What to Do in Khobar: Top Attractions & Activities

Khobar is one of Saudi Arabia's best dining cities. The large, diverse expat community has created a food scene that rivals any in the Gulf, with outstanding restaurants serving Gulf seafood, Indian, Filipino, Lebanese, Japanese, and everything in between. The Corniche waterfront is the city's main dining strip, lined with restaurants where you can eat fresh fish while watching the sun set over the Gulf. Whether you want a 10-SAR shawarma or a 200-SAR sushi platter, Khobar delivers. Meals typically cost 30-100 SAR per person.

The dishes you need to try

Machboos (Gulf Kabsa) The Eastern Province version of kabsa with a distinctly Gulf twist - spiced rice with dried lime (loomi), turmeric, and saffron, typically served with grilled or slow-cooked hammour (grouper) or shrimp. The coastal influence sets it apart from the Najdi version. A plate typically costs 30-55 SAR.

Hammour Fish The Arabian Gulf's signature fish, served grilled, fried, or in a spiced curry. Fresh from the local fish market, hammour has firm white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. Best enjoyed at Corniche waterfront restaurants. A plate typically costs 40-80 SAR.

Muhammar Sweet rice cooked with date syrup and sugar, traditionally served alongside salty grilled fish. This sweet-savory combination is a classic Eastern Province dish reflecting the region's date palm heritage. A plate typically costs 25-40 SAR.

Shawarma While found across Saudi Arabia, Khobar's shawarma benefits from its diverse communities. Chicken or beef shawarma wraps with garlic sauce, pickles, and tahini are an affordable street food staple available on nearly every block. A plate typically costs 5-15 SAR.

Biryani Khobar's large South Asian community means the city has some of the best biryani in the Kingdom. Fragrant basmati rice layered with marinated chicken or lamb, saffron, and fried onions, often served with raita and boiled eggs. A plate typically costs 20-40 SAR.

Where to eat in Khobar: local recommendations

Al Sanbok (Khobar Corniche) A beloved Khobar institution known for its fresh seafood and Gulf-style dishes. The grilled hammour and shrimp machboos are local favorites. Simple decor, generous portions, and consistently good quality. Expect to pay around 50-90 SAR per person.

Bait Al Bagel (Prince Turkey Street) A popular brunch and breakfast spot reflecting Khobar's international character. Fresh pastries, specialty coffee, and creative egg dishes in a modern, welcoming setting. Expect to pay around 30-60 SAR per person.

Sushi Yoshi (Khobar Corniche) High-quality Japanese cuisine that rivals the best in the Gulf. Fresh sushi and sashimi, creative rolls, and excellent teppanyaki. A favorite for special occasions among locals and expats alike. Expect to pay around 100-200 SAR per person.

Al Baik (Multiple locations) The legendary Saudi fried chicken chain with a cult following. Crispy chicken with signature garlic sauce at remarkably low prices. Always busy, always worth the wait. Expect to pay around Under 20 SAR.

Manila Grill (Al Thuqbah) Authentic Filipino cuisine reflecting Khobar's large Filipino community. Sizzling sisig, adobo, and sinigang are served in generous portions at affordable prices. Popular for dine-in and takeaway. Expect to pay around 25-50 SAR per person.

Prices and practical tips

The Corniche is the prime dining location. Many restaurants have outdoor terraces with Gulf views - try to get a table facing the water at sunset.

Khobar has the highest density of restaurants per capita in the Eastern Province. Cuisine options are remarkably diverse thanks to the international expat community.

Most restaurants accept card payments (mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory - 10% is generous.

Restaurants close briefly during the five daily prayer times for about 20-30 minutes. If you are already seated, you can stay, but service pauses.

There is no alcohol anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Fresh juice bars and specialty coffee shops are popular alternatives.

For the freshest seafood, visit the Khobar fish market in the morning and have nearby restaurants cook your purchase.

Major supermarket chains include Tamimi Markets (high-end, great selection of imported goods popular with expats), Panda, Danube, and Carrefour. The international community means you can find ingredients from around the world. Monthly grocery costs run about 800-1,500 SAR per person.

Choosing the right area can make or break your trip. Here is a quick guide to Khobar's neighborhoods to help you pick the best base for your visit.

Hotel prices correlate with neighborhood rent levels. For longer stays, consider renting an apartment for better value. Planning to relocate? See our full Khobar living guide.

Khobar is part of the Dammam-Khobar-Dhahran metropolitan area, the largest urban area in the Eastern Province. Like most Saudi cities, it is designed around cars and highways. There is no metro or tram system, so getting around requires either a car or ride-hailing apps. The upside is that roads are excellent, well-lit, and well-signposted in both Arabic and English.

Ride-hailing (Uber & Careem) (10-20 SAR for short trips within Khobar, 25-40 SAR to Dammam or Dhahran) The most convenient option for visitors. Both apps work well throughout the Dammam-Khobar-Dhahran metro area. Careem is the local app (owned by Uber) and sometimes has better availability.

Car rental (100-150 SAR per day for a basic sedan, fuel ~2.3 SAR/liter) The most flexible option, especially if you plan to visit Half Moon Bay, cross the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, or explore the wider Eastern Province. Major rental companies operate at the airport and in the city.

King Fahd Causeway (25 SAR toll each way) The 25-kilometer bridge to Bahrain is a major transit route. A toll is charged for crossing. Weekends and holidays can see significant queues at the border, sometimes 1-2 hours.

Walking (Free) Practical along the Corniche and within specific neighborhoods. The waterfront promenade is excellent for walking. Not realistic for getting between neighborhoods due to distances and heat from May to September.

King Fahd International Airport (DMM) is the closest major airport, located about 30 minutes northwest of Khobar. It is one of the largest airports in the world by area and serves both domestic and international flights. A ride-hailing trip to Khobar costs 50-80 SAR. The airport is served by Saudi Airlines (Saudia), flynas, flyadeal, and international carriers.

Driving in the Dammam-Khobar-Dhahran area is more relaxed than in Riyadh, but the same general rules apply: lane discipline is loose, and merging can be aggressive. The highways connecting the three cities are wide and well-maintained. Parking is generally easier to find than in Riyadh. Be cautious on the King Fahd Causeway, especially on weekends when traffic to Bahrain is heavy.

Useful apps: Careem, Uber, Google Maps, Waze, Absher.

Walk the Khobar Corniche, a beautifully maintained waterfront promenade with parks, playgrounds, and Gulf views stretching for several kilometers.

Sunset Beach offers free access to sandy shores and some of the best sunset views in the Eastern Province.

The King Fahd Causeway midpoint viewpoint is accessible without paying the full crossing toll, offering views of both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Window shopping and people-watching at the city's modern malls, including Mall of Dhahran and Rashid Mall.

Evening waterfront strolls along the Corniche, where the sea breeze and city lights create a relaxing atmosphere.

The King Fahd Causeway stretches 25 kilometers across the Arabian Gulf, making it the longest bridge system in the region. Over 20 million crossings are made annually between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Khobar has the highest density of restaurants per capita in the Eastern Province, a direct result of its large and diverse international community.

The city serves as Saudi Arabia's main gateway to Bahrain, with the Causeway handling massive traffic volumes on weekends and holidays.

Khobar has been a major hub for oil industry expatriates since the 1930s, creating one of the most multicultural communities in the Kingdom.

Despite its modern appearance, Khobar started as a small fishing and pearl-diving village before oil transformed the Eastern Province.

Popular souvenirs from Khobar include: Pearl jewelry reflecting the region's pre-oil pearl-diving heritage is available at jewelry shops throughout the city., Premium Saudi dates, especially Khalas variety from the nearby Al Ahsa oasis, Arabic coffee (qahwa), and saffron make excellent gifts., Oud (agarwood incense), bakhoor, and Arabian perfumes (attar) from traditional perfume shops in the old souq area., International goods from the diverse community shops, including Indian spices, Filipino crafts, and Lebanese sweets..

Saudi Arabian culture emphasizes hospitality, respect, and traditional values. Greet people with "As-salamu alaykum" (Peace be upon you) and accept the response "Wa alaykum as-salam." When offered Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates, it is customary to accept at least one cup. Shake the cup gently when you have had enough.

Khobar has a welcoming atmosphere that balances traditional Saudi values with modern openness to visitors. The city offers a range of cultural experiences from traditional souqs to modern entertainment venues.

Khobar has a distinctly international culture, shaped by decades of oil industry expatriates. The city is known for its waterfront dining culture, weekend trips to Bahrain, and a social scene that is among the most diverse in the Kingdom. Traditional Gulf hospitality blends with international influences, particularly in cuisine and entertainment.

Dress modestly in public, especially when visiting mosques and traditional areas. Women are no longer required to wear an abaya but should dress conservatively. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours should be avoided out of respect. Friday is the main day of worship, and many businesses close during Friday prayer.

Staying connected in Khobar is easy. Saudi Arabia has excellent 4G and 5G coverage throughout the Kingdom. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, malls, and many restaurants. For mobile data, consider getting a local SIM card from STC, Mobily, or Zain at the airport or any mobile shop - prepaid plans with generous data allowances are affordable. Alternatively, use an eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly for seamless connectivity.

The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, malls, and tourist areas. Most signage is in both Arabic and English. Useful Arabic phrases: "Shukran" (Thank you), "Min fadlak" (Please), "La" (No), "Na'am" (Yes). Google Translate works well for Arabic. For emergencies, dial 911 for police, 997 for fire, 998 for ambulance, or 999 for traffic police.