Tabuk, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#1801
28.401253, 36.567049
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tabuk is a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its historical sites and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of around 50 Mbps with good availability of fiber optic connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advisable to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are the major mobile providers offering good coverage and packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted widely; banks like Al Rajhi and Saudi National Bank cater to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from hotels to serviced apartments; platforms like Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments via cards and mobile apps are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Dana Hotel or Al-Majed Hotel are budget options starting around 150 SAR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | HIVE Co-Working Space located in the city center with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Java Cafe, known for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tabuk Business Forum held quarterly for entrepreneurs and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Tabuk Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Tabuk. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but you can find rental shops near Tabuk University. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dhiba Beach, around 50 km away, popular for weekends. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudia Airlines connects Tabuk to major Saudi cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EgyptAir and Flynas operate international flights out of Tabuk. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Route 5 and 60 connecting to the rest of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Tabuk has a bus terminal, but no train service; buses connect to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and taxis do not typically offer passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to cities like Medina and Jeddah are available with varying schedules. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Khalid Hospital, known for comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Harmoni Yoga provides classes and wellness coaching. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time Gym offers various workout options for expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Al-Zahrat Laundry services available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Hunger Station and Talabat are popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa, a traditional rice dish with meat, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Veggie Corner offer various plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Tabuk Market offers great discounts on local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Souq.com provide online shopping for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tabuk does not have a nightlife scene due to cultural restrictions. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is not permitted; local beverage options are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable; alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the Old City serve local snacks like falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Shawarma places are popular, such as Shawarmaz. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Tabuk Castle, a historical site dating back to the Ottoman period. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Tabuk Museum showcases the heritage and history of the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic site of Al-Zareeb, an ancient trade route. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al-Qubba Mosque is one of the significant mosques in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Tabuk Winter Festival features local culture and arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Al-Hamra district is known for its rich culture and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Tabuk does not have established theaters; local events are held in public spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Tabuk Souq is a vibrant market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music is limited; local festivals feature traditional performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is not prevalent in Tabuk due to cultural norms. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes in traditional Saudi cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art exhibitions are occasionally held at local community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old souk buildings reflect the architectural heritage of Tabuk. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Tabuk's heritage is rich with influences from various civilizations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The stunning AlUla region is about 2 hours away, known for its rock formations. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wadi Rum is accessible and famous for its scenic beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the Tabuk Waterfront are popular for leisure. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Sinai can be seen from various points around Tabuk. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the nearby Tabuk University Garden. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated picnic areas outside the city, such as in the Touma Mountains. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic tech repairs; no major chains present. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabia Language Center offers classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library near the city center provides study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Tabuk Community Center hosts various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes are available, particularly popular among youths. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 100,000 SAR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 72,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 180,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 132,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 280,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 224,000 SAR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for businesses operating in Saudi Arabia. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically not applicable for companies in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; VAT at 15% on goods and services. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%, as there's no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is no annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 5% of the value of the transacted property. |