Al-Balad is the 7th century center of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, under restoration.  See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Balad,_Jeddah This back street in Al-Balad is typical (in 2012). Note the elaborate carved wood structures over the windows that are used to capture the sea breezes and vent the heat from the housing, although now they often sprout window-style air conditioners.