Yanbu, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#1404
24.089019, 38.068707
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Yanbu is a major city on the Red Sea in western Saudi Arabia, known for its industrial port and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with fiber optic options available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR (Saudi Riyal) ≈ 0.27 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V with a frequency of 60Hz, using Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain are the main providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Al Rajhi Bank and Saudi British Bank (SABB) are highly regarded among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Short-term rentals available via Airbnb and other platforms; long-term leases are common. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment options like STC Pay are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular; expect prices around 200 SAR per night for decent listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local hotels and guesthouses available; expect prices starting from 100 SAR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub in Yanbu offers flexible workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Taza is popular among remote workers for its Wi-Fi and atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups and expat meetups organized monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community in Yanbu is active on social media; events often include social gatherings and cultural celebrations. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is widely used for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are minimal; consider renting local scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Bahr Beach is the best accessible beach for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines operates flights from Yanbu. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer international flights from King Abdulaziz Airport (JED). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city has major access to the Makkah-Medina highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Yanbu has a bus station with services to Jeddah and Madinah. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on various routes, but passes are not common; pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services and taxis are available, primarily to nearby cities like Jeddah. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Yanbu Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Mimi Yoga Studio offers classes for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; prices start from 20 SAR for wash and fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation deliver food from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Enjoy Mandi, a traditional Saudi dish renowned in the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Earth & Veggie offer plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Khaima Sweets is known for local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as Al Shalal Market, are great for budget-friendly food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Noon.com are popular in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | LuLu Hypermarket offers online shopping with home delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Yanbu has limited nightlife; most social events are family-oriented. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is generally prohibited, but non-alcoholic beverages are widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at local markets offer shawarma and falafel. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several international chains like KFC and Pizza Hut are present. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Red Sea Mall and the Yanbu Corniche. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Yanbu Heritage Center showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town of Yanbu has sites reflecting traditional architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local mosques are significant and beautifully designed. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Yanbu Flower Festival is a major attraction every spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old district reflects rich local heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural events are held at the Yanbu Cultural Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al-Hawiyyah Market is vibrant for locals and visitors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music plays at local events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Saudi dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Yanbu has a few small galleries showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old buildings reflect the architectural legacy of the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich maritime heritage due to its location on the Red Sea. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Yanbu's Red Sea coast offers beautiful spots for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | AlUla National Park is a few hours away, famous for its rock formations and heritage. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche features a beautiful walking path along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views from the Yanbu Corniche are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangroves near Yanbu provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex operate offices in Yanbu. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer electronic repairs; check Souq.com for repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host ping pong events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language institutes offer Arabic courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The General Library of Yanbu serves as a study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host events and activities for residents and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes act as gaming spots for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available due to local laws restricting gambling. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 5,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 200,000 SAR). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 3,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 120,000 SAR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 4,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 270,000 SAR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 168,000 SAR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 4,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 320,000 SAR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 176,000 SAR). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax system is based on income earned within the Kingdom. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Personal income tax is not applicable for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is set at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations regarding foreign ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; however, there are transaction fees. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 5% tax is applied during property purchases. |