King Abdulaziz Air Base, Royal Saudi Air Force base in Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; former international airport serving Dhahran
King Abdulaziz Air Base is a Royal Saudi Air Force military facility in Dhahran on the eastern coast where modern fighter jets and transport aircraft are stationed. The installation has extremely long runways, large hangars, a control tower, and administrative buildings laid out according to modern design principles.
The site began in 1945 as an airfield for the United States during World War II and was later expanded into a strategic aviation hub. In 1962, the United States transferred military control to Saudi Arabia, after which the base was renamed in honor of the country's founder.
King Abdulaziz Air Base is named after the founder of Saudi Arabia, reflecting national identity through its official designation. The location blends military operations with everyday life for families living there, who use schools, sports facilities, and cinemas to maintain normal routines.
The base is not open to visitors but can be viewed from outside its perimeters, particularly the large runways and buildings. Best visibility is available from public roads near Dhahran where one can observe the activity and infrastructure.
The original terminal building was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect of the World Trade Center in New York, combining modernist design with Islamic motifs. The building was so notable in its design that it appeared on Saudi banknotes.
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