Forum
Analytics
Khobar, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#144
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Khobar is a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, known for its modern infrastructure and proximity to the Arabian Gulf. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. Major banks include Al Rajhi Bank and National Commercial Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 60Hz. Power plugs are Type G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Saudi Telecom (STC), Mobily, and Zain offer prepaid SIM cards with reasonable data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate platforms like Property Finder offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as The Hosteller Khobar and budget hotels like Ibis Styles start from SAR 100 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche area is popular among tourists for its beach views and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Al Khobar City Center is ideal due to accessibility and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Regus Khobar King Abdulaziz Road offers modern coworking facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Ceramique is well-suited for remote work, with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | SABIC and other large companies often host networking events; check local expat Facebook groups for listings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Khobar Expat Community organizes regular meetups through social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Khobar. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available near the Corniche but less common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Bay, about 30 minutes away, is a popular beach destination. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, British Airways, and Qatar Airways serve Khobar. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | King Fahd Causeway connects Khobar to Bahrain and connects to major highways in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Khobar does not have a train station, but local buses and taxis provide transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses operate, though passes are not common; tickets can be purchased onboard. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for intercity travel to Dammam and Dhahran. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Almoosa Specialised Hospital is a prominent healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold’s Gym have branches in Khobar. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats, such as Laundry Basket, offer laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is widely used for food delivery in Khobar. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa is a traditional dish you should try while in Khobar. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Solera Cafe offers a diverse vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mary Lou's and Al-Darjar are popular for delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Al Khobar Souk offer budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | SOUQ.com and Noon.com for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Corniche area features several bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia; however, non-alcoholic beverages are popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are no wine bars due to local regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food options can be found near the Corniche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Chili's and PF Chang's offer a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Khobar Corniche and the King Fahd Causeway are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a cultural hotspot. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Khobar Fort, while lesser-known, offers a glimpse into local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al Khobar Mosque is an important Islamic site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Khobar Summer Festival features various local events and entertainment. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The cultural scene is limited but can be experienced at local markets and festivals. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Ithra theater offers various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al Khobar is a vibrant market with local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Occasional live music events held at local restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art, but some murals can be found along the Corniche. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes can be found at community centers or private homes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Several small galleries display local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Al Khobar railway station reflects the city's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals reflect Khobar's heritage, often including traditional music and dance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Corniche Park offers locations for picnics and relaxation near the water. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al-Ahsa Oasis, around an hour away, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche is lined with paths ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The waterfront promenade offers scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching can be enjoyed at Al-Qarah Mountain nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along Half Moon Bay allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Stores like iFix offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes in Arabic can be found at local education centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Khobar Public Library is available for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Khobar Cultural Centre hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like The Game Zone are available for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and thus there are no casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 540,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 680,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 7,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 560,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% on corporate income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A as there is no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% VAT is applied on most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax, but there are municipal fees. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the property value as a transaction tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No personal income tax attracts digital nomads seeking favorable tax conditions. |