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Guide
Yanbu, Saudi Arabia πΈπ¦
#1404
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Yanbu is a city located on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, known for its industrial port and beautiful beaches. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 200,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speeds of 50 Mbps, with fiber optic available in some areas. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 SAR (Saudi Riyal) β 0.27 USD; ATMs widely available. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 60Hz, Type G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain provide good coverage and data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank; international cards accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, and local rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards accepted widely. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-term accommodation options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses available from SAR 100 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche area offers beach access and local attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al-Masif area is popular among expats with affordable housing and good amenities. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Work Space Hub provides desk space and fast internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka is favored for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by expat communities on social media. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings announced through local Facebook expat groups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in the city. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but available in key tourist areas. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Al-Houda Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | SaudiGulf Airlines offers connections to other cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) operates international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Highly accessible via the highway connecting to Medina and Jeddah. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Yanbu Railway Station connects to major cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis, no monthly passes. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis available for travel to nearby cities like Medina and Jeddah. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Al-Hayat Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga by the Sea offers classes and workshops. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym with modern equipment. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Sakary Laundry provides dry cleaning and laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | HungerStation dominates the local food delivery market. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi, a traditional rice dish served with chicken or lamb, is highly recommended. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Falamanki offers a good variety of vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Dessert House is famous for its delicious cakes and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | The Yanbu Fish Market offers fresh seafood and local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Souq.com provide extensive shopping options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets offers grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Al-Madinah Street has a few cafes and shops but nightlife is limited. |
π» Local Brewery | Saudi Arabia is non-alcoholic; local beverages include fruit juices and non-alcoholic malt drinks. |
π· Wine Bars | Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try Shawarma from street vendors for a quick bite. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Various options including Indian, Chinese, and fast food chains. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Yanbu's Corniche and the ancient ruins of Yanbu Al-Bahr. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Yanbu Heritage Museum showcases local history. |
π° Historical Sites | The old town of Yanbu offers historic buildings and traditional architecture. |
π Religious Sites | Several mosques are present, including the Al-Fouzan Mosque. |
π Annual Events | Yanbu Flower Festival occurs annually, showcasing floral displays. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The historical district provides a glimpse into Saudi heritage. |
π Theater Venues | Occasional performances are held in community centers. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Yanbu Souq offers various local goods and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Traditional music events are sometimes held at cultural festivals. |
π¨ Street Art | Limited street art, but some murals can be seen in local neighborhoods. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available locally focusing on Saudi cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Al-Habbal Art Gallery features local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Many historical homes in the old district reflect traditional architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Yanbu is known for its trading history in the Red Sea. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Al-Soudah Park offers scenic views and outdoor activities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Al-Hada Park is within driving distance for nature enthusiasts. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche has dedicated walking and biking paths along the waterfront. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The coastline offers multiple scenic viewpoints for photography. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Yanbuβs waterfront is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach for bonfires, especially during events. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Saudi Post and DHL service available in the city. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city offer phone and gadget repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Public parks sometimes have table tennis tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic courses for expatriates. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Yanbu Public Library offers resources for study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community Cultural Center regularly hosts events and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited options but some cafes offer gaming spaces. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 5,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = SAR 200,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 3,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = SAR 152,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = SAR 270,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = SAR 192,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = SAR 240,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = SAR 176,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Taxed on income generated in Saudi Arabia only. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | No personal income tax is levied on individuals. |
π§Ύ VAT | 15% Value Added Tax is applicable on goods and services. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists to tax income earned abroad. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxes are not widely enforced. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax applies to property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Zero personal income tax, making it beneficial for expatriates. |