Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#147
26.303999, 50.196023
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Al Khobar is a city located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, part of the Dammam metropolitan area. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of 30-50 Mbps are common in Al Khobar. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. Major banks include Al Rajhi Bank and National Commercial Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 60Hz, and the power plugs are generally Type G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC and Mobily are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash, credit cards, and bank transfers are widely accepted; international cards are usable. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, villas, and serviced accommodations available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment solutions like STC Pay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels such as Ibis Styles Al Khobar offer rates starting at SAR 200 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Al Khobar offers comfortable workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Express is known for its friendly atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often organized by the Saudi Business Council, check local community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Al Khobar International Community organizes regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are widely used for reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Al Khobar has limited bike rental services; popular areas can be navigated by foot or car. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Beach is about 30 minutes away, offering sandy shores and leisure activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudia Airlines serves the region with various domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide international connections from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major road connections include the Dhahran Highway providing easy access to Dammam and Dhahran. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Al Khobar is connected by bus services, with major stations in Dammam nearby. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are primarily buses; passes are generally not available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis connect Al Khobar to nearby cities like Dammam and Khobar. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Almoosa Specialist Hospital is among the top healthcare facilities in Al Khobar. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Yoga offers classes and wellness programs tailored for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time and Gold's Gym are popular choices among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at most residential complexes and independent laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation are the most popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa, a traditional rice dish with meat and spices, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Earth Cafe offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Mondo is well-known for its delicious desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks and Al Khobar Mall offer a range of affordable food and shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now Amazon.ae) is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | The Pantry and AL Jazeera supermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Corniche features various cafes and restaurants with evening activities. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is heavily restricted in Saudi Arabia; alternatives include non-alcoholic beverages from local markets. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars do not exist due to local regulations on alcohol consumption. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at events serve traditional snacks like falafel and shawarma. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Guacamole is a well-regarded Mexican restaurant in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Al Khobar Corniche is popular for its scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Dhahran International Exhibitions Center hosts various cultural events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The King Fahd Causeway is notable for connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al Khobar Mosque is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | National Day celebrations on September 23 involve fireworks and cultural festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Al Khobar Souk features traditional markets and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cinemas like VOX Cinemas host various film screenings and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local bazaars sell handicrafts, spices, and traditional attire. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Art and cultural festivals often feature local music talents. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art initiatives are slowly blossoming in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops may be found at local cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local exhibits may be found at spaces associated with the International Art Center. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Half Moon Bay area conserves historical architecture with tourist significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The pearls of Al Khobar during the pearl diving era represent local heritage and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Khobar Corniche provides seaside walks with views of the Arabian Gulf. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a couple of hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche has dedicated pedestrian areas ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The path along the Corniche offers picturesque views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands host various migratory birds suitable for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Half Moon Beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Al Khobar provide repair services for mobile and electronic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local gyms have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic language classes tailored for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Riyadh Public Library has resources available, although non-residents may have limited access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community service organizations provide spaces for gatherings and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are limited; online gaming is common. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia; alternative entertainment options include board game cafes. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 320,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 220,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 450,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 520,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 360,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate on net profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax applies to dividends for foreign LLCs. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on residency status; no personal income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% Value Added Tax applied to most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply with requirements to declare foreign earnings. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is no specific property tax but a municipal fee may apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate transaction tax is set at 5% on the property value. |