Al-Khabar, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is one of the country’s most well-known cities. This vibrant city has earned a reputation for blending economic progress, cultural diversity, historical relevance and modern development.
Best Places to Visit in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Al Khobar is a thriving coastal city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province that offers a mix of modern luxury, beautiful beaches, desert excursions, and cultural experiences. Al Khobar has something for everyone, whether you’re visiting for business, pleasure, or a family vacation.
Here’s a detailed list of 20 of the top locations/best places to visit in Al Khobar:
1. Al Khobar Corniche
Address: South Corniche Rd 26, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 31952.
The Corniche is the crown jewel of Al Khobar’s coastline. This beautiful seaside promenade, which is kilometers long, features playgrounds, bike lanes, well-kept parks, and walkways. It’s perfect for joggers, families, and those who enjoy watching the sunset.
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2. Half Moon Bay
Address: Half Moon Bay, is located near Khobar city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Half Moon Bay is one of the most popular beaches in the area, offering golden sand beaches, calm waters, and a range of water activities. The bay is ideal for weekend family activities like swimming and picnics.
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3. King Fahd Causeway
Address: 6368 King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Road, Al Hamra, Al Khobar, 34628, Saudi Arabia.
The King Fahd Causeway is an engineering wonder that connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. You can enjoy sweeping views of the sea and both nations by driving across or stopping at the observation tower halfway.
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4. Al Rashid Mall
Address: EKJA8267, 2048 Firas Ibn Al Nudur St, Olaya, 8267, Al Khobar 34445, Saudi Arabia.
Al Rashid Mall, one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most well-known retail hubs, provides food, entertainment, and shopping all in one location. It is popular with both inhabitants and visitors.
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5. Ajdan Walk
Address: Prince Turkey Street, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34446, Saudi Arabia.
Ajdan Walk, a more recent development, is a chic waterfront neighborhood featuring high-end restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and a movie theater. It is one of the most popular hangout locations in the city.
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6. Scitech Technology Center
Address: 6418 3618 Corniche Rd, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34412, Saudi Arabia.
The Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (Scitech) is an educational and fun destination featuring interactive exhibits about science, space, marine life, and more. It also has a planetarium.
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7. Desert Camping and Dune Bashing
A desert excursion is a must-do while visiting the Eastern Province. Sandboarding, quad biking, safari tours, and overnight camping are all ideal in the desert near Al Khobar.
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8. Dharan Mall
Address: Mall of Dhahran Blvd, Al Dawhah Al Janubiyah, Dhahran 34457, Saudi Arabia.
Dharan Mall, another massive shopping complex, is ideal for families because it offers luxury brands, casual shopping, a large food court, and kid-friendly entertainment options.
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9. Prince Saud Bin Naif Park
Address: 855F+HX5, Al Dawhah Al Janubiyah, Dhahran 34455, Saudi Arabia.
This charming park near Al Khobar features playgrounds, picnic spots, and tranquil walking pathways. It is popular among joggers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience.
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10. Golden Belt Walk
Address: King Fahad Street, Al Hizam Al Thahabi, Khobar, Saudi Arabia 34433.
The Golden Belt Walk is a wonderfully built walking trail with tranquil walkways, greenery, and sculptures. It’s a quieter alternative to the crowded Corniche.
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11. Taybeen Museum
Address: البراد بن مالك, Al Sheraa, Al Khobar 34742, Saudi Arabia.
The Taybeen Museum, a hidden gem, displays a private collection of nostalgic Gulf and Saudi items from the 1950s to the 1990s, including vintage toys, gadgets, advertisements, and cultural relics.
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12. Azizyah Beach
Azizyah Beach provides a more calm and untouched beach experience and is within a short drive from Al Khobar’s center. Ideal for picnics, fishing, and swimming.
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13. Venicia Mall
Address: Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Rd, Al-Thuqbah, Al Khobar 34623, Saudi Arabia.
Venicia Mall offers a premium shopping experience, complete with modern restaurants, beauty salons, and international brands. It has a more boutique-like feel than larger malls.
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14. Al Khobar Water Tower
Address: Corniche Rd, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34413, Saudi Arabia.
The Water Tower, a landmark in Al Khobar, is situated on a man-made island off the Corniche. Despite the limited access inside, there are stunning views and photo opportunities outdoors.
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15. Corniche Mosque
Address: Salem Bin Laden Mosque, 7689+5JH, Corniche Rd, Al Sahil, Al Khobar 34612, Saudi Arabia.
With its traditional Islamic design and the relaxing sound of the ocean nearby, this lovely mosque on the Corniche provides a serene place for prayer or reflection.
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16. Sunset Beach Resort
Address: Sunset Boulevard, Al Tahliyah, Al Khobar 34713, Saudi Arabia.
Sunset Beach Resort is a rich private resort located on Half Moon Bay. It boasts beaches, a water park, sports facilities, and luxurious houses. Perfect for weekend excursions.
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17. Fanateer Beach (Near Jubail)
Fanateer Beach is an excellent location for Al Khobar residents, while being only a short drive from Jubail. It has lush spaces, beautiful seas, and well-maintained facilities.
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18. Village Markets
Address: 75QR+GR، 3183 الشارع العاشر، العقربية،, Al Khobar 34446, Saudi Arabia.
Village Markets is a more traditional shopping area, offering anything from handicrafts to fragrances. In compared to larger malls, it is less crowded and commercialized.
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19. Desert Designs Gallery
Address: 3616 Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Rd, Al Aqrabiyah, Al Khobar 34446, Saudi Arabia.
If you appreciate art and culture, Desert Designs Gallery is a must-see. It features original Saudi art, crafts, and furniture that combines tradition with modern elegance.
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20. Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture)
Address: 8386 Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran 34461, Saudi Arabia.
Ithra is a world-class cultural institution that should not be missed. It is technically located in Dhahran, which is adjacent to Al Khobar. It offers art galleries, theaters, libraries, and museums.
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Historical Background
The history of Al-Khabar dates back centuries. Initially, it was a little fishing town whose inhabitants made their living from the water. Because of its location, Al-Khabar grew into a major Arabian Gulf commerce center. Fish, pearls and other marine products were shipped to other cities and regions of the Gulf from Al-Khabar. Al-Khabar’s fortunes changed when oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia and the city quickly became a bustling modern economic hub.
Economic Importance
Al-Khabar has grown into an “Established Business Hub” in the Eastern Province, with proximity to the headquarters of significant businesses such as “Saudi Aramco”. This city boasts a network of multinational corporations, banks and trading offices. In addition to its reliance on oil, Al-Khabar’s economy has grown significantly in sectors such as services, tourism, education and health.
Cultural Diversity
Al-Khabar is known for its cultural diversity. It has transformed into a global city as a result of the influx of people from all over the world. Al-Khabar’s cultural mix has resulted in a vibrant, cheerful, and open city. There are many different languages, cultures, and cuisines available here.
Modern Construction and Infrastructure
Al-Khabar’s modern development is admirable. This city’s beauty is enhanced by its wide roadways, high-rise buildings, magnificent hotels, enormous retail malls and entertainment centers. Al-Khabar Corniche is especially famous for its beauty, cleanliness and picturesque sea views. People go there to enjoy the sea breeze, go jogging or have a picnic with their families.
Educational Centers
Al-Khabar has the highest-quality educational institutions. Not just local, but also international schools and institutions have been built here, delivering world-class education. Institutions such as Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University and Al-Khabar International Schools elevate Al-Khabar’s status in higher education. In the field of education, the city attracts both domestic and international students.
Health Facilities
Al-Khabar has good medical facilities. The city offers world-class hospitals and clinics that offer various types of therapy and medical assistance. Saudi German Hospital, Al-Manna Hospital, and other well-known institutions provide the greatest medical care to the area’s citizens and visitors.
Entertainment and Tourism
Al-Khabar is a true paradise for those who enjoy entertainment. Al Khobar Corniche, Half Moon Bay Beach, King Fahd Causeway and large retail complexes including Al Rashid Mall and Venice Mall are among the city’s most popular entertainment venues. The King Fahd Causeway is a stunning bridge that connects Saudi Arabia with Bahrain and is a popular tourist destination near Al Khobar.
Religious significance
Although Al Khobar is not a holy site like Mecca or Medina, it has its own religious significance as a part of Saudi Arabia. The city has a network of mosques, and during Ramadan and the two Eids, it becomes spiritually charged.
Environmental Protection
In recent years, Al Khobar has paid significant attention to environmental issues. The city’s priorities include cleaning up the coastline, establishing parks, tree planting campaigns, and sustainable development projects.
Summary
Al Khobar is not just Saudi Arabia’s business and economic center, but also a vibrant, contemporary, and culturally rich city. Al Khobar is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important cities, with its historical history, economic development, educational opportunities, medical facilities, and tourist attractions. Al Khobar is making a name for itself not only in the Kingdom, but also on a global scale, thanks to its ongoing development and diversity.
