Hello, Marhaba. I’m allan you can call me Lan in short, and as of this writing, I am an OFW living for two years in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. In this blog, I will share with you my top list of the best things to do in Jubail.
If you are an expat like me living in Jubail, I know that sometimes we feel bored with our everyday routine going to work and coming back to our apartment/room to watch Netflix and sleep. For some time, we also need a change. Whether you’re alone, with friends or with family, you can visit some places around Jubail to lift you up and make you feel alive. Remember, we only live once; besides, we were not here just to work and send money to our country; we also needed to relax and spend a little of our hard-earned money.
About Jubail
Al Jubail is a city in the Eastern Province on the Arabian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia home to the largest industrial city in the world. But on top of that, this city is also packed with beautiful beaches and vast green parks where people can enjoy and relax.
When is the best time to visit and roam around Jubail
The best time to enjoy the beach and parks in Jubail is from March to April, as well as September to November, when the temperature is slightly cold. By the way, winter here is from December to February.
Transportation in Jubail
Taxi and Uber are available around the Jubail Center area, with costs ranging from 10 to 15 SAR and around 30 SAR when going to the Fanateer area. I suggest using the Uber App though, since you can see directly how much to pay. If you have a personal vehicle, which most expats have here, then there is no problem. In my case, I don’t, I’m just fortunate and grateful to have friends here who have their own cars. If I stay here for long, maybe I will plan in future, however, as of now, I am okay with my status since I am living near Jubail center where mostly everything is walkable and accessible.
Places to Visit in Jubail
Wander in Dareen Beach & Park
It is definitely one of the most popular tourist spots in Jubail with an amazing sunset that you should never miss visiting. The view here in the afternoon is absolutely stunning. You will surely relax and enjoy swimming on this beautiful white beach.
If you happen to be here in the morning, which is good for jogging, don’t miss hiking up a little ahead of the hill and enjoy the view of the whole park and beach, and lastly strike a post in the modern structure bridge near the ocean shore.
Relax with your friends and family in Al Nakheel Beach
Probably one of the most popular tourist spots in Jubail worth visiting is Al Nakheel Beach. This is an excellent place to bond with your family and friends and get rid of tiredness. The beach offers a family space, a play area for kids, and a washroom. To make your stay more satisfying, set up your barbeque under the tree and enjoy the lovely ambience.
Visit The Move
The newest attraction in Jubail opened in 2022 and offering a cozy vibe in front of the ocean, is The Move, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, a spa, a fitness center, and an array of engaging outdoor activities. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the sun is down, or in the evening, to drink coffee and enjoy relaxing surroundings. Don’t’ forget to walk on the bridge and take a picture for your souvenir. Curious about The Move? Please watch the video above and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Ride a Boat/Yatch in Fanateer
Explore the Jubail coastline in 30 minutes by riding a yatch in Fanateer. You can choose from a private yatch that costs around 250 SAR per 30 minutes, good for 6 to 8 persons, or you can ride in the public schedule boat, which costs around 20 SAR in Marina Boating Fanateer. Be sure to bring your Iqama as this is required upon entering the port. Interested in a boat ride in Jubail? Please watch the video above and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Go & Roam Around Fanateer
Fanateer is famous for its stunning view by the beach, modern structures like the Galleria Mall, and many varieties of cafés and restaurants. You can also check for local and international outlets in these areas, like Nike, Adidas, Sketchers, etc. It also has a dancing fountain at the structure, which is similar to Parthenon in Greece.
Go Fishing in Jubail
Fishing in Jubail is one of the most popular activities that many locals and expats are doing, especially Filipinos. An awesome spot where you can go fishing is in front of the Jubail center beach shore and near Corniche. If you want more thrills and adventure, you can try fishing in the middle of the ocean in Fanateer Jubail which I did when I was invited by my coworkers who happen to have their own boats. Most of the Yatch in fanateer offer fishing activities; just ask them for the price, and they will bring you to some sea spot where you can catch many fish. I believe the rent cost around 800 to 1000 SAR for the whole trip. If you’re wondering about the fishing experience in Fanateer, please watch my video in YouTube channel Lan Wandered.
Window Shopping in Cenomi Al Jubail Mall
As someone who live near Jubail Mall, I usually do window shopping here whenever I feel bored in my room. My favorite shop is Zara, especially the winter outfit, which usually offers almost half the original price whenever winter is about to end. Sometimes we also watch movies as Entertainment Theater are available. Tip: Book online for the Monday schedule, as discount offers are usually available on this day for two people. Fast Food restaurants are also available here, as well as a coffee shop.
Sit in Jubail Cornich at Night
If you are looking for a place where you just want to sit and unwind with a relaxing ambience, then you might probably consider going to Jubail Cornich. This place is only five minutes away from Jubail center. To make it more satisfying, you can also set up a mat in the grass and bring some snacks.
Take a Cup of Coffee around Jubail
Coffee shops around Jubail are everywhere. You can choose from famous and recommended cafés like La Noche, Methods, Al Reem Village Hotel, Starbucks, etc. And if you just want to have a tea that is cheaper, around 5 SAR only, I recommend visiting a tea shop near Jubail Center Beach; the ambience and place are very nice.
Try to Eat Local Food in Different Restraurant in Jubai
If you are here in Saudi Arabia and have never experienced eating local food, then it’s about time to try some. Local restaurants in Jubail are everywhere, and you can choose whatever you like.
Explore different cuisine restaurant available around Jubail
-Momo Pan Asian: Our number one favorite restaurant so far to dine in Jubail is Momo Pan Asian located in front of City Flower and just a little besides of Jubail Mall a walking distance from our hotel apartment. If you are craving for dumplings, this restaurant is the answer. The food here is delicious, and the ambience is nice. It’s always a satisfying feeling every time we eat here.
-Grillo: Every time we go to Fanateer, Grillo always pop up to our minds when it comes to dining. The ambience in the restaurant is relaxing, have a variety of food selection, and off course delicious food with affordable price. I suppose it’s everyone favorite place to dine so expect a lot of customers. One of our favorite dessert here and always in our table is the Esh bulbul, a pizza with cream and cheese with honey toppings.
Buy something in Khamsa Shop
If you are looking for a very affordable price items around Jubail to purchase, then go to the Khamsa outlet. If you are wondering why these stores are called Khamsa, Khamsa in Arabic means five, meaning you can buy most of the items for only 5 SAR.
Visit Jarir Book Store
At first, I thought this was only a typical bookstore, but I was wrong because this is more than that, it is famous for gadgets such as smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, computers, tablets, cameras, and more. So if you are planning for your next gadget to purchase, then visit this place.
Jogging in the morning in Jubail Center front Beach
If you want to change something in your habits and have a healthy lifestyle, why not try jogging early in the morning in this place? It offers a beautiful and relaxing surroundings while doing your exercise routine. You never know, you might see yourself physically fit again.
So, have you visited Jubail? Please share your thoughts.
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