Yanbu: The Pearl of the Red Sea

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Naam]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [Shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [A'zra]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bikhayr. Wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatahadath al'injilizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [La afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [Aurid ru'ya alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatلا آكل اللحم
  [La akul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد الدفع، من فضلك
  [Aurid aldaf', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [Ithhab ba'idan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itsal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [Itsal bitalib!]
• I'm lostضاعت طريقي
  [Da'at tariqi]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد شراء...
  [Aurid shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [Ana faqat atfarg]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [Kam si'ruhu?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuka khafd alsir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [Kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Alsa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [Alsa'ah al'ashirah wanisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [Alsubah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [Althuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [Almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [Ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [Sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [Tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [Asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [Ayna ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma huwa al'unaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [Mata ya'ti alhafilat altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [Tazkirah (ila ...)]

Yanbu's strategic location on the Red Sea has made it a significant point in various ancient trade routes. As part of the Incense Route, it linked the Arabian Peninsula to Egypt and the Mediterranean, serving as a checkpoint for traders transporting goods like spices, silk, and precious stones.

In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire expanded its reach to include Yanbu, recognizing its strategic importance. Under Ottoman rule, the city became a vital port, contributing to the empire's maritime dominance in the Red Sea region. Ottoman architecture and relics can still be seen in parts of the old city.

During World War I, Yanbu gained prominence as a base for the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. British officer T.E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, used Yanbu as a staging ground for military operations. The city witnessed several key battles that contributed to the eventual downfall of Ottoman control in the region.

In the late 20th century, Yanbu underwent a significant transformation, becoming one of Saudi Arabia's major industrial cities. The establishment of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu in 1975 marked the beginning of rapid industrialization. Today, Yanbu is home to large petrochemical complexes, oil refineries, and export terminals, making it a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's economic infrastructure.

Yanbu is not just an industrial hub but also a city rich in cultural heritage. The Yanbu Al-Bahr area, with its traditional Hijazi architecture, offers a glimpse into the region's past. The annual Yanbu Flower Festival, the largest in the Kingdom, attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the city's commitment to preserving its cultural identity while embracing modernity.

Yanbu is located on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. The nearest international airport is Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz Airport (YNB), which serves both domestic and limited international flights. For more international connections, you can fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which is approximately 330 kilometers away. From Jeddah, you can take a domestic flight, rent a car, or use a taxi service to reach Yanbu. The drive from Jeddah to Yanbu takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by road.

Yanbu offers several transportation options. Taxis are widely available and are a convenient way to get around. There is also a local bus service that connects different parts of the city. For those preferring more autonomy, car rental services are available at the airport and in the city. The road infrastructure is well-maintained, making driving a viable option for exploring both Yanbu and its surrounding areas.

The official currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Yanbu. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Yanbu is generally a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police assistance or 997 for medical emergencies. Yanbu has several hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Yanbu like a local, visit the Yanbu Al-Bahr Old Town, which offers a glimpse into the city's history and traditional architecture. Engage with locals at the Yanbu Fish Market, where you can buy fresh seafood. Don't miss the Yanbu Flower Festival if you're visiting in the spring. For a relaxing day, head to Yanbu's beaches, which are less crowded and offer pristine views of the Red Sea.