Al Khobar (Arabic: ٱلْخُبَر, romanized: al‑Khobar) is a city and governorate in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It forms part of the Dammam metropolitan area together with the cities of Dammam and Dhahran, and serves as a major commercial, residential, and recreational hub in the region.
Geography
- Coordinates: 26°17′N 50°12′E.
- Area: Approximately 571 km² (220 sq mi).
- Elevation: About 10 m (33 ft) above sea level.
- Location: On a coastal plain, Al Khobar lies east of the major oil‑producing fields of the Persian Gulf basin and faces the Gulf’s shoreline, including the popular Half Moon Bay.
Demographics
- Population (2022): 409,549 residents within the city proper; the wider governorate has about 658,550 inhabitants.
- Time zone: UTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time).
- Postal code prefix: 3XXXX.
- Area code: 013‑8.
History
- First settled in 1923 by members of the Dawasir tribe who migrated from nearby Bahrain with the permission of King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
- Incorporated as a governorate in 1942.
- Experienced rapid growth after the discovery of oil in the 1930s, serving as the early export port for Saudi Aramco.
- Historically a market town for merchants and fishermen; today it is a modern urban center.
Economy and Infrastructure
- Commercial centre: Hosts several large shopping malls (e.g., Mall of Dhahran, al‑Rashid Mall) and a vibrant retail district along Prince Bandar ibn Abdulaziz Street (Suwaiket).
- Port facilities: Historically linked to Saudi Aramco’s oil export operations; the city’s waterfront includes a 16‑km Corniche Road lined with hotels, restaurants, and recreational areas.
- Transportation: Connected to the regional highway network, King Fahd International Airport (approximately 30 km away), and a commuter rail line linking Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar.
- Tourism: Known for its seaside resorts, beaches, and the Half Moon Bay area, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Governance
- Administered by the Municipality of the Al Khobar Governorate.
- The mayor (as of the latest available information) is ‘Issam ibn ‘Abdullatif al‑Mulla, serving since 2007 (Islamic year 1428 AH).
Culture and Education
- Features a mix of traditional Saudi culture and modern cosmopolitan influences, reflected in its restaurants, cultural festivals, and public spaces.
- Home to a number of schools, colleges, and vocational institutions that serve the broader Eastern Province.
References
- Information synthesized from publicly available encyclopedic sources, including the Wikipedia entry for “Al Khobar” and related geographic and demographic data.
