The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to intensify its efforts to welcome a growing number of international visitors—ranging from millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to leisure and business travelers exploring the country’s expanding tourism sector.

In line with its Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia is not only enhancing the spiritual atmosphere at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah, but also improving the quality of travel infrastructure supporting these journeys. These upgrades are designed to ensure that every visitor, especially those undertaking religious pilgrimages, enjoys a seamless and memorable experience from their point of arrival to their final destination.

Modernizing airports is central to this mission. As the main gateways into the Kingdom, international airports across Saudi Arabia are undergoing continuous expansion, renovation, and service enhancement—reflecting the country’s commitment to world-class hospitality.

Transport Center Features a Spectacular Marine Display

Among the many developments, one feature at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah has become a defining symbol of the airport’s transformation: a breathtaking giant cylindrical saltwater aquarium located in the central Transport Center.

This massive installation—one of the largest of its kind in the region—instantly captures the attention of arriving and departing passengers. The aquarium holds an impressive one million liters of seawater, creating the sensation of standing beside a living underwater world.

The structure itself is a remarkable engineering achievement:

• 300 mm-thick glass composed of 10 protective layers

• Total weight of nearly 12 tons

• Height reaching 10 meters from floor to ceiling, making it a towering presence in the terminal

Inside the aquarium, travelers can observe more than 2,000 fish gracefully swimming around vibrant corals representing 65 different species. The aquatic environment is carefully maintained through precision monitoring systems that regulate water temperature, clarity, and cleanliness—ensuring that the marine ecosystem remains healthy and visually stunning.

Strategically placed near the escalators at the Transport Center, the aquarium serves as a dynamic visual landmark. It entertains and calms passengers during:

• Flight delays

• Transit periods

• Waiting times for ground transportation

• Moments immediately after long-haul arrivals

The soothing blue glow of the water paired with the gentle movement of sea life creates a relaxing ambiance—an unexpected yet welcome contrast to the typically bustling atmosphere of a major international hub.

A Favorite Spot for Travelers, Including Indonesian Pilgrims

For many visitors, particularly Indonesian Umrah pilgrims, the KAIA aquarium has become more than just an airport facility—it is a memorable backdrop for photos and videos shared widely across social media. Posing in front of the towering marine display has become a common ritual for groups arriving in Jeddah before beginning their sacred journey to Makkah.

The combination of modern engineering, cultural hospitality, and aesthetic appeal aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to elevating the pilgrim experience—starting from the very first moment travelers step into the country.

Original Article:

Setiawan, H. (2025). Melihat akuarium laut raksasa di Bandara Internasional King Abdulaziz Jeddah. Kabar Baitullah. Retrieved from https://kabarbaitullah.jatimnetwork.com/wisata-halal/106214192395/melihat-akuarium-laut-raksasa-di-bandara-internasional-king-abdulaziz-jeddah