Tabuk, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#1801
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tabuk is the capital of the Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its historical significance and proximity to the Red Sea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR (Saudi Riyal) ≈ 0.27 USD; ATMs and banks widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; bottled water is advised. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC and Mobily are the main providers, offering good 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit cards widely accepted; local banks also offer services to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include residential apartments, hotels, and Airbnb, with prices ranging from 150 SAR to 500 SAR per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide short-term accommodation. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses are available starting from 100 SAR per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Al Nour neighborhood is popular among tourists for its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Residential areas near the city center offer decent internet connectivity and local amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are limited coworking spaces; however, local cafes provide good environments for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Corner offers a quiet atmosphere with free Wi-Fi, ideal for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for gatherings on Meetup or local Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Tabuk' Facebook group for community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the main ride-hailing service in Tabuk. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, bike rentals are limited; however, some local shops may offer options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Wahah Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines operates domestic flights from Tabuk. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates offer flights to international destinations through connecting flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Al Ula-Tabuk road and Jordan highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service in Tabuk; Buses are the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific pass system; pay per trip on local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Tabuk to other major cities like Medina and Jeddah. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Fahad Specialist Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; private gyms may offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24 Gym is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats and dry cleaners available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa, a traditional rice dish served with meat, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Several restaurants offer vegetarian options, but limited dedicated vegan spots. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al-Maida Bakery for traditional Arabic sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Souq Al Sitar provide fresh produce and local cuisine. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Jumia serve as primary e-commerce platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife, with few bars; focus on social cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is not permitted; local non-alcoholic beverages are common. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable due to local laws on alcohol. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Several stalls offer snacks such as shawarma and falafel around markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and fast food chains are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Tabuk Castle and the ancient archaeological site of Al-Tabuk. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Tabuk Museum offers insights into the region's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Dedan nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mosque of the Prophet's Mosque and other traditional mosques. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals celebrating heritage and culture occur annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old city center is rich in history and traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance venues; check local listings for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al Balad is a vibrant market featuring local artisans. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music events can be found during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art but local artists often showcase their work in markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available for traditional Saudi dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; some local exhibition spaces host traveling shows. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several forts and palaces from the Ottoman era can be seen. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Tabuk represents a blend of Bedouin and Islamic traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Rum is nearby and offers stunning desert landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tabuk is close to the Tihama Mountain range and nature reserves. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Some walking paths exist, particularly near parks and city centers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Al-Hijr archaeological site offers beautiful viewpoints. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Natural reserves outside Tabuk attract migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are available outside the city for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex operate in Tabuk for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer electronic repairs; check Al-Nahda Street. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language schools offer English and Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Tabuk Public Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host events and language exchanges. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges available; popular among local youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not applicable due to local regulations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 120,000 SAR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 100,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 168,000 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. 2,700 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 216,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 SAR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial system; taxes on income earned within the country. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT applicable. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property taxation system. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No specific tax on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No personal income tax makes it attractive for expats. |