Once a quiet coastal outpost, Al Khobar found global relevance in the wake of oil’s discovery. But today, this Eastern Province city is writing a new story — one that blends its industrial legacy with a human-centred vision of urbanism, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Khobar is emerging as a lifestyle-forward destination — connected, walkable, and deeply tied to place.
TPBO spoke with Thamer Alshaikh, Director of the Destination Management Office, about how Khobar is being thoughtfully reimagined. From restoring the historic core in Northern Khobar to protecting fragile marine ecosystems and preparing for major global events, the interview explores what it means to build a future-ready city that honours its coastal character and cultural soul.
This interview is featured in our Africa & Middle East Special Edition, where Khobar is highlighted as one of the standout cities shaping the region’s urban future.
Thamer, Khobar has long been associated with the oil industry and trade. How do you see the city’s story evolving today as it seeks to position itself as a destination in its own right?
The discovery of oil in Khobar in 1938 sparked a prosperity that uplifted the city, propelled Saudi Arabia onto the global stage, and reshaped the global economy. Today, Khobar is turning that legacy into a new inspiring story – not as an oil hub, but as a vibrant coastal city where modernity thrives, culture flourishes, and industry seamlessly blends with art to create a dynamic destination for the future.
Northern Khobar’s redevelopment is one of the most ambitious urban projects in the region. What does it mean for you personally to see the city’s first planned centre being reimagined for a new era?
Northern Khobar has always been the beating heart of the city, where expatriates and locals shared streets, stories, and daily life. To witness this historic center reimagined today, shaped by the voices of its community, feels like honoring cherished memories while a new chapter unfolds. This redevelopment is more than bricks and boulevards; it is the creation of a vibrant city center that celebrates identity, drives prosperity, and elevates the quality of life for all who call Khobar home.
Khobar’s coastline and ecology — from mangroves to coral reefs — remain central to its identity. How is environmental stewardship being integrated into the city’s future development?
Khobar’s coastline is more than a backdrop – it is the soul of the city, where coral reefs nurture marine life and flamingos paint the horizon each season. Protecting this delicate ecology is at the heart of Khobar’s future. Every major redevelopment plan now integrates environmental stewardship, from preserving natural habitats and expanding green spaces to embedding sustainable building practices and coastal resilience measures, to ensure that natural treasures remain protected and passed on to future generations.
Major international events such as the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup are on the horizon. How can Khobar balance global visibility with maintaining a sense of local character and authenticity?
Major international events offer Khobar global visibility, but the focus is on preserving its authentic character. The DMO works closely with tour operators, travel agents, and guides to craft unique visitor experiences rooted in local culture. At the same time, the city is expanding hotel capacity, F&B, and entertainment options. With mega projects in the pipeline, Khobar is preparing to welcome the world while staying true to its identity.
Looking ahead, what do you want residents, visitors, and investors to feel when they think of Khobar ten years from now?
Ten years from now, I want Khobar to be felt as much as it is seen – pride in the hearts of its people, wonder in the eyes of its visitors, and trust in the vision of its investors. A city where the sea meets the skyline, culture meets modernity, and Saudi hospitality welcomes the world with warmth. A Khobar that carries its heritage with grace while opening its arms to the future.
Explore more about the Sharqia Development Authority via LinkedIn or connect directly with Thamer Alshaikh.
This feature is part of our spotlight on People and Places to Watch across Africa and the Middle East.
