King Abdulaziz Endowment for the Ain Al-Aziziyah Project showcases the history of Jeddah's water supply
The King Abdulaziz Endowment for the Ain Al-Aziziyah Water Project is participating prominently in the 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival held in Al-Sayahid, within the Makkah Region Governorate pavilion participating in the Ministry of Interior's "Oasis of Security" exhibition. This participation aims to provide a rich educational and cultural experience highlighting the history of the endowment, its profound social and economic dimensions, and its pivotal role in the development and growth of Jeddah since its establishment by the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud (may God have mercy on him).
A journey through time: From thirst to quenching
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, beginning in the "Pre-Endowment" area, where this section showcases the arduous life endured by Jeddah's inhabitants in their struggle to obtain water. This challenging historical period is brought to life using sophisticated audio-visual effects that transport visitors to that era, reinforcing their appreciation for the blessing of water and the immense efforts made to secure it.
The significance of this project stems from the historical context of Jeddah, a city that suffered for centuries from water scarcity, relying primarily on traditional distillation devices and limited groundwater. King Abdulaziz's establishment of this endowment marked a strategic turning point in the city's history, as he ordered the bringing of water from Wadi Fatima to Jeddah, paving the way for the city's urban expansion and enabling it to comfortably accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.
Hologram technologies and the history of desalination
The pavilion includes a dedicated hologram area, where a 3D model showcases the earliest water desalination technologies used in Jeddah, specifically the "Kandasa" method. This display allows visitors to see the engineering and operational details of this historic technology, which marked the beginning of water desalination in Saudi Arabia, and how the mechanisms have evolved thanks to the wise leadership's attention from the era of the founder to the present prosperous era.
An interactive experience for new generations
In a third area, the exhibition presents an advanced "hologram tube" experience, allowing visitors to explore diverse content covering aspects of life in Jeddah before the availability of water, and the methods used to transport and distribute it in the past. This area utilizes interactive 3D models via motion sensors, in an experience specifically designed to explain historical and engineering information in an innovative and engaging way, aiming to introduce the new generation to the scale of national achievements and the value of sustainable endowments.
The participation of the King Abdulaziz Endowment for the Ain Al-Aziziyah in this great national event is not limited to historical narration only, but also emphasizes the endowment’s ongoing developmental role in supporting infrastructure and enhancing water security, reflecting the insightful vision of the founding king in establishing endowments that serve people and places and ensure the sustainability of resources for future generations.
