Wooden rawasheen
Carved projecting balconies.
Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel — CC BY 2.0
The historic quarter in the heart of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, where old houses of coral stone stand in the Hejazi style, some with white facades and others earth-toned, and large carved wooden rawasheen balconies jut out from the upper floors. Yanbu has been a Red Sea port for centuries, and this area was the heart of the old town, with its houses and markets close to the sea; its architecture recalls historic Jeddah. Several houses have been restored, while others are still under repair and wrapped in scaffolding. The balconies are lit at night, which makes an evening stroll through the lanes the best way to see it. Wandering is free. Evenings are best, when the heat eases and the area is lit up; pair it with the nearby waterfront.
Carved projecting balconies.
In the Hejazi style.
The lit-up lanes.
Central Yanbu al-Bahr, near the waterfront
In the evening, when the heat eases and the balconies and lanes are lit; wandering is free.