Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Tourism

King Abdulaziz International Airport Aquarium displays Red Sea biodiversity

King Abdulaziz International Airport Aquarium displays Red Sea biodiversity

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah features the world’s largest airport-based aquarium, standing 14 meters high with a diameter of 10.2 meters. The structure holds approximately one million liters of water and utilizes glass walls 300 millimeters thick.

According to SPA, the aquarium houses nearly 2,000 marine creatures, including coral reefs, rare fish, and around 65 prominent Red Sea fish species. This installation serves as an aesthetic and tourism feature at the Kingdom’s western gateway.

The facility operates via an integrated system with four reservoirs beneath the main tank for water circulation and maintenance. Three quarantine systems are used to isolate new fish for acclimatization before they enter the main tank.

A lighting system consisting of 26 lights simulates the natural day-and-night cycle to maintain environmental conditions for the marine life. The source did not include the specific cost of the installation.

What are the physical dimensions and capacity of the aquarium in Jeddah? The aquarium at King Abdulaziz International Airport stands 14 meters high and has a diameter of 10.2 meters. It is the largest of its kind in an airport and contains approximately one million liters of water, supported by glass walls that are 300 millimeters thick.

What types of marine life are displayed in the airport aquarium? The aquarium showcases the biodiversity of the Red Sea and Jeddah’s coastline with nearly 2,000 marine creatures. This collection includes coral reefs, rare fish, and approximately 65 of the most prominent fish species found in the Red Sea.

How is the aquatic environment maintained and managed within the facility? Maintenance is managed through an integrated system featuring four reservoirs under the main tank for circulation. Additionally, three quarantine systems are utilized to isolate newly introduced fish in separate tanks until they acclimatize before moving to the main aquarium.

How does the lighting system support the marine creatures in the aquarium? The aquarium uses a lighting system composed of 26 lights to simulate the natural day-and-night cycle. This provides the necessary environmental conditions for the nearly 2,000 marine creatures while enhancing the visual experience for travelers.