Saudi Arabia’s City of Khobar Draws Over One Million Visitors, Highlighting Its Rise as a Global Winter Tourism Destination

Demand for leisure activities, live events, and tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province continues to rise as part of the ongoing Saudi Winter Program 2025/2026. One of the program’s key festivals, “Khobar Season”, taking place in the coastal city of Khobar along the Arabian Gulf, has attracted strong interest from both regional and international visitors.

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Since its launch in November 2025, Khobar Season has welcomed more than one million visitors, supported by collaboration with over 50 private-sector partners. These partnerships span hotels, travel operators, airlines, and car rental companies, collectively delivering integrated travel and leisure offers. Through the Visit Saudi online portal (www.visitsaudi.com), visitors gain access to more than 20 curated locations and events, supported by an interactive digital map, guided excursions, and immersive cultural and entertainment experiences.

Khobar, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province near major markets, has also seen accelerated investment momentum. During the season, a strategic agreement was signed to develop Ajdan Island, a major waterfront project on the Khobar Corniche. The development will transform the iconic Khobar Water Tower area into a comprehensive tourism destination featuring international dining concepts, cafés overlooking the sea, an open-air theater, entertainment venues, retail spaces, and a signature restaurant offering panoramic city views.

Development activity continues across the Eastern Province, with several hospitality projects currently underway, including Dusit Country Resort, Avani Coastal Resort, Dana InterContinental Resort, Marjan Island, and Marriott Half Moon Bay Hotel. The region also represents the largest share of projects approved by the Saudi Tourism Development Fund, with 651 tourism projects supported to date. Key developments include Khobar Avenues, Ritz-Carlton Resort, Fairmont Hotels, Nobu Hotels, Rixos Resort, and Shahl Resort in the UNESCO-listed Al-Ahsa Oasis, the world’s largest palm oasis.

Launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), the Saudi Winter 2025 program reflects Saudi Arabia’s progressive transformation into a year-round global tourism destination. The program brings together infrastructure development, destination diversity, and private-sector collaboration, offering more than 1,200 tourism products and over 600 exclusive offers, including family-friendly packages, seasonal discounts, and tailored experiences designed for a wide range of international traveler profiles.