The King Fahad Fountain, located in Jeddah, is one of the top attractions of Saudi Arabia. It is renowned as the tallest water fountain in the world. This newly emerged emblem of Jeddah offers spell bounding views and picturesque backdrops to the tourists from around the world. The fountain is also known for being a great spot to see beautiful sunsets in Jeddah. Further, the beauty of the fountain is enhanced at night with the 500 colorful spotlights installed near the fountain.
King Fahad’s Fountain general information
Location: Meeza International Tourism Services Co. Ltd، Al Andalus, Jeddah
How to reach King Fahad Fountain: King Fahad’s Fountain is located in the middle of the Red Sea near the Jeddah Corniche. Visitors can easily witness the tallest water fountain from the sidewalks around the corniche.
King Fahad’s Fountain timings: The water jets of King Fahad’s Fountain usually start after sunset, i.e., Maghrib Namaz, and end at around 3 am
Facilities: Walkways, food stalls, hotels, seaside parks, shops, sandy beaches, cycle track, and other recreational areas.
Nearby attractions: Fakieh Aquarium, the Floating Mosque, Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Caffe Aroma, InterContinental Al Ferdous Restaurant, Al BaiK, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, etc.
Things to do at King Fahad’s Fountain
Built in the early 1980s and originally opened to the public in 1985, the fountain has captivated visitors ever since. This magnificent fountain has unparalleled height and beauty. The fountain in the majestic Red Sea is visible from many sections of the town but is worth viewing up close from the popular Jeddah Corniche. A visit to the fountain invites multiple activities that visitors can do with their friends and families. Some of these activities are:
1. Watch the world’s tallest water fountain
Visitors from all around the city come to see the magnificent sunset at the Red Sea, which is beautifully adorned by the jets of King Fahad’s Fountain. The Jeddah Corniche has some of the best spots to witness the grandiosity of King Fahad’s Fountain. Visitors using a cab or taxi should drop off near the Ritz Carlton Hotel and cross the street to the Jeddah Corniche’s waterfront. They will have an up-close seat from the corniche opposite to the hotel to enjoy the world’s tallest water fountain.
2. Walk across the shore
The pathways along the stretches of the Red Sea shore serve as an ideal place to take a walk with friends and family. Walking along these paths offers a serene experience with panoramic coastal views under the beautiful Jeddah sky. Visitors can even rent bicycles and ride along the cycling tracks.
3. Sample delicious food
There are several food stalls, cafes, and restaurants around the water fountain. Visitors can have the famous Turkish coffee or grab local snacks and enjoy the colorful water jets decorating the horizon. Some of the popular eating places are Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Cafe Aroma, InterContinental Al Ferdous Restaurant, Al Baik, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, etc.
4. Visit the Fakieh Aquarium
The Fakieh Aquarium is a popular marine exhibition in Saudi Arabia located 10 km from King Fahad Fountain. It has the most exotic marine creatures, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. People see the diverse flora and fauna, including sharks, stone fishes, turtles, jellyfish, etc. There are dolphin shows, and seal shows to entertain families and kids.
5. Visit the Floating Mosque
The Floating Mosque, or the Al Rahma Mosque, is one of the most significant mosques in Saudi Arabia. The beautiful mosque is 6 km from King Fahad Fountain on the shores of the Red Sea, giving it unique coastal views. The mosque has an expansive view of sea waters on its sides, making it a marvelous sight to behold. Those visiting King Fahad’s Fountain always put this unique mosque on their must-visit list.
King Fahad Fountain facts
- King Fahad’s Fountain is the world’s tallest fountain. According to estimations, the King Fahad Fountain’s height is around 312 meters (1,024 feet). This makes it taller than the popular Eiffel Tower.
- The fountain’s construction started between 1980 and 1983. It was open to the public visit in 1985. It is more than 30 years old.
- At a speed of more than 370 km/h, King Fahad Fountain can discharge a total of 16 tonnes of water into the air every day.
- The fountain is most beautiful at night when it is lit by nearly 500 lights integrated into the architecture of the fountain. As it rises towards the sky, the water reflects different hues due to these lights, creating a captivating image.
- The construction of King Fahad’s Fountain is influenced by a famous Genevan fountain called Jet d’Eau.
- The water pumps of King Fahad’s Fountain continuously supply more than 620 liters of water per second. Before reaching the King Fahad Fountain pumps, the water is filtered via multiple screens to remove dirt, sand, and organic materials.
- The only time King Fahad’s Fountain does not operate is during its yearly maintenance period.
- The water pumps of King Fahad’s Fountain are annually coated with anti-fouling paint to keep marine life from growing.
Things to keep in mind when visiting King Fahad’s Fountain
- Tourists visiting the Jeddah Corniche must adhere to the dress code.
- Visitors should ensure they maintain strict surveillance on their kids. The corniche is huge, and kids can easily get lost.
- Even though there is no ticket price for the King Fahad’s Fountain, visitors are required to carry extra cash, as other counters will require separate tickets.
- Visit to King Fahad’s Fountain is ideal on weekdays as it is less crowded during that time.
The King Fahad’s Fountain adorns the sunset in Jeddah upto the height of more than 300 meters, making it visible from almost everywhere around the Jeddah Corniche. The picturesque views are worth experiencing as there is a lot more than just the fountain. Visitors can explore the Jeddah Corniche, taste a variety of foods from the various vendors, and enjoy hot coffee or tea while witnessing the majestic fountain.
Suggested Read: 24 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Jeddah
King Fahad Fountain FAQs
What is the best time to visit King Fahad Fountain?
The best time to visit King Fahad Fountain is during the sunset. After sunset, people also get to watch the colorful lights lighting up the jets of the world tallest water fountain.
Does the King Fahad Fountain operate during the day?
The King Fahad Fountain timings usually are around 6 pm to 3 am. But there are days when the fountain operates during the day.
What is King Fahad Fountain exact location?
King Fahad Fountain location is Meeza International Tourism Services Co. Ltd، Al Andalus, Jeddah 23311, Saudi Arabia.
Is King Fahad Fountain visible from the Al Hamra Corniche?
Yes, King Fahad Fountain is easily visible from the Al Hamra Corniche.
What is the dress code for women to visit King Fahad Fountain?
Women should to wear modest clothes as per the local guidelines.
