Khobar, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#144
26.303999, 50.196023
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Khobar is a city located in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, situated along the Arabian Gulf. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 450,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. Banking options include National Commercial Bank and Alinma Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 60Hz. Sockets are of type G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available options include STC, Zain, and Mobily with prepaid SIM cards starting at around SAR 30. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and there are various local banks for expat services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms for rentals include Airbnb and local real estate sites like Aqar and Bayut. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in shops, restaurants, and public transport. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and serviced apartments like the Holiday Inn offer flexible short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like the Boudl Al Khobar offer budget-friendly options starting at SAR 100 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces like N8 have modern amenities and are popular among expats. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mokka is known for its good coffee and fast Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and expat gatherings are hosted frequently at places like 22 Degrees. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expatriate community events can be found through the Khobar Expat Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate effectively in Khobar. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available, with local shops like Ahlan Bikes offering hourly and daily rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Khobar Corniche beach is just a short distance from the city center, perfect for a quick beach day. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights are available through airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Khobar is conveniently connected via the Dhahran-Jubail Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main transit hub is Khobar Bus Station, connecting to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly served through bus services and prepaid cards are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | The city can be accessed by bus from Dammam and Dhahran, making travel to nearby locations easy. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al Habib Hospital is one of the best healthcare facilities in Khobar. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Khobar offers classes in a relaxing environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time is a popular gym with a variety of classes and modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Laundry provides wash and fold services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the most popular app for food delivery in Khobar. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Shawarma and Kabsa – traditional Saudi dishes widely available. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Al Mashrabeya offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Foul W Hummus is known for its delicious desserts like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Khobar Mall features a food court with affordable dining options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Noon are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offers online grocery shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sheraton Khobar has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is not permitted, but local non-alcoholic soft drinks are popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars do not exist due to restrictions, but there are coffee and tea lounges. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant around the corniche, offering traditional Saudi snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International chains like McDonald's and Domino's are popular among residents. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Khobar Corniche and Half Moon Bay are essential attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The King Fahd Causeway offers stunning views leading to Bahrain. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Al Khobar's historical district showcases traditional architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local mosques like Al Masha'er Mosque reflect Saudi culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Saudi National Day celebrations are held annually on September 23. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Corniche area is the cultural and social hub of Khobar. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture hosts various events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Khobar Souk offers a variety of local products and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | While live music is limited, cultural events often feature local performers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals and art installations can be found in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary courses are offered at various community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Al Khobar Art Gallery showcases local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old souks and buildings in the city center represent its rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local culture is deeply rooted in Arabian traditions and hospitality. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Khobar Corniche is popular for walks and outdoor activities along the beach. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Half Moon Bay features beautiful natural scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Khobar Corniche are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Khobar waterfront offers scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Consider visiting the nearby Mangrove Nature Reserve. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas along the coastline allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex are reliable options for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple authorized service providers are available for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Social clubs often have table tennis facilities available for members. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes can be found at various community centers including English and Arabic. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Dhahran library offers a conducive environment for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Khobar Community Center hosts various cultural and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer access to console and PC gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 440,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 336,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate of 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is 5% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Saudi Arabia operates on a territorial tax system for foreign income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is currently at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are applicable for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is no ongoing property tax, but land tax applies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is 5% on the purchase price. |