Gulf Aquarium for Innovation and Entertainment

The Gulf Aquarium for Innovation and Entertainment is more than a conventional aquarium; it is a living marine park that embraces both visitors and the local community, forming a vibrant civic heart for Al Khobar. By extending activities beyond limited operating hours, the site becomes a continuous urban refuge, combining green landscapes with aquatic environments to create a human-centered daily experience while attracting visitors from the region.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program, and strategically located on Al Khobar Corniche within a waterfront redevelopment zone, the project benefits from high visibility, strong accessibility, and proximity to landmarks such as the Water Tower, King Fahd Causeway, and Al-Obayya Roundabout. This positions the aquarium as a primary coastal gateway and reinforces its role as a cultural, environmental, and touristic catalyst. The project carries a strong educational and cultural message, presenting marine life in an entertaining and immersive way, connecting visitors to the heritage, ecology, and future of the Arabian Gulf.

Architecturally, the design is inspired by Saudi maritime heritage and the identity of the Eastern Province. The main circular mass forms the heart of the project, expressing the concept of embracing humans within the marine environment, symbolizing unity, continuity, and harmony with nature. Glass façades feature triangular patterns derived from Saudi heritage, while the façade system is inspired by the geometry and motion of ship sails, generating dynamic light and shadow and enhancing environmental comfort.

The project offers a gradual, layered pedestrian journey with minimized vehicular access via a sunken ramp. Shaded landscapes, community-oriented outdoor spaces, and seamless connections to the shoreline strengthen the relationship with the sea. Internally, immersive marine galleries, a dolphin hall, an underwater tunnel, educational and research facilities, and visual connections to the main tank are carefully integrated, while administrative and service areas remain discreet. Ultimately, the project emerges as a hybrid cultural and entertainment destination where architecture, landscape, education, and environmental responsibility converge, reinforcing Al Khobar’s identity as a leading Saudi coastal city.

Project Name: Gulf Aquarium for Innovation and Entertainment

Location: South Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Area: 66,400 m²

Site: A waterfront location overlooking the Arabian Gulf, directly connected to the Corniche and the beach, currently undergoing redevelopment as it was formerly an old, deteriorated port, serving as an open public landmark.

Function & Type: Marine Aquarium, Aquatic Park, Cultural, Educational, and Entertainment Complex – Public Landmark

Key Floors & Features:

Lower Ground: Marine hotel, theater lobby, research and educational zone.

Ground Floor: Main entrance, Arabian Gulf History Exhibition, dolphin pool, Gulf Fish Restaurant, underwater tunnel, Deep Ocean Exhibition.

First Floor: Educational and cultural spaces, VR halls, environmental awareness exhibitions, sea-view restaurants, outdoor terraces, panoramic platforms.

Concept & Design Focus:
A human-centered urban aquatic park combining green spaces, water elements, culture, entertainment, and marine environmental awareness. The main circular form embraces visitors and connects them to the environment, while facilitating natural ventilation to reduce high humidity, serving both symbolic and functional purposes. Emphasizes community interaction and sustainability.

Architecture:
Contemporary design inspired by Saudi maritime heritage. Triangular glass patterns reflect the identity of the Eastern Province, while the overall façade system is inspired by traditional sails, symbolizing Gulf maritime culture and navigation heritage.

Student: Mohammed Almohaimeed
Supervisor: Prof. Hosam Elsamaty (Research stage)
Supervisor: Prof. Mustafa Ramadan (Design stage)