur district until relocation in late 2021. Presently located on a roundabout at Prince Faisal Ibn Saud Street.
Current: 21°37′00.61″N 39°06′37.07″E / 21.6168361°N 39.1102972°E / 21.6168361; 39.1102972
Former: 21°37′31.78″N 39°06′19.21″E / 21.6254944°N 39.1053361°E / 21.6254944; 39.1053361 		[42][43]
Condenser 2 by Lafuente 1977 Plans were first conceived in 1976, originally known as Kindasa. This sculpture features stacked recycled pieces of boilers from a desalination plant. Scrap metal 21°32′33.53″N 39°08′39.99″E / 21.5426472°N 39.1444417°E / 21.5426472; 39.1444417 [44]
Magic Carpet (unknown artist) With a concrete dome base adorned in white and blue mosaic resembling clouds, this sculpture features a sedan riding a rigid, Persian carpet. Concrete, mosaic, and a car. Located on a roundabout at the intersection of Prince Faisal Ibn Saud Street and Jubayr Ibn Al Harith Street. 21°37′23.39″N 39°06′35.07″E / 21.6231639°N 39.1097417°E / 21.6231639; 39.1097417 [45]

References

Citations

  1. ^ "Saudis Transform the Kingdom Through Public Art". Arab Gulf States Institute. AGSI. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  2. ^ a b Excell 2019, p. 51.
  3. ^ Buchan 1982, p. 16.
  4. ^ a b Danforth 2016, p. 176.
  5. ^ Chun 2018, Chapter 3: Export of Labor forces.
  6. ^ Richard Hobson (March–April 1984). "Tajmil—and Jiddah". Saudi Aramco World. 35 (2): 4–15.
  7. ^ "95 M. RIYALS TO BE SPENT ON DEVELOPMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS IN JEDDAH". Saudi Review. 1984. p. 5.
  8. ^ "Public Art in the Middle East". MOJEH. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  9. ^ "Art Jameel enters new phase of development" (PDF). Art Jameel. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  10. ^ "Open Air Museum". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  11. ^ Jones, Jonathan (1 June 2015). "Sculptural oasis: why the giants of art made for Jeddah". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  12. ^ "Alterations in Space". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  13. ^ "Balance in the Air". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  14. ^ "Flexibility of Balance". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  15. ^ Buchan 1982, p. 136.
  16. ^ "Al-Qiblah". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  17. ^ "The Four Lanterns". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  18. ^ Al-Thaqafi, Tareq (3 November 2021). "Work by renowned Saudi artist discovered by accident under rubble in Jeddah". Arab News. Saudi Research and Media Group. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  19. ^ Buchan 1982, p. 137.
  20. ^ "Balance in the Air". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  21. ^ "Builder's Plumbline Sculpture". Susie of Arabia. 30 December 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  22. ^ "Jeddah Art Promenade, a globally curated art destination, launched by Good Intentions' duo, Swizz Beatz and Noor Taher". ArabAd. ArabAd Media Group S.A.L. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  23. ^ "Fish". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  24. ^ "Meticulously engineered shading and cooling systems tend to protect pilgrims from simmering sun at holy sites". Saudi Gazette. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  25. ^ "Koranic Verse Sculpture". Susie of Arabia. 8 February 2009. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  26. ^ "Large Ball Bearing Symbols Sculpture". Susie of Arabia. 26 October 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  27. ^ "Jeddah Streetscape Regeneration". Urban Art Projects. 14 July 2010. Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  28. ^ "Boat and Sail Sculpture". Susie of Arabia. 14 February 2009. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  29. ^ "The Seagull". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  30. ^ "Texts". Walter Ferro. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  31. ^ "Unification Fountain". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  32. ^ Buchan 1982, pp. 125–126.
  33. ^ "Engineers' Tools Sculpture". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  34. ^ "Graceful Tall White Sculpture". Susie of Arabia. 8 November 2009. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  35. ^ Harrison, Roger (15 September 2008). "Facelift for Fruit Boat". Arab News. Saudi Research and Media Group. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  36. ^ "The Globe". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  37. ^ "The Bicycle". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  38. ^ "Sails Sculpture". Susie of Arabia. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  39. ^ Sfeir-SemlerEl RayessDavidTarrab 2024, p. 99.
  40. ^ "Swords of God". Susie of Arabia. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  41. ^ "The Verse Boat". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  42. ^ "Accident (Crazy Speed)". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  43. ^ "Saudi 'Crazy Speed' sculpture moved away from F1 track". Semafor. 18 April 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  44. ^ "Condenser 2". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  45. ^ "Magic Carpet". Sculptures of Jeddah. Retrieved 23 May 2026.

Bibliography

  • Excell, Karen (2019). Mirgani, Suzi (ed.). Art and Cultural Production in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781351142182.
  • Chun, Seung-hun (2018). The Economic Development of South Korea: From Poverty to a Modern Industrial State. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781351215725.
  • Buchan, James (1982). Jeddah: Old and New. Stacey International. ISBN 9780905743226.
  • Danforth, Loring M. (2016). Crossing the Kingdom: Portraits of Saudi Arabia. University of California Press. ISBN 9780520290280.
  • Sfeir-Semler, Andrée; El Rayess, Hala; David, Catherine; Tarrab, Joseph, eds. (2024). Aref El Rayess: An Artist from Lebanon 1928–2005. Hatje Cantz. ISBN 978-3-7757-5735-5.

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