Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#147
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Al Khobar is a modern city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, known for its waterfront, luxurious lifestyle, and expat-friendly atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 USD is approximately 3.75 SAR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable. It's advisable to consume bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include STC, Mobily, and Zain, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major international cards are accepted, including Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, villas, and serviced accommodations. Airbnb is widely used. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are common and widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services like Fekra are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Al Khobar and budget hotels like Ibis Styles offer affordable prices. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche area is recommended for its proximity to beaches and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Al Khobar Corniche and city center areas provide great access to workspaces and networking opportunities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Regus Al Khobar provides a professional coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers good Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attending meetups organized by local expat groups on Facebook can provide networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings are hosted at local venues advertised on expat community social media pages. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are the main ride-sharing apps available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are no bike or scooter sharing services in Al Khobar. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Bay is a popular beach site, approximately 30 minutes drive from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, and flynas. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Dhahran-Al Khobar Highway provides excellent connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No formal train services; local transportation mainly via taxis and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport services are limited; taxis are more common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Dammam and Dhahran are available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Fahd University Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at Al Khobar Gym and several private studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many laundromats are available, including laundry services within hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Talabat are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Shawarma and Kabsa are popular local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants include Earth Bowl and Health Hub. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Riche offers delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Al Khobar Souk offer affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Souq are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services include Nana and Carrefour. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al Khobar has a few bars, primarily in hotels, such as The Urban Lounge. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcoholic beverages are not widely available due to local laws. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are very limited due to regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors can be found mainly at markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Variety of international cuisines can be found in restaurants along the Corniche. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Al Khobar Corniche is a beautiful seaside area to explore. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a notable cultural site. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Half Moon Bay has historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous mosques can be found, including King Fahd Mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Saudi National Day celebrations occur on September 23rd. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city does not have distinct cultural districts but various cultural events are held throughout. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Ithra Theater offers performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit Al Khobar Souk for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is typically found in hotels and at private events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; urban art is generally found in commercial areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary workshops are available in community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Ithra hosts various art exhibitions and installations. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several historic forts can be found in the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Saudi heritage is represented through various cultural events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Khobar Corniche offers parks and beach access. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The closest major parks are outside the city, including the Aramco Road. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche has dedicated walking paths along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Watch the sunset along the Al Khobar Corniche. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby mangroves provide birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are generally not permitted on public beaches. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local delivery services operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech repair shops offer services for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some gyms offer table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic and English classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library in Al Khobar offers study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers often host various social events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are limited; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 162,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; different corporate tax regulations apply. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% on personal income; corporate tax applies to businesses. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply, particularly for Saudi residents with foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; however, property transactions are taxed. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction fees range approximately from 5% to 10%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for individuals which is favorable for digital nomads. |