Jeddah Light is the tallest operational lighthouse in the world and a major maritime landmark at the entrance of the Jeddah Islamic Seaport, Saudi Arabia.
It lies at the outer pier’s end on the north side of Jeddah Seaport, and directly faces the Red Sea.
There is some discrepancy in sources about its date of construction. Some say it was built in 1937 by the French company, BBTM (Baudin, Brossard, Timbal, and Monod). Others state that the current structure was completed in 1990 and was designed by Arabian Architects.
It was constructed to guide vessels safely into one of the busiest ports on the Red Sea, showcasing Jeddah’s importance as a commercial and pilgrimage gateway.
The lighthouse is 131.4 to 133 m high with a concrete foundation and steel construction, making it durable and sturdy against harsh weather conditions.
It is a cylindrical tower topped with a spherical observation building and a large balcony. It’s white and has a modern, sleek design, which contrasts with the traditional architecture of Jeddah.
The upper section of the tower offers beautiful panoramic views, though it is not open to the public.
The lighthouse has a focal height of 137 m above sea level and a range of 25 nm. It produces three white flashes every 20 seconds.
It was fully automated in the 1980s, decreasing the need for a resident lighthouse keeper.
Though it is not open to the public, it is a famous site for photography and sightseeing from the nearby Corniche and Central Fish Market.
The structure looks quite impressive at night when it is illuminated, as it functions as a beacon for ships and the city’s residents.
Apart from the Jeddah Light, there are many other lighthouses in the world that are quite popular.
Some of them include the Île Vierge Lighthouse in France, which is the tallest traditional lighthouse built of stone and is still operational.
It is located off the Brittany Coast and is 82.5 m high. It was constructed between 1897 and 1902 from local kersanton and granite.
The lighthouse was built to withstand powerful Atlantic winds and offer a guiding light for maritime traffic at the entrance of the English Channel.
It features a tapered cylindrical stone tower, which is lined with 12,500 opaline glass tiles to protect it against humidity and dust.
The lighthouse has a range of 27 nm and produces a white flash every 5 seconds. It was fully automated in 2010 and is listed as a historical monument, and is open to the public.
Other prominent lighthouses are the Lighthouse of Genoa, which is the tallest in the Mediterranean and one of the oldest in operation.
Mulantou Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Asia, constructed in 1995 on Hainan Island, China.
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