Al Khobar is a coastal city in Saudi Arabia that overlooks the Persian Gulf. This resort town offers plenty of beaches, malls and luxurious hotels, making it a lively tourist destination.
The Al Khobar Corniche or Alkurnaish is a 16-kilometre-long stretch of road that runs parallel to the coast. It is dotted with landscaped parks, waterfront restaurants and some of the city’s top attractions – the pristine Corniche Masjid (mosque) and the Khobar Water Tower. You can take a scenic stroll along the boardwalk and then head to the water tower for panoramic vistas over the city and the gulf. This eight-story structure also boasts a revolving restaurant at the top, where you can tuck into delicious international fare. Towards the southern end of the city, you’ll find palm-lined beaches that overlook Half Moon Bay, with the most popular being Half Moon Beach. If it’s shopping you’re after, the Mall of Dhahran and Al Rashid Mall promise endless retail and entertainment options.
There are a number of interesting museums in Al Khobar designed to engage adults and kids alike. Situated on the Corniche, Scitech houses an astronomical observatory, an IMAX dome and several themed exhibition halls that cover topics like science, technology, space and the earth. Elsewhere, the Taybeen Museum offers a peek into days gone by with a sizeable collection of pop culture paraphernalia, ranging from iconic food and drink items to retro technology and toys.