Thuqbah

Introduction

Al-Thuqbah is one of the historic and most renowned neighbourhoods of Al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Originally built by ARAMCO in the early fifties, it has grown into a busy district that serves as the main entrance to Al-Khobar via Al-Dharan Street.

That street approaches from Half Moon Beach and links Al-Khobar with Bahrain, Dammam and Dhahran, so you'll find much of the area's commercial life here, with most of its centres and shopping malls along the way. The neighbourhood is followed by Industrial Thuqbah and Al-Bayoniah District.

Three days in Thuqbah

Day one: Start in Thuqbah itself, getting your bearings in a city that grew out of the oil industry in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Walk Dharan Street, the main commercial spine, where the everyday life of the place plays out. In the evening, head to the Bayoniah District for a sense of the local neighbourhood character.

Day two: Give the day to the coast. Half Moon Beach is the obvious draw, with the Gulf on one side and the desert behind you. The weather along this stretch is hot and humid for much of the year, so plan around the heat rather than fighting it. Bahrain is within reach from here if you want to extend the trip.

Day three: Look at the working side of the region. Industrial Thuqbah shows the oil infrastructure that ARAMCO originally built this area around. From there you can continue to Khobar, Dammam or Dhahran, each a short hop away and each with its own character within the Eastern Province.