4 facts you didn't know about the tallest fountain in the world
Every day is a school day…
King Fahd’s fountain is one of Jeddah’s main attractions, visited by thousands each year thanks to its incredible size. At 35 years old, it is still the tallest of its type in the world.
But, did you know…
1. The fountain was donated by King Fahd
The impressive attraction got its name as it was actually donated by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It was constructed between 1980 and 1983 however it didn’t officially launch to the public until 1985.
2. It holds a Guinness World Record
King Fahd’s fountain still remains to this day, the tallest fountain in the world, and holds a Guinness World Record for its achievement. It can shoot powerful jets of water up to 312 metres into the air – that’s taller than the Eiffel Tower. The second tallest fountain can be found in Seoul, South Korea.
3. Powerful jets eject water at top speeds
The water ejected can reach a speed of 375 kilometres per hour and its airborne mass can exceed 16 tonnes. The fountain is visible from miles away, throughout the vicinity of Jeddah.
4. The water comes from the Red Sea
The water that you see shooting high up into the sky can be seen from all over Jeddah, but did you know that it uses saltwater from the Red Sea, rather than fresh water?