King Fahd Fountain, also called the Jeddah Fountain, is the iconic waterfront landmark of Jeddah. Rising from the Red Sea off the city’s Corniche, the fountain is famous for its enormous vertical jet of water and spectacular night-time illumination. It is a symbol of the city and a magnet for both locals and visitors who come to watch the water plume against the skyline.
The fountain sits just off the Jeddah Corniche on the western shore of the city. Most visitors reach it via the Corniche promenade (Al-Balad Corniche / North Corniche) where there are multiple vantage points, parks and seating areas. If you’re arriving by air, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is the main airport serving Jeddah and is roughly 20–30 minutes by car to the Corniche depending on traffic. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and private cars are the most convenient way to get there. Many hotels in central Jeddah are also within a short taxi ride of the Corniche.
Public transport options are limited compared with some cities; if you plan to rely on buses, check local routes in advance and allow extra time. Parking is available near several Corniche parks for visitors who drive.
Jeddah has a hot desert climate with very warm temperatures through much of the year. Winters (November–February) are the most pleasant for outdoor sightseeing with milder daytime temperatures and comfortable evenings. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid; if you visit then, plan to come in the evening when temperatures cool slightly.
The fountain is particularly atmospheric at sunset and after dark when it is lit by spotlights. Evening visits will give you the best photographic and social experience, as locals gather on the Corniche to walk, dine and relax while watching the illuminated jets.
The fountain can be seen across the day but is most impressive from late afternoon through the night when lighting enhances the effect. Local listings and visitor reports indicate regular evening displays and illumination most nights; however, exact schedules may vary for maintenance, weather (high winds can reduce or suspend operation) or special events. If you want to be certain the fountain will be operating at a particular time, check local tourist information or your hotel for the latest status.
King Fahd Fountain is renowned because of its remarkable height and engineering. Launched in the 1980s as a gift from King Fahd, the fountain shoots seawater high into the sky and became a defining visual symbol of modern Jeddah. Its combination of scale, location by the Red Sea and dramatic night illumination has made it one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
The area around King Fahd Fountain is a public waterfront zone; there is no entry fee to view the fountain from the Corniche. Visitors typically walk along the promenade, find a bench or settle into one of the adjacent parks or seaside cafés to watch. Because the fountain is in the sea, there is no direct access to its base—viewing points on the Corniche are the normal way to experience it.
Facilities near the Corniche include public restrooms, food stalls and shaded seating in some park sections. During evenings and weekends the Corniche can become busy, so arrive a little early if you want a front-row spot for photography or a picnic.
Construction of the fountain took place in the early 1980s and it was brought into service in the mid-1980s. The fountain was commissioned as a gift from the late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and is designed both as an engineering feat and cultural symbol. The fountain’s base resembles a traditional mabkhara (an incense burner), a subtle nod to Arabian cultural motifs and local decorative arts.
Technically it is an engineering achievement because it pumps and filters seawater, drives powerful pumps to project large volumes of water to very high altitudes, and withstands the corrosive marine environment. Lighting plays a major role in its design; hundreds of spotlights illuminate the jet at night creating a dramatic vertical column of light and spray.
The Jeddah Corniche is a lively waterfront with parks, walking paths, cafés and public art. Nearby activities include seaside walks, cycling along the promenade, enjoying local street food from vendors, and visiting nearby parks and sculptures. The Corniche also has viewpoints where you can photograph the fountain framed by the Red Sea and the sunset.
For visitors interested in cultural sites, the historic Al-Balad district with its old souks and coral-architecture houses is a short drive away and makes for an excellent daytime excursion before or after a fountain visit.
• Record height: The fountain is one of the tallest in the world and produces a single, towering jet that can be seen from many parts of the city.
• Safety: The Corniche is generally safe for visitors, but keep an eye on belongings in busy areas and follow local guidance. Avoid getting too close to any fenced or restricted shoreline areas.
• Dress code and local customs: Saudi Arabia has local customs and dress expectations; visitors should dress modestly in public. Women may choose loose, modest clothing; formal rules vary, but it’s respectful to follow local norms.
• Weather considerations: Bring sun protection in daytime and a light layer for evenings during cooler months. In windy weather the fountain may spray salt-laden mist onto adjacent areas.
• Photography tips: Arrive before sunset to capture the fountain in daylight and stay for the illuminated display. Use a tripod or steady surface for low-light shots.
• No admission fee: Viewing the fountain from public Corniche areas is free. There are no dedicated visitor centres or ticketed platforms for the fountain itself.
King Fahd Fountain is a must-see when visiting Jeddah for its dramatic scale, cultural importance and the social life it creates along the Corniche in the evenings. Whether you come for photos, an evening walk, or a relaxed picnic by the sea, the fountain’s soaring spray and lights provide an unforgettable backdrop to Jeddah’s coastal life.