Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern region is Al Khobar, a green oasis and a must-visit for tourists. Known as a centre of trade and commerce, Al Khobar sits on the route to Jordan. The city is unmistakably modern with traces of the old Saudi Arabia and lots of natural attractions to admire. From beaches to parks to panoramic views, there’s a lot to make visitors happy.

Al Khobar - Image via Flickr

For a fun day out, head to Khobar Seafront. There are seating areas where you can relax and revel in the atmosphere, but if you’re up for a challenge, there are plenty of hiking trails to test your mettle. It’s a great place for families with kids, and there’s plenty of shopping to be enjoyed too – traditional souks lining the seafront sell all kinds of merchandise; much of it is locally sourced and made. These souks offer cultural insights too.

An urban centre but surprisingly laid-back and serene, the Corniche is among the most popular destinations in Al Khobar. With a palm-lined promenade and a sandy shore framed by the ocean, the Corniche creates a perfect background for a relaxing stroll and a sit-down. Several green spaces can be found along the promenade, where you can take a break from the urban buzz. It’s also a great location for families looking for a bit of fun – there are play areas for kids and shaded spots for picnics.

The Corniche is popular with both domestic and international tourists, so, as you’d imagine, the area is home to a rich array of accommodation options. One is Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, just a 6-minute car drive from the promenade; it belongs to the category of apartments in Khobar.

South of the Corniche, there’s an excellent sightseeing opportunity brought to you by the famous Khobar Water Tower. It stands on a small island surrounded by the sea and is a three-story building. From the top, you can catch a mesmerising view of the sea and the corniche. There’s also a café inside the tower, serving coffee, tea, and snacks.

For a fun shopping experience and a glimpse into traditional Saudi Arabia, visit Al Rashid Mall. There’s an extensive collection of shops here; some of them have been in the business for years, which is no surprise as the mall itself is one of the oldest in Saudi Arabia. There are over 600 shops, with more rumoured to open in the near future. The large parking area offers parking for about 6,000 vehicles. Inside the mall, you’ll also find a number of cafes and casual restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. If you’re here with kids, the many arcade games and rides will keep them busy. The mall features a separate section for women, with beauty salons jewellery stores, and various shops. Some of the internationally recognised shops at the mall include Cartier, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Tag Heuer, and Canon.

Another spot in Al Khobar for a shopping extravaganza is the Mall of Dhahran, which has about 400 stores occupying a single floor. From affordable products to high-end ware with an international repute, the mall invites you for an unforgettable shopping adventure. The mall also houses restaurants and cafes alongside many entertainment areas.

A family-friendly spot with an area of 87,000 square metres, Prince Ibn Jalawy Park is ideal for a picnic. With over 28 species of trees and 400 palm trees, the park is steeped in green. With ladders and swings, the park features a playground for kids. For parents, there are shaded spots with seats to take a break from all the fun and watch their kids run around. If you visit at night, you can see the four fountains light up creating a beautiful atmosphere.