King Abdulaziz Endowment for the Ain Al-Aziziyah: History and Development at the Camel Festival
The King Abdulaziz Endowment for the Ain Al-Aziziyah Water Project is participating in the 10th edition of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, held in Al-Sayahid, within the Makkah Region Governorate pavilion at the Ministry of Interior's "Security Oasis" exhibition. This distinguished participation aims to offer a rich educational and cultural experience highlighting the history of the endowment and its profound social and economic dimensions, in addition to showcasing its pivotal role in the development of Jeddah and its water infrastructure since its establishment by the founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud (may God have mercy on him).
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, exploring several zones equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The tour begins in the "Pre-Endowment" zone, which showcases aspects of life in old Jeddah and the hardships its inhabitants faced in obtaining fresh water before the establishment of the endowment. This important historical period is brought to life using advanced audio-visual effects that transport visitors to the atmosphere of that era, enhancing their understanding of the value of this blessing and the efforts made to secure it.
As part of its showcase of historical technological solutions, the pavilion includes a "hologram" area, which presents, through a 3D model, the first water desalination technology known in Jeddah, namely the "Kandasa." This technology offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the engineering and operational details of this historical mechanism, which represented the initial step in the development of water desalination in Saudi Arabia, and how it contributed to transforming life in the western region.
The exhibition also includes a third area dedicated to the advanced "hologram pipes" experience, an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to explore diverse content about ancient methods of water transport and distribution. Through 3D models and motion sensors, visitors can interact with the exhibits in an innovative way designed to engage the younger generation and introduce them to this rich cultural heritage.
The significance of this participation lies in recalling the historical role of the Ain Al-Aziziyah Endowment, which not only provided water to the residents of Jeddah and visitors to the Holy Mosque, but also served as a cornerstone of the urban and cultural development of the Red Sea city. The endowment contributed to transforming Jeddah from a water-scarce city into a thriving urban center, reflecting the insightful vision of the founding king in prioritizing human service and the provision of essential services—an approach the Kingdom has followed to achieve its current renaissance in the water and desalination sector.
