Yanbu, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#1404
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Yanbu is a city located on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, known for its industrial port and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 50 Mbps, with fiber optic available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR (Saudi Riyal) ≈ 0.27 USD; ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain provide good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank; international cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, and local rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-term accommodation options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses available from SAR 100 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche area offers beach access and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al-Masif area is popular among expats with affordable housing and good amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work Space Hub provides desk space and fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka is favored for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by expat communities on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings announced through local Facebook expat groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but available in key tourist areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al-Houda Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SaudiGulf Airlines offers connections to other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) operates international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highly accessible via the highway connecting to Medina and Jeddah. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Yanbu Railway Station connects to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis, no monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis available for travel to nearby cities like Medina and Jeddah. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Hayat Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga by the Sea offers classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym with modern equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Sakary Laundry provides dry cleaning and laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | HungerStation dominates the local food delivery market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi, a traditional rice dish served with chicken or lamb, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Falamanki offers a good variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dessert House is famous for its delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Yanbu Fish Market offers fresh seafood and local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Souq.com provide extensive shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al-Madinah Street has a few cafes and shops but nightlife is limited. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Saudi Arabia is non-alcoholic; local beverages include fruit juices and non-alcoholic malt drinks. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try Shawarma from street vendors for a quick bite. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options including Indian, Chinese, and fast food chains. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Yanbu's Corniche and the ancient ruins of Yanbu Al-Bahr. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Yanbu Heritage Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town of Yanbu offers historic buildings and traditional architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several mosques are present, including the Al-Fouzan Mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Yanbu Flower Festival occurs annually, showcasing floral displays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historical district provides a glimpse into Saudi heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances are held in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Yanbu Souq offers various local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music events are sometimes held at cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art, but some murals can be seen in local neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available locally focusing on Saudi cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Al-Habbal Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many historical homes in the old district reflect traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Yanbu is known for its trading history in the Red Sea. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al-Soudah Park offers scenic views and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al-Hada Park is within driving distance for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche has dedicated walking and biking paths along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The coastline offers multiple scenic viewpoints for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Yanbu’s waterfront is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach for bonfires, especially during events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Saudi Post and DHL service available in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city offer phone and gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks sometimes have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic courses for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Yanbu Public Library offers resources for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Cultural Center regularly hosts events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options but some cafes offer gaming spaces. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 152,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 270,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxed on income generated in Saudi Arabia only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No personal income tax is levied on individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% Value Added Tax is applicable on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists to tax income earned abroad. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are not widely enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax applies to property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Zero personal income tax, making it beneficial for expatriates. |