Bayt Zenel: Jeddah's Architectural Evolution

Sheikh Yousef bin Zenel Alireza began constructing the house in 1930, employing craftsmen and engineers from India. Built using modern materials of the time, such as cement, lime, and brick, it stood out as an architectural masterpiece amid the traditional urban fabric.

This distinction caught the attention of Mr. Talaat Harb, founder of the Egypt Maritime Navigation Company, who chose the house to serve as the Jeddah branch of the Egypt Hotel, later known as the Egypt Maritime Navigation Company Hotel.

The hotel became a favored destination for pilgrims, especially those arriving from Egypt. It was equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for its time, including modern sanitary facilities, luxurious furniture, refrigerators, fans, and electric lighting.

Despite its upscale services and facilities, the hotel offered moderate pricing, no more than one Egyptian pound per person per day, inclusive of accommodation and meals.

These conveniences made it a preferred residence for pilgrims seeking a comfortable stay while performing Hajj.

In 1944, it was repurposed into the headquarters for Aramco's Jeddah offices, a role it served for decades. Today, the building is simply known as the Aramco House, retaining its significance as a symbol of Jeddah’s architectural and social evolution.