Dhahran, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#148
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dhahran is a city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, known for its role as a hub for the oil industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Saudi Riyal (SAR), 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is advised. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 60Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are popular mobile providers offering prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks such as Al Rajhi Bank and National Commercial Bank cater to expats with suitable services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, furnished rentals, and local housing markets. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are widely accepted, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short-term lodging options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and guesthouses are available, with prices starting around 100 SAR per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The vicinity of Dhahran Mall and Al Khobar is recommended for accessibility and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the Al-Dhahran area for a balance of local culture and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-working space available at Khobar Business Center, with amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bateel is popular among digital nomads for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized in Dhahran and nearby Khobar for expats and professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for Dhahran expats facilitate socialization and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Dhahran for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are limited, but local cafes may offer rental options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Bay is about 30 minutes away for seaside activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines serves regional connections effectively. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates offer international flights from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access is via Route 80M, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local bus services connect Dhahran with neighboring cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport options exist; recommend using taxi services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Availability of buses and taxis for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in Dhahran. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studios like 'Karma Yoga' provide wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time and Gold's Gym cater to fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available, including local chains like 'Al-Jazeera Laundry.' |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation offer food delivery services in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kabsa, a traditional rice dish served with meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Zaatar W Zeit' provide good vegetarian menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie 'La Paresse' is known for its exquisite pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks and markets offer budget-friendly groceries and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com offers a wide range of products available for delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HungerStation and Talabat include grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al Khobar is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted in Saudi Arabia; however, soft drinks and juices are prevalent. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are not present due to local regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available, primarily shawarma and falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serve various international dishes, including Italian and Chinese. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Dhahran Exhibition Center showcases the region's oil industry. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Aramco Exhibit offers insights into Saudi history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO site, is a couple of hours away. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nearby mosques are essential cultural sites, however dress code must be followed. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Saudi National Day celebrations occur annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Corniche in Khobar hosts cultural events and entertainment. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Live performances take place at Al Khobar venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al Khobar Souk is the go-to place for local crafts and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local events showcase traditional music at cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited due to cultural restrictions. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes on traditional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art galleries like 'Art Zone' showcase regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic structures can be seen throughout Dhahran, especially near oil facilities. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city’s heritage is closely tied with the oil industry. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the scenic Khobar Corniche and local parks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al-Ahsa National Park is a notable nearby national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking and cycling paths are available along the Corniche. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The beach areas provide stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Al Khobar attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches permit bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronic shops provide repair services for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports clubs may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer Arabic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Various public libraries are accessible for study needs. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers often organize expat-focused events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are available in the nearby Khobar. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 6,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 240,000 SAR). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 200,000 SAR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 7,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 450,000 SAR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 360,000 SAR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 8,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 640,000 SAR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 520,000 SAR). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The income tax system for residents is 0% on foreign income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax for residents. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Saudi Arabia has rules regulating foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is no annual property tax in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real Estate Transaction Tax is typically 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreigners working remotely are not subject to income tax. |