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  • Words to know before you go

    Arabic 101: Common phrases in the KSA

    What to expect, how to pack، when to go

    Saudi weather: What you need to know

    Important numbers

    966

    Dial code

    997

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    930

    Tourism call center

Saudi Tourism in Yanbu
  • Best for
  • Diving
  • Beach
  • Sea

Explore Yanbu

A city in the Medina region

Yanbu

Peaks, the Red Sea and history

Drive just a few hours west of Medina to the port of Yanbu, which is really two distinct cities. The new city to the south is known for its oil refineries and industrial plants, whereas the old town to the north is an ancient spice route staging post where T.E. Lawrence — the British military officer famous for his role in the Great Arab Revolt —  lived in a typical Hijazi building at some point between 1915 and 1916. You’ll find many of the attractions in the historical area around the harbor, which comes alive at night. Join locals eating Red Sea-caught fish while overlooking the water. Discover the nearby glowing lanes of the recently restored Souq Al Lail (night market), originally open late to serve fishermen. Local dates and green mulkhiah leaves are among the produce sold.

Faces of Yanbu

Activities in Yanbu

  • Relaxing Yanbu

    Things to Do: A Weekend Break at Yanbu | Visit Saudi Arabia

    Yanbu’s coast, scenic lake, & historic area (that houses a building where Lawrence of Arabia stayed!) make it the perfect destination for a leisurely weekend.

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  • Food Yanbu

    Things to Do: The Culinary Catch of Yanbu | Visit Saudi Arabia

    If there is one place that brings people together, it's the dinner table. And on this particular occasion, we're talking about the Yanbu spread.

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  • Water Activities Yanbu

    Things to Do: Scuba Diving in Yanbu | Visit Saudi Arabia Arabia

    While the relatively small port city began significant development as an industrial powerhouse in the 1970s, Yanbu’s history dates back to around 500 BC.

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  • Relaxing Yanbu

    The Family Friendly Shores of Yanbu | Visit Saudi Arabia

    The city of Yanbu has a deep connection to the ancient spice trade route in the Red Sea, and it was a pitstop for merchants travelling along the caravan route.

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  • Nature Yanbu

    Things to Do: Parks & Gardens of Yanbu | Visit Saudi Arabia

    Discover Yanbu’s parks and public spaces that are perfect for summer picnics and refreshing walks.

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When in Yanbu, Go and Explore

  • Sunset over mountain peaks with waterfalls

    Discover Radwa Mount

    To the northeast of the city, Radwa Mount is a colossal icon that stands 2,282 meters tall. Throughout the years, its jagged peaks and curious red color have inspired many Arabic poets, including Hassan Ibn Thabit, one of the sahaba, or companions, of the Prophet Muhammad. Radwa is the highest point in the Al Nakhil range, which is known for its honey and wild nature, with wolves, lynx, tigers and ibex roaming the landscape. There are regular tours from Yanbu to explore this place of poetic beauty.

  • Coral-stone buildings against evening sky Coral-stone buildings against evening sky

    Visit the Home of T.E. Lawrence

    Surrounded by evocatively crumbling coral-stone buildings, the home where T.E. Lawrence, author of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and inspiration for Lawrence of Arabia, once lived has been restored as a museum to the British officer’s remarkable story. The young Lawrence lived here in 1915 and 1916. Locals had left the house to decay, fearing it was haunted. Now renovated, it is a place to soak in the story of a complex man who changed the Arab world forever.

  • Diver exploring coral reef Diver exploring coral reef

    Explore Red Sea Diving and Waterfront Activities

    You can enjoy some of the best diving in Saudi Arabia in the warm, rich waters off Yanbu, and a handful of dive centers in the city cater to underwater adventurers. Even in winter, the water in this part of the Red Sea never drops below 20 degrees Celsius. Popular sites include Seven Sisters, best-known for its hammerhead sharks, though tiger sharks and tuna are often seen around the walls of coral too; Abu Galawa, a paradise island surrounded by coral grottoes, sharks and schools of barracuda; and the wreck of the SS Iona, now a beautiful living reef. Prefer to stay above water? Head to Yanbu Waterfront for fishing and bird-watching — it’s a great place to introduce young travelers to wildlife observation.

Travel tips

  • Where to stay
    During your winter getaway, choose from the five-star Mövenpick Hotel, with its stunning pool; the slick, business-friendly Novotel close to the corniche; the motel-style Holiday Inn, with its striking desert architecture; or the brisk and modern Ibis.
  • Where to eat
    Want fast food? Patch Burger serves up American-style burgers, while Al Zaeem is a classic Saudi fried chicken joint. The best options for Yanbu’s famous seafood are Al Marsah and the Najil Arab Seafood Family Restaurant.
  • Where to have fun
    Enjoy al fresco fun in the landscaped gardens and fountains of Yanbu Lake Park or take a sunset stroll along the palm-lined waterfront of the city’s corniche. See Yanbu’s heritage brought to life at Radwa Museum and downtown, in the beguiling streets, souqs and buildings of the old district.
  • Rent a car
    Car rental companies, including Enterprise, Budget, Al Wefaq and Theeb, are dotted along the King Abdulaziz Road, which links the new and old cities.

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