The council, however, has given a one-week deadline for the completion of asphalting and lighting works.

“The execution of the emergency plan to repair and refurbish Al-Alawi, Qabil and Al-Nada markets should be completed latest by Aug. 6 so that merchants and traders can complete their Ramadan preparations,” the council said.

Council Chairman Hussain bin Alawi Baaqeel and council member Bassam Akhdar reviewed the progress of work in the historical area on Tuesday.

Following the tour, the chairman confirmed that July. 29 was the last day for digging. “No digging work will be allowed after this date. The asphalting and lighting work will need to be completed within a week,” he said.

“We want the market area to be in its best shape for tourists and shoppers during the fasting month.”

The market in the historic area has been closed for nine months due to renovation and repair works.

The project’s consultant said most of the refurbishment work has been completed, while the companies responsible for installing electricity, water and communications say their contracts have been fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh issued a decision on Wednesday establishing a branch municipality for the city’s historic center. Sami Nawwar, director of the municipality’s Department of Tourism and Culture, was appointed chairman of this new office.

Nawwar said the office will formulate plans and programs for the development of the area, work to establish strategies to preserve the area’s historic buildings, coordinate and follow up the execution of infrastructure projects in the area, boost social and cultural activities, issue commercial licenses and supervise all civic services.

The new branch municipality will be headquartered behind the well-known Beit Naseef.