- AreaOff the central corniche, Jeddah
- Best forEvening views, photography, families
- Time30 min–1 h
- CostFree
On a calm evening in Jeddah, a white column of water rises from the Red Sea so high that you can see it from across the city. King Fahd Fountain, donated to Jeddah by King Fahd and running since the mid-1980s, is generally listed as the tallest fountain in the world, with a jet that reaches around 260 to 312 metres depending on the source and conditions. That is roughly the height of the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh.
The fountain stands on a small platform in the sea just off the central corniche. It pumps seawater rather than fresh water, and the jet leaves the nozzle at speeds of over 300 km/h. At night it is lit by hundreds of spotlights, turning the plume into a glowing pillar against the dark sky.
When to see it
The fountain mainly runs in the evening, usually from around sunset into the night, and it can be switched off for maintenance or in strong winds, when the spray is blown sideways across the water. There is no official timetable published in English, so treat any visit as "likely, not guaranteed" and check locally, for example with your hotel.
- Best light: just after sunset, when the sky is still deep blue and the floodlights come on.
- Best season: October to April, when the evenings on the corniche are pleasant rather than steamy.
- Weekends: Thursday and Friday nights are busy with families picnicking on the waterfront.
Where to watch
You cannot visit the fountain itself, which sits offshore, but the whole central stretch of the Jeddah Corniche gives you a view. Popular spots are the promenades and parks along the corniche road near the fountain, and the landscaped Jeddah Waterfront a little to the north, with lawns, cafés and walkways. Many waterfront restaurants and higher hotel rooms also look out over it. You will see it from the car too if you drive along the coast road after dark.
Getting there
The fountain is visible from the corniche road around the central part of the city, a short taxi or ride-hailing trip from most hotels. Parking along the corniche is generally free but fills up on weekend evenings. If you are planning a self-drive trip in the region, see our car hire guide.
Combine it with
Make it the final stop of a Jeddah evening: spend the late afternoon in the lanes of Al Balad, then drive or take a taxi up to the corniche for dinner and the fountain. Guided city tours on GetYourGuide often include a stop. For a hotel with a sea view, search Booking.com for places along the corniche, and if you want the Red Sea at its wildest, look south to the Farasan Islands.
Tours: King Fahd Fountain
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Frequently asked questions
How high does King Fahd Fountain go?
Sources give different figures, generally from about 260 to 312 metres, which makes it the tallest fountain in the world. The height varies with wind and conditions.
When does King Fahd Fountain run?
Mainly in the evening, from around sunset into the night. It may be switched off for maintenance or in strong wind, so check locally before you make a special trip.
Can you visit the fountain up close?
No. It stands offshore on a platform in the Red Sea, but you can watch it for free from the corniche promenades and the Jeddah Waterfront.
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