It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist or resident, visiting for the day or staying for a week or so, there’s plenty of hidden gems, outdoor activities, great food and cultural highlights to be found in the bustling coastal city of Khobar.
Be entertained (and eat well) at Ajdan Walk
Spread over some 32 kilometres, this gleaming, contemporary destination on Ajdan Waterfront was built with the community in mind and entertainment options galore. With an array of international food brands, walkways flanked by stunning water features and an on-site shopping centre and luxury nine-screen cinema only add to the appeal.
Open daily 7am-1am. Prince Turkey Street, Alkurnaish, ajdan.com.sa (+966 9200 006589).
Embrace NYC bakery vibes at Noch
If you’ve yet to sample the indulgent delight that is a cronut, Noch: The Chocolate Factory is the place to right that wrong. The craze for this croissant-doughnut started in New York, but it makes the flaky, buttery, sweet bakery treat its own, thanks to flavours like date crumble.
Open Tue-Wed, Sun 4pm-10.30pm, Thu-Sat 4pm-11.30pm. Bashar Ibn Barad Street, Khobar 34448, instagram.com/noch.sa (+966 50 655 4414).
Experience Ithra
An architectural marvel and vibrant cultural hub, Ithra, otherwise known as the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, it encompasses a cinema, theatre, museum for children and adults, library and ideas lab.
Open Mon-Wed 9am-10pm, Thu 9am-11pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 9am-1pm. 8386 Ring Road, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran 34461, ithra.com (+966 1381 69799).
Explore the Corniche
Whiling away a few hours at Khobar’s beautiful corniche never gets old. Take a meandering stroll (or energetic jog) along the waterfront. Take in the views of the Khobar water tower, stop for a spot of food at an old-school seafood spot, then explore the multitude of beautiful landscaped parks.
Open 24 hours. Al Khobar Corniche, Prince Turkey Street, Alkurnaish, 34414.
Hit the beach
The warm, golden sand stretches on for miles, the turquoise blue sea sparkles and the vibe is utterly relaxing. Thanks to the excellent facilities (lockers, showers, bathrooms), various food huts, amusement park and play areas, it’s a great place for families in particular to enjoy some outdoor downtime, while still having access to essential amenities.
Half Moon Beach, Al Sufun, 34761.
Learn the interactive way
There are few more interesting, more educational places to spend a morning or afternoon than Khobar’s very own science museum. Scitech Technology Center (also referred to as the Sultan Bin Abdul-Aziz Science and Technology Center) consists of seven different halls, housing over 300 interactive exhibits. There’s also a children’s playroom focused on making science-based learning fun, an observatory and IMAX cinema.
Open Sun-Thu 8am-3pm, 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm. Corniche Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34412, scitech.sa/en (+966 1389 67777).
Sample next-level shawarma
Shawarma Hlaye serves up what is a strong contender for the best shawarma in Khobar. Be warned: after tasting one of these hand-wrapped beauties, all future shawarmas will pale in comparison. Don’t let that or the long queues at the takeaway put you off – the meat is juicy, the fillings are fresh and the hot sauce is the stuff that condiment fans dream of.
Open Sun-Sat 4pm-1am, 7th Street, Al Khobar Al Shamalia, 34611 (+966 53 916 1629).
#Selfie Spot
Have you even visited Khobar if you haven’t documented the trip on social media with a selfie at the ‘I Heart Khobar’ sign? Located near the seafront entrance to the corniche, it’s well worth planning a stop off here; for the most memorable shots of all (aka Instagram gold) time your visit to coincide with sunset or sunrise and you’ll be rewarded with a glorious backdrop (#Nofilter). Go on, start snapping away.
Open 24 hours.
