This coastal city on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea has coral reefs, a commercial port, and a historic district with traditional 19th-century Hijazi buildings and narrow alleyways.
Yanbu`, a city on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, welcomes visitors with its 12-kilometer waterfront promenade and clear waters ideal for diving. You can spot barracudas and angelfish at Seven Sisters reef, browse traditional dates and spices at the restored night market, or take a morning walk along China Herbal Park Beach. Beyond the city, the red peaks of Radwa Mount rise 2,282 meters above the desert floor, creating striking views at sunset.
Getting to Yanbu`
Yanbu International Airport connects the city with major Saudi destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. International flights reach Alexandria, Cairo, Istanbul, Dubai, and Sharjah. A highway network links Yanbu` to Jeddah in the south and extends north to Jordan and Syria, making it accessible by road from multiple directions.
Red Sea Activities
Several beaches line the city's coast, including the 4-square-kilometer China Herbal Park Beach with its white sand and calm waters. Divers can explore multiple reef sites, including Seven Sisters and Blue Reef, where you'll find coral formations and schools of tropical fish. Local dive centers organize trips to these spots year-round.
Exploring the Waterfront
The Yanbu Waterfront stretches 12 kilometers along the coast with dedicated paths for walking and jogging. You can fish from designated spots or watch flamingos and seabirds gather near the shore. The area comes alive in the evening when families gather at the cafes and children play in the playgrounds.
Historical Sites
The Saudi tourism ministry has restored T.E. Lawrence's former residence, where he stayed after the city's capture during World War I. The building maintains its original stone walls and wooden doors. At Souq Al-Lail (Night Market), local vendors sell regional products including Medina dates, fresh mulukhiyah leaves, and traditional sweets like mamoul.
Natural Surroundings
Radwa Mount's red peaks reach 2,282 meters high within the Al-Nakhil range. During spring, wildflowers cover the surrounding plains, attracting visitors for the annual flower festival. North of Yanbu`, about 150 kilometers away, Umluj's archipelago of 100+ islands is being developed with new beaches and water sports facilities.
Industrial Area
Since 1975, Yanbu` has grown into one of Saudi Arabia's petrochemical production centers. The port processes container ships daily and connects to Medina, which lies 160 kilometers inland.