Al Khobar: The Jewel by the Arabian Gulf

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [adhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك
  [fi sahtak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [irhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضاعت طريقي
  [laqad da'at tariqi]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم سعرها؟
  [kam sa'raha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [aldhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayالأمس
  [al'ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [saba'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayna...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'awn?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'ti alhafilat altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tathkirah (ila ...)]

Al Khobar's history dates back to the 18th century when it was a small fishing village inhabited primarily by members of the Al-Dossary tribe. Initially, its strategic location on the Persian Gulf made it a modest but vital hub for local fishermen and pearl divers.

The discovery of oil in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in the 1930s dramatically transformed Al Khobar. The town rapidly evolved from a small settlement into a bustling commercial center, attracting both local and international businesses. The establishment of the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) in nearby Dhahran played a significant role in this transformation.

In the 20th century, Al Khobar saw significant infrastructural development. The construction of the King Fahd Causeway in 1986, which connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, further cemented Al Khobar's status as a vital commercial and transit point. Modern roads, shopping centers, and residential areas began to proliferate, shaping the city's contemporary skyline.

Due to its commercial significance, Al Khobar has attracted a diverse population from around the world. This cultural melting pot is evident in the wide variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural centers. The city is home to numerous expatriate communities, contributing to its rich, multicultural atmosphere.

Al Khobar has also become a center for education and technology in recent years. Institutions like Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University and various research centers have established the city as a hub for academic and scientific progress. These institutions attract students and professionals from across the region and beyond.

Today, Al Khobar stands as one of the most economically dynamic cities in Saudi Arabia. With its modern infrastructure, thriving business environment, and strategic location, the city continues to attract investment and foster economic growth. The ongoing development projects aim to further modernize the city while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Al Khobar is easily accessible through King Fahd International Airport (DMM), located about 50 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected with major international and domestic destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach Al Khobar. Alternatively, if you're traveling from other cities within Saudi Arabia, you can use the extensive road network, with highways connecting Al Khobar to Riyadh and other major cities.

Al Khobar offers various transportation options. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps like Uber and Careem. The city also has a public bus system, though it is less commonly used by tourists. Car rental services are available at the airport and throughout the city, providing flexibility for exploring the area. Walking is feasible in certain parts of the city, especially along the Corniche.

The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and can be found in malls, banks, and other convenient locations. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that may not accept cards.

Al Khobar is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, 997 for medical emergencies, and 998 for fire. Hospitals and medical facilities in Al Khobar are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should wear an abaya in public. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection. Public Transport: Do be respectful on public transport. Men and women should sit in designated areas if available. Greetings: Do greet people with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you). Avoid physical contact between men and women. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine. Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan fasting hours.

To experience Al Khobar like a local, visit the Corniche for a leisurely walk and enjoy the sea breeze. Explore local markets such as Al Rashid Mall and Dhahran Mall for a blend of traditional and modern shopping. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and hospitable. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like Kabsa and Mutabbaq.