Dhahran, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#148
26.296652, 50.120214
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dhahran is a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, known for its oil industry and expatriate community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD; widely accepted local currency is the Saudi Riyal. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | HSBC, Al Rajhi Bank, and Samba are widely used by expatriates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options including serviced apartments and villas. Airbnb and local real estate agencies such as Bebab offer rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate platforms provide short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Low-cost options include Al Khobar Youth Hostel and various guesthouses. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive at Khobar is a recommended coworking space near Dhahran. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee House in Dhahran offers a conducive environment for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetings by the Dhahran Expat Community Group facilitate networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Dhahran-based expat clubs for social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Dhahran for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; personal bikes are more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Beach, approximately 30 minutes from Dhahran. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Gulf Airlines is a local option for regional travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines provides international connectivity. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Adjacent to the Dammam Highway for easy travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train station in Dhahran; nearest is Dammam Station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; consider taxis or ride-hailing apps. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for intercity travel to Dammam and Khobar. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dhahran Health Centre is the main medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Activ Fitness is a popular gym offering yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are available in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries include Clean & Fresh Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa, a traditional Saudi rice dish with meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A few cafes like Cafe Aroma offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patchi is well-known for its chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sultan Center and local souks for budget-friendly groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and noon.com for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi markets offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; bars are typically in nearby Khobar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is not permitted; drinks are limited to non-alcoholic beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine is not served; cultural and legal restrictions apply. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Experience shawarma and falafel at local food stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer diverse options, including Italian and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Oil Museum in Dhahran showcases the history of the oil industry. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Dhahran Heritage Museum highlights local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Ibn Khaldun Mosque is a significant local mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Saudi National Day in September is widely celebrated. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Khobar's Corniche for cultural walks and activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural venues often host events; check local listings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Souq in Al Khobar offers local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are rare due to cultural norms. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; focus is on public gardens and parks. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools are available for traditional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some exhibitions are held at local community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Key historical sites are few, but local architecture reflects history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural diversity is celebrated in various local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tarout Island and Half Moon Bay for scenic nature spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Riyadh's Al Watan National Park, about 400km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the Dhahran community areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the Khobar Corniche. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local parks and mangroves around Al Khobar. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Half Moon Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Saudi Post and DHL for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Dhahran and Khobar for tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports clubs in Dhahran offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors and language schools offer English and Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Dhahran Community Library for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Dhahran Recreation Centre offers community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; home-gaming is popular. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia; no casinos available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 100,000). |
| 🏠 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 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 168,000). |
| 🏡 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 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 184,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate in Saudi Arabia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No tax on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax on salaries for residents; VAT at 15%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal tax rate is effectively 0% for expatriates. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, restrictions apply for foreign tax residency. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; minimal fees associated with property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Fees applied during property purchases, approximately 5%. |