The Essential Guide to Dhahran: Ithra, Saudi Aramco, and Top Family Destinations
Dhahran (Az Zahran) is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, with a total population of 143,936 as of 2022. Saudi Aramco’s headquarters has been located in the city for 90 years, establishing Dhahran as a critical hub for the global energy industry.
The city is known for its generally moderate climate. Temperatures typically rise in the summer, ranging from 45 to 47 degrees Celsius with humidity, but can fall as low as 8 degrees Celsius in the winter.
CULTURAL LIFE
Dhahran’s cultural life is primarily Saudi, though the city is home to a large and diverse expatriate community. Expatriates come from numerous countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nepal, and Indonesia, as well as the US, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, and Australia.
TOP ENTERTAINMENT AND ATTRACTIONS IN DHAHRAN
Dhahran offers a diverse range of attractions and entertainment for its residents, including:
King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
Prince Saud bin Naif Park
Energy Exhibit
Gravity Trampoline Park
Mall of Dhahran
Mini Zoo
Dhahran Sanctuary
Al Doha Park
Below is a detailed look at what these places have to offer:
1) KING ABDUL AZIZ CENTER FOR WORLD CULTURE (ITHRA)
The King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is famous for its distinctive architecture and wide assortment of facilities. It features a vast library with English and Arabic resources. The center is popular for its four-gallery museum, which exhibits contemporary art, Saudi art, Islamic art, natural history, and an archive gallery.
Ithra also houses a children’s museum, an Idea Lab, and performance venues, including a 900-seat theater and a cinema for live performances and film screenings. The center was created by Saudi Aramco and established in December 2016.
2) PRINCE SAUD BIN NAIF PARK
Prince Saud bin Naif Park, also known as Al Turkish Garden, is an elegant, modern park in the Eastern Province, featuring tall palm trees. The entrance is decorated with Arabic calligraphy paintings and sculptures. An octangular-shaped fountain occupies the garden’s central area. Located near Dhahran Mall, the park covers an area of 4,000 square meters.
PRICES (per person):
Adults: 25.00 SAR
Kids: 15.00 SAR
3) ENERGY EXHIBIT
The Energy Exhibit celebrates the history of the energy industry. It is designed to educate and inform visitors about energy knowledge and its impact. Key features include interactive displays, detailed information on oil and gas history and discovery locations, discussions on sustainability and future energy, and its role as a cultural hub.
4) GRAVITY TRAMPOLINE PARK
Upon entry, visitors are offered Arabic coffee, or Qahwa, as a gesture of hospitality. The park offers various trampolines and wall-climbing activities for children, along with an on-site cafe. It is also available for special group events and is an enjoyable experience for both children and adults.
5) MALL OF DHAHRAN
Mall of Dhahran is a large shopping center spanning 250,000 square meters, featuring numerous entrances and extensive parking. It houses a total of 500 shops, international restaurants, and cinemas.
6) MINI ZOO
The Mini Zoo is an engaging wildlife attraction for animal and bird lovers. It features a variety of birds, including parrots, macaws, peacocks, owls, ducks, chickens, vultures, and other large species.
7) DHAHRAN SANCTUARY
The Dhahran Sanctuary focuses on protecting over 500 species of plants and animals. Its primary aim is to safeguard wildlife and native plant species from hunting.
8) AL DOHA PARK
Al Doha Park is a beautiful public space designed for entertainment and relaxation. It is a great spot for friends, families, and children to gather for fun and enjoyment. It is located in the Al-Janubiyah District of Dhahran.
Author: Manahil Farooq
Dannu is a professional writer with expertise in creating high-quality articles about moving, relocation, and housing solutions. He has deep knowledge of the Saudi market and understands the latest trends in corporate mobility. He produces well-researched, engaging, and SEO-friendly content that helps individuals and companies when moving to Saudi Arabia. His work is reliable and based on accurate, up-to-date information, making him a trusted source in this field.