Al Khubar

Al Khobar sits on Saudi Arabia's Persian Gulf coast, where you can dine at the rotating restaurant atop the 90-meter Water Tower, browse through fabric shops and gold stores along Suwaiket Street, or walk the 16-kilometer seaside Corniche. The city connects to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway, and extends south to Half Moon Bay's beaches where you can swim, ride ATVs, or relax at beachfront resorts.

Getting to Al Khobar

King Fahd International Airport lies 20 kilometers northwest of Dammam. Many travelers fly into Bahrain International Airport and drive 45 minutes across the King Fahd Causeway. SABTCO runs five daily buses between Bahrain and Al Khobar (50 SAR per trip). From Dammam's train station, a 15-minute taxi ride costs around 30 SAR.

Exploring the Corniche

The 16-kilometer Corniche stretches along the eastern coast with paved walking paths, gardens, and playgrounds. You'll find restaurants like Chili's, TGI Fridays, and local seafood spots such as Al-Sayyad serving fresh catch from the Gulf. The area comes alive after sunset when families gather at cafes. The Water Tower's observation deck (entry 15 SAR) opens daily from 4 PM to 11 PM, while its rotating restaurant serves dinner from 6 PM.

Shopping Districts

On Suwaiket Street (Prince Bandar ibn Abdulaziz Street), you can bargain for traditional thobes, abayas, Persian carpets, and gold jewelry. The Mall of Dhahran houses over 400 stores including Zara, H&M, and local designers. Al-Rashid Mall includes a cinema complex, children's play zones, and restaurants serving Arabic, Asian, and Western cuisine.

Beach Activities

At Half Moon Bay, 30 minutes south of the city center, you can swim at public beaches with changing rooms and shower facilities (entry 20 SAR). ATV rentals cost 100 SAR per hour. The Holiday Beach Resort and Dana Beach Resort both have private beaches, water sports equipment rentals, and beachfront restaurants.

Weather and Timing

Summer temperatures reach 40-45°C (104-113°F) from June to September. Winter brings mild weather between 15-25°C (59-77°F) from November to February, with occasional rain showers. Plan outdoor visits between November and March for comfortable temperatures.

Accommodation Options

The Mövenpick Hotel on the Corniche (from 500 SAR) has rooms overlooking the Gulf. The Oasis Tower Hotel in the city center (from 400 SAR) includes a bowling alley (40 SAR per game), ice skating rink (35 SAR per session), and an on-site supermarket. Both Le Meridien Al Khobar and Sofitel Al Khobar (from 600 SAR) are within 10 minutes' walk from major shopping areas.