Khobar Water Tower

The Khobar Water Tower is a tall tower standing on a small island joined to the Khobar Corniche on the Arabian Gulf coast, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. It is one of the most prominent structures in the city and can be seen from a long way off along the waterfront.

The tower was built primarily as a utility, to store water as part of the city's supply network, in the same way as the water towers put up in a number of Saudi cities in the later decades of the twentieth century. It was given a conspicuous site out in the water and an architectural form that widens towards the top, so that it combines a practical function with a strong presence on the skyline.

The island on which the tower stands is connected to the mainland by a short road and is surrounded by planted areas, footpaths and seating that look out over the Gulf. People go there to stroll and take photographs, particularly at sunset and in the evening, when the tower is lit. For residents of Khobar the tower holds a particular place as the landmark that identifies their city.