Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Water well in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
King Fahd's Fountain, the Jeddah Fountain, stands in the Red Sea off the Jeddah Corniche and is listed by Guinness World Records as the tallest fountain in the world, one of the city's great symbols. A gift to Jeddah from King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, after whom it is named, it was built between 1980 and 1983, inspired by the 140-metre Jet d'Eau in Geneva, and further developed until it began operating in its current form in 1985. It pumps seawater at very high pressure, sending a column of water up to about 312 metres at speeds of around 375 km/h, with more than eighteen tonnes of water in the air at any moment. Its base is shaped like a large incense burner (mabkhara), a nod to Arab heritage. At night more than five hundred spotlights light it up, and the glowing white plume is visible from most of Jeddah. In 2010 the American BASE jumper Othar Lawrence made a record jump alongside the fountain's jet. It remains the finest sight from the Jeddah Corniche at sunset and in the evening.
The best place to watch is the Jeddah Corniche, especially the waterfront facing it near Al Salam Palace, after sunset when it is lit. It runs at set times and may stop for wind or maintenance, so check locally. Viewing is free, and the Corniche is family-friendly with benches and paths. Pair it with an evening waterfront stroll.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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