Guide
About Khobar
Khobar sits on the Gulf coast between Dammam and Dhahran and forms one of the three cities of the Dammam metropolitan area. Where Dammam carries much of the area's port and industrial activity, Khobar is better known for its waterfront, shopping streets, restaurants, hotels and offices, and for the King Fahd Causeway that starts here and crosses the sea to Bahrain.
The city had 409,549 residents in its core in the 2022 census, and Khobar Governorate had 658,550, about 12.8 per cent of the Eastern Province's population. Its business community is shaped by the oil and gas industry nearby, by cross-border traffic with Bahrain and by a large residential population of professionals.
Economy and main industries
Khobar's economy leans towards services. Retail, hospitality, restaurants, real estate, healthcare and education serve the city and the wider metropolitan area, while offices house engineering, consulting, contracting and service companies working for the energy sector. The Bahrain connection brings visitors and traffic in both directions and supports hotels, car rental, money services and shops.
With Dhahran's energy and research institutions next door, Khobar's office districts also suit service companies, recruitment agencies and training providers that work with them.
Main business areas and markets
- Corniche and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Street: the waterfront commercial core, with high-end showrooms, offices, restaurants and cafés along Corniche Boulevard
- Al Ulaya: a commercial district with showrooms and offices commanding some of the higher rents in the city
- Thuqbah: a district with commercial buildings, shops and showrooms
- Al Aqrabiyah: a district with showrooms, office space and local retail
- Khobar–Dammam Highway: the corridor linking Khobar with Dammam, lined with commercial premises
The causeway and cross-border business
The King Fahd Causeway links Khobar with Al Jasra in Bahrain. It is about 25 kilometres long, roughly half of it on bridges, and was officially inaugurated on 26 November 1986. For businesses, the causeway makes Khobar a practical base for serving both Saudi and Bahraini customers, and visitors crossing from Bahrain add custom for the city's hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
Companies in Khobar register with the Ministry of Commerce for a Commercial Registration and obtain a municipal licence through the Balady platform from the Khobar municipality. Most join the Asharqia Chamber, headquartered on the Khobar–Dammam Highway, for certificates and trade documents.
Finding businesses in Khobar
People search Khobar for restaurants and cafés, hotels and serviced apartments, car rental, real estate agents, clinics and dental practices, schools and training centres. Companies look for engineering consultants, recruitment agencies, office fit-out firms and IT services. SaudiYP lists Khobar businesses by category and district.
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Khobar?
Khobar's landline code is 013, shared with Dammam and Dhahran.
How do you drive from Khobar to Bahrain?
The King Fahd Causeway starts in Khobar and runs about 25 kilometres to Al Jasra in Bahrain.
What is the main commercial street in Khobar?
Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Street, along the Corniche, is the city's best-known commercial strip, with showrooms, offices, restaurants and cafés.
What is the population of Khobar?
The 2022 census recorded 409,549 people in the city core and 658,550 in Khobar Governorate.