- Address: Meeza International Tourism Services Co. Ltd., King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Saudi Arabia
- Phone: +966 12 657 2023
- Website: scth.gov.sa
- Discovery: 1985
In the east of Saudi Arabia , the city of Jeddah has one of the most impressive fountains in the world, named after King Fahd. The height of the jet striking from the water reaches 132 m, which makes it one of the tallest similar structures in the world.
In the east of Saudi Arabia , the city of Jeddah has one of the most impressive fountains in the world, named after King Fahd. The height of the jet striking from the water reaches 132 m, which makes it one of the tallest similar structures in the world. Thanks to the competent installation of all the structures, it seems as if this huge geyser is directly from the bowels of the earth through the waters of the Persian Gulf.
The construction of King Fahd's fountain
The construction of this landmark took place in 1983. At that time, King Fahd bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud was King of Saudi Arabia, so the fountain was named after him. It is also known as the Jeddah Fountain.
Initially, the height of the jet that was beating upwards was 120 m. The first version of the fountain did not make the necessary impression on the spectators. In addition, its entire structure was corroded, which was noticeable even from afar. Some time after the launch of the fountain, it was decided to build a new structure. Above the updated version of the Fahd fountain worked the staff of the well-known in Saudi Arabia company SETE Technical Services. She also worked in the design and construction of engineering communications and environmental projects in Jeddah.
For the installation was specially created an artificial island, which took 700 cubic meters. m of concrete. At night, the new Fahd fountain in Saudi Arabia is highlighted by 500 powerful searchlights that are installed on five other artificial islands. Three pumps are used for water supply - two workers and one spare. Their technical condition is monitored by specially trained staff.
The modern fountain of King Fahd is equipped with advanced mechanics, thanks to which the height of its jet reaches 312 m. It is covered with anodic protection, which prevents corrosion of steel pipes.
The uniqueness of King Fahd's fountain
When designing this landmark, the Jeddah authorities wanted to create a structure or even an attraction that would be higher than all the skyscrapers in the city. As a result, they created a machine that would throw out water more than three hundred meters. Here are just some of the characteristics of King Fahd's fountain:
- In one second, 652 liters of water are expelled into the air;
- the mass of the beating jet is 18,750 kg;
- flow speed - 375 km / h;
- The plume of spray is delayed in the air for almost 15 seconds;
- all metal structures and an electric motor are located on the seabed at a depth of 30 m.
The main feature of Fahd's fountain in Jeddah is that it works every day. Turn it off only during scheduled technical checks and strong southern winds, when splashes of water spoil the surrounding lawns and gardens. On other days the fountain of King Fahd is open to tourists from all directions, allowing them to enjoy the power and power of jets of water.
After visiting this attraction, you can go shopping on Tahlia Street boutiques, ride the attractions in the Al-Shallal theme park or admire the unique compositions in the marine aquarium Fakieh Aquarium. All these facilities are located a few minutes drive from King Fahd's fountain.
How to get to King Fahd's fountain?
A popular tourist attraction was installed right in the Persian Gulf about 232 m from the shore. From the center of Jeddah to the fountain Fahd can be reached on foot, by taxi or car. For this you need to move in the north-west direction on the road number 5 and the street Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz. Provided that along this route there are private roads and roads with limited traffic, the whole journey can take about an hour.