Jubail in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province is one of the most beautiful cities that is characterized by its clean streets and flawless organization.
Due to its location facing the East coast of the Arabian Gulf, Jubail is an extension of the cities of Alkhobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura and Al-Ahsa.
The city is divided into two sections: One section is called Jubail Al-Balad or downtown Jubail, which is the city center and a residential area. The other section is the industrial area, which is run and supervised by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) and includes large factories and housing units for its employees.
Famous Landmarks
Jubail got its name from a mountain that is located in the northeast part of the city. In Arabic, Jubail means a small mountain. However, the city also has other famous landmarks such as a well that is located on the western side of the city. The well was the main source of water before the drilling of artesian wells. A tower called ‘Al-Tuwaya’ was built to protect the well following the orders of King Abdul Aziz in 1929.
Jubail is the largest city in the Kingdom in terms of the production of industrial materials, chemicals, gas, plastic, glass, iron and steel.
Its location on the Gulf Coast has made the city home for many important facilities, such as the King Fahd Industrial and Commercial Port, desalination plants and the King Abdulaziz Naval Base. For all these reasons, the Jubail industrial city is considered an essential port in the development of the Kingdom’s economy.
Apart from its reputation as an industrial city, Jubail is known for the diversity of its tourism, social, sports and cultural activities. It has a lot of tourism potential that the RCJY is keen on developing. The Industrial city enjoys a number of parks and distinct green landscapes that form a series of sites for hosting touristic programs, in addition to sports, cultural and social activities.
The city constructed by the RCJY is characterized by many beautiful islands and fishing areas, which attract fishermen and divers throughout the year. There are several important islands such as: Jana Island, Juraid Island, Karan Island, Huraiqs Island, Al-Batania Island, Al-Dha’eena Island, Al-Huwaylat Island and Ras Abu Ali Island.
A number of neighboring and uninhabited islands become nesting areas for migratory birds such as flamingos, white-cheeked terns and turtles. The RCJY and the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation cooperate to take care of these animals.
Jubail is also a popular destination for visitors from various cities in the Kingdom and Gulf countries. The city features impressive infrastructure facilities and supporting services, which facilitate entertainment and touristic projects. Jubail has acquired the reputation of a distinct tourist destination in the Kingdom.
One of the most prominent features of Jubail is the beauty of its parks and breathtaking beaches:
Al-Nakheel Beach
Al-Nakheel Beach or the Palm Beach is located on an area of 250,000 sq.m and consists of three sections. The main section includes the rear area and the landscaping area that is half a meter above the sea surface.
This part is 40,000 sq.m and has many trees and palms located in it. The second part of the park has two volleyball and basketball areas. It also has a jogging area surrounded by trees. The area is 2,000 sq.m wide.
Meanwhile, the third part of the Palm Beach is 1,500 sq.m and is equipped with 36 umbrellas surrounded by palm trees that are distributed in a beautiful manner along the beach.
Deffi Park
The park that is located in the north of the Deffi neighborhood takes the form of a forest containing a wide range of trees. Its area is covered completely with green landscapes and hundreds of shrubs. There are several football and volleyball playgrounds for children, as well as other necessary facilities.
Al-Andalus Park
This park is located in the residential area between Fanateer and Deffi. The park is provided with many facilities needed for picnics. It has seating areas for families, outdoor barbecue places, lighting poles, water taps and many trees.
Al-Fanateer Seafront and Marina
It is one of the most beautiful seafronts in Jubail. Characterized by its beauty and calmness, it boasts of wonderful trees and beautiful roses. The beach extends over a three kilometer area along the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Several recreational activities such as water skiing, fishing and diving competitions are held here. The park is adorned with palm trees, shrubs and thousands of seasonal and perennial flowers. Along the sandy beach extends a jogging area that is four meter in width and stacked with colored tiles. The park includes a children’s playground area as well.
Roman Theater
The Roman Theater in Jubail is one of the most vital facilities that support cultural activities carried out within the sustainable development of community plans.
The shows aim to employ cultural and creative popular formats to deliver specific developmental concepts of the community. The theater is exposed and has a semi-circle shape. It consists of 12 rows for seating that can accommodate about 600 people. There is also a podium that is supported by 15 concrete columns. The columns are connected by Islamic-style arches to form a semi-circle at the seafront park in Al-Fanateer. The theater is the only Roman Theater in the Kingdom.
The Royal Commission has succeeded in utilizing the theater to raise awareness in society and encourage the participation of families in various events in the city.
Shopping
Al-Fanateer Mall is located on the Arabian Gulf beach. It’s an upscale shopping mall housing most of the international brands. It is located opposite the famous Fanateer corniche. The mall has a food court with a number of well-known fast food joints and has playgrounds for children. Singles are not allowed from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Al-Huwaylat Mall is a medium-sized mall that includes a supermarket and a branch of the Jarir Bookstore. Kids can enjoy an indoor amusement park and a food court serving international and local cuisines.
The ‘Ladies Market’ is located on Al-Qatif street of Jubail Al-Balad. The souk has shops selling a range of local products, from clothes to gift items. Make sure you bargain for a good deal.
Other activities
Various cultural, social and sports activities are conducted in the recreational areas of all residential districts.
Recreational activities are organized through an annual program approved by the Royal Commission to spread cultural and social awareness, satisfy residents’ leisure and recreational needs and help people develop their skills and pursue cultural and athletic interests. The Royal Commission has built a special recreation hall for retirees.
Weather
It is pleasant during the summer when people tend to enjoy the attractive beaches in Jubail. Wonderful rainbow formations can be seen in the sky after rains. It continues to pour until spring. The average annual temperature in Jubail is 25 degrees Celsius.
Where to stay
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf is the InterContinental Al Jubail. The hotel is set on a private beach in a peaceful residential area. Luxury amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a diving center. Perfectly located for business or leisure activities at Al-Huwaylat neighborhood, the hotel is close to Jubail’s business districts, tranquil parks and gold souks and is the ideal base for boat tours of the stunning Arabian coastline.
The recently-renovated hotel is known for its wealth of dining venues, authentic catering, and local, international and fusion cuisines to satisfy all tastes.
The hotel offers its guest a choice of five different food and beverage outlets, which serve a wide range of international cuisines. The hotel’s Al-Tuwayah Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers lavish buffets and theme nights. The specialty restaurants include one that provides an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience, a Tex-Mex restaurant with live music and a delightful open-air seafood restaurant.
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Jubail: The Eastern Province’s jewel
Jubail: The Eastern Province’s jewel
Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia
- This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions
JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.
The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.
The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.
The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.
What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.
The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.
Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.
Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.
If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.
