Al Khobar Corporate Traveller Guide

Staying in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Al Khobar is a port city on the Persian Gulf south of Dammam. With direct road access to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and surrounding countries Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain, Al Khobar is well connected and a key industrial destination. If you have a business trip coming up to the city, we’ve collated the key information you should know before you arrive – read on for our corporate traveller guide to Al Khobar.

Al Khobar Key Information

Weather in Al Khobar

Given the arid climate, summers in Saudi are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures reaching well above 40° between April and October. Although you can expect very little rain in Al Khobar on the whole, thunderstorms are more common during winter and spring.

Currency in Al Khobar

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

1 Saudi Riyal is divided into 100 halala. Like much of the world, card and digital payments are not only accepted but often preferred. ATMs are available throughout the city, though - some smaller shops may charge for card payments and cash is useful for tipping in restaurants (around 10-15%), for tour guides or housekeeping staff.

Health & Well-being in Al Khobar

Due to the Saudi heat, indoor gyms and exercise classes are popular in Al Khobar and there are plenty to choose from in the city. Nawras Lake has a couple of walking trails if you fancy a stroll, and the local beaches provide a good spot to swim.

Data in Al Khobar

You must be a Saudi resident and present your Iqama (resident permit) with your passport to set up a phone contract in the country, but non-residents can buy and use prepaid SIM cards to use while visiting Al Khobar. STC, Mobily and Zain all offer tourist plans and SIMs can be bought at Jeddah, Riyadh and Medina Airports – make sure your phone is SIM unlocked before you travel.

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Cuisine in Al Khobar

Local Saudi cuisine consists largely of rice, meat, flat breads and is full of spice. Top dishes to try include ruz al bukhari (fragrant rice with roast chicken topped with raisins and fried onions), muttabaq (fried bread stuffed with minced meat, eggs, leeks and scallions), and tamiya (Saudi falafel).

Language in Al Khobar

While Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, English is a compulsory second language taught in schools so is widely understood and spoken in Al Khobar. English is commonly used in a corporate setting but try to learn some key Arabic phrases to connect with local people:

Tetkalam Engleezy?  = do you speak English?

Salam alaykum =  peace be upon you (a common greeting, like hello)

Aläafw  = excuse me

Maa ismuk?  = what is your name?

Momken alfatorah law samaht?  = may I have the bill please?

Lazeeza  = delicious

Insha Allah  = god willing. This phrase is used in many contexts to express hope at something happening, such as a reply to being asked if the weather will be good tomorrow.

Transport in Al Khobar

Car is king in Saudi Arabia, so driving or hailing a taxi is the most common way to travel around Al Khobar. Remember women must always sit in the back seat when travelling in a taxi.

There is an intercity railway route that connects Riyadh with neighbouring city Dammam, so if you want to visit the capital, you can get a half an hour taxi into Dammam and take the train from there.

Culture in Al Khobar

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country with laws governed by religion – there are several legal and cultural expectations to be aware of when travelling to Al Khobar.

What to wear: In accordance with the Public Decency Law, both men and women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers to the elbow and below the ankle when out in public.

What to do: Always ask for permission before photographing local people and refrain from photographing government/military/religious buildings.

What not to do: You should never swear, make rude gestures, or drink alcohol in public, and public displays of affection are not allowed.

Be aware: During the holy month of Ramadan, refrain from eating or drinking during the daytime when in public to respect those who are fasting.

Cultural norms: Avoid using your left hand to eat, give/receive objects or shake hands; avoid pointing at others; and remove your shoes when you enter somebody’s home or a religious building.

Al Khobar Map

Now that you’ve brushed up on all the basics for your next business trip to Al Khobar, get in touch today for your corporate serviced accommodation requirements.