Saudi Arabia’s Economic Powerhouses: Ranking the 5 Richest Cities in the Kingdom.
Are you planning to visit Saudi Arabia for business?
If so, you might be wondering which cities to choose, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.
Saudi Arabia is a vast and diverse country that offers many opportunities and attractions for business travelers.
Whether you are interested in work, oil, trade, industry, or tourism, you will find something that suits your needs and interests in one of the five major cities that are the engines of the Kingdom’s economy.
In this article, we will give you an overview of each city and some tips on how to make the most of your business trip.
Dhahran, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, is home to around 240,000 people, forming part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area that boasts a population of over four million.
1. DHAHRAN
Dhahran, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, is home to around 240,000 people, forming part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area that boasts a population of over four million.
Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, established in 1933, has its headquarters and residential camp occupying a large part of the city.
Saudi Aramco
Dhahran also houses the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.
Situated near the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dhahran's name refers to its location on the back slope of an escarpment.
The city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere, well-developed road system, and planned metro line make it a hub for business travelers and visitors, offering diverse options for accommodation, transportation, and entertainment.
The city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere, well-developed road system, and planned metro line make it a hub for business travelers and visitors, offering diverse options for accommodation, transportation, and entertainment.
Dhahran is an economic powerhouse, with oil and gas accounting for 50% of Saudi Arabia's GDP and 70% of its export earnings.
Saudi Aramco's headquarters employs around 70,000 people, and the city hosts several oil refineries, petrochemical plants, pipelines, terminals, and research centers.
The iktva Forum and Exhibition showcases Saudi Aramco's local content development program.
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, provides Dhahran's cultural and educational offerings with a museum, library, theater, art gallery, energy exhibit, idea lab, children's museum, and cinema.
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, provides Dhahran's cultural and educational offerings with a museum, library, theater, art gallery, energy exhibit, idea lab, children's museum, and cinema.
King Abdulaziz Center
Dhahran's rich history and heritage are showcased in landmarks such as the Masmak Fortress, while modern landmarks like the Kingdom Tower exhibit the city's development and progress.
Shopping malls, parks, and several other attractions make Dhahran a popular tourist destination.
Visitors to the area can explore Tarout Castle, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Visitors to the area can explore Tarout Castle, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
The Al Khobar Corniche is a seaside promenade offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape, while the Al Qaysariya Souq in Al Khobar is a must-visit for those interested in traditional crafts and souvenirs.
In conclusion, Dhahran is a city that provides a unique blend of tradition and modernity, oil and innovation, and rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities.
In conclusion, Dhahran is a city that provides a unique blend of tradition and modernity, oil and innovation, and rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities.
Whether businessmen or visitors are interested in exploring the oil and gas sector, the education sector, the culture sector, or the tourism sector, Dhahran offers something for everyone.
2. RIYADH
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and the second richest city in the country.
Riyadh is the political and administrative center of the Kingdom, hosting numerous government ministries and public services headquarters.
Riyadh also has a vibrant private sector that includes banking, finance, trade, and industry.
Riyadh has more than one-third of the country’s factories that produce various goods such as machinery, construction materials, food, textiles, furniture, and publications.
Riyadh is also a leading hub in the Middle East and aims to become one of the top 10 city economies in the world by 2030.
Riyadh is located slightly east of the center of the country in the heart of the Tuwaiq escarpment.
Riyadh is located slightly east of the center of the country in the heart of the Tuwaiq escarpment.
The city’s name is derived from the plural of the Arabic rawḍah, meaning gardens or meadows, so named for a natural fertility provided by its location at the juncture of Wadis Ḥanīfah and Al-Baṭḥā.
Riyadh has a population of about 7.6 million people as of 2023, making it the most populous city in Saudi Arabia and the 38th most populous in Asia.
Riyadh is a modern and cosmopolitan city that preserves its heritage and culture.
Riyadh is a modern and cosmopolitan city that preserves its heritage and culture.
The city offers plenty of options for accommodation, transportation, and entertainment for business travelers and visitors.
You can stay at one of the many luxury hotels in Riyadh, such as the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons, or the Marriott, which offer elegant rooms and facilities.
For sightseeing and leisure, you can visit the historical sites such as the Masmak Fortress or the Al-Murabba Palace, which showcase the city’s history and heritage.
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You can also explore the modern landmarks such as the Kingdom Tower or the King Abdullah Financial District, which showcase the city’s vision and ambition.
The Kingdom Tower is a 302-meter (991-foot) tall skyscraper that features an observation deck, a sky bridge, a shopping mall, and a hotel.
The King Abdullah Financial District is a futuristic development that aims to be a global center for business and finance.
It includes several towers, parks, museums, and cultural venues.
For shopping and dining, you can check out the Riyadh Park Mall or the Granada Center Mall, where you can find a variety of local and international brands and cuisines.
For shopping and dining, you can check out the Riyadh Park Mall or the Granada Center Mall, where you can find a variety of local and international brands and cuisines.
The Granada Center Mall is one of the oldest shopping malls in Riyadh, featuring more than 200 shops, a supermarket, a food court, a cinema, and an outdoor fountain.
You can also visit some of the traditional markets in Riyadh, such as the Al-Batha Market or the Al-Zal Market, where you can find handicrafts, spices, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Riyadh presents an array of opportunities and attractions that cater to a diverse range of interests.
The city harmoniously blends the conventional and contemporary aspects of life and caters to both commercial and recreational purposes.
Additionally, Riyadh extends a warm welcome to individuals from across the globe, with its inviting ambiance and stunning surroundings.
3. KHOBAR
Khobar is part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area that hosts several oil fields and refineries.
Khobar also has a thriving commercial sector that attracts shoppers from across the region.
Khobar has many malls, markets, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that cater to different tastes and budgets.
Khobar also benefits from its proximity to Bahrain and its access to the King Fahd Causeway that connects the two countries.
King Fahd Causeway
Khobar was established in 1923 when members of the Dawasir tribe migrated from Bahrain to settle there.
The city witnessed a remarkable growth rate following the discovery of oil in nearby regions, and eventually became a crucial port for exporting oil.
Today, Khobar is home to various multinational corporations and businesses that operate in the oil and petrochemical sectors.
With a population of roughly 165,799 people in 2023, it is one of Saudi Arabia's largest cities.
Additionally, Khobar is a part of the Dammam metropolitan area, which encompasses Dammam, Dhahran, and Qatif, and has a total population of around 2.8 million people in 2020.
If you have business dealings with any of the oil or petrochemical firms in Khobar or Dammam, you will find Khobar a convenient and pleasant place to stay.
You can choose from a variety of hotels in Khobar, such as the Le Meridien Al Khobar or the Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche, which offer stunning views of the Persian Gulf and luxurious amenities.
For fun and relaxation, you can visit the Corniche waterfront or the Half Moon Bay beach.
The Corniche is a 16-km long promenade that runs along the coast of Khobar and offers scenic views, green spaces, playgrounds, and cafes.
The Half Moon Bay
The Half Moon Bay is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers, who can enjoy swimming, jet skiing, fishing, or camping at one of the many marinas or resorts in Khobar.
You can also visit some of the attractions along the Corniche, such as the Al-Khobar Water Tower, the King Fahd Coastal Park, or the Scitech Technology Center.
For shopping and dining, you can go to the Al-Rashid Mall or the Dhahran Mall, where you can find a variety of local and international brands and cuisines.
Al-Khobar Water Tower
The Al-Rashid Mall is one of the oldest and largest malls in Khobar, featuring more than 400 shops, a food court, a cinema, and an indoor amusement park.
The Dhahran Mall is a newer and more upscale mall, featuring more than 300 shops, a hypermarket, a food court, a cinema, and an ice-skating rink.
You can also explore some of the traditional markets in Khobar, such as the Prince Bandar Street Market or the Al-Ulaya Market, where you can find handicrafts, spices, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Khobar is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers something for everyone. It is a city that combines tradition and modernity, sea and desert, business and leisure.
Khobar is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers something for everyone. It is a city that combines tradition and modernity, sea and desert, business and leisure.
It is a city that welcomes visitors from all over the world with its hospitality and beauty.
4. JEDDAH
Jeddah also serves as a gateway to Mecca and Medina, the holy cities of Islam.
Jeddah attracts millions of pilgrims every year who visit the city’s historic sites, mosques, museums, and cultural events.
Jeddah also has a vibrant industrial sector that produces food, beverages, textiles, plastics, metals, cement, and pharmaceuticals.
Jeddah is one of the oldest cities in Saudi Arabia, dating back to the 6th century BC when it was known as Jaddah.
Jeddah is one of the oldest cities in Saudi Arabia, dating back to the 6th century BC when it was known as Jaddah.
The city was a major trade center and a stopover for caravans on the ancient spice route.
The city also witnessed several historical events, such as the arrival of Caliph Uthman in 647 AD, the siege by the Portuguese in 1517 AD, and the visit by Ibn Battuta in 1325 AD.
You have the option to choose from several luxurious accommodations such as the Park Hyatt, the InterContinental, or the Hilton, which provide breathtaking views of the Red Sea and first-rate amenities.
Moreover, the city's advanced infrastructure allows you to move around quickly and conveniently using buses or ride-hailing applications.
In addition to business, you can also enjoy leisure activities like visiting the Jeddah Waterfront or the Red Sea Mall.
The Jeddah Waterfront is a 4.2-km long promenade that features parks, fountains, sculptures, restaurants, cafes, and playgrounds.
The Red Sea Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Saudi Arabia, featuring more than 400 shops, a hypermarket, a food court, a cinema, an indoor amusement park, and an ice-skating rink.
You can also enjoy some diving or snorkeling at one of the many coral reefs along the coast, which are home to diverse marine life and colorful fish.
For shopping and dining, you can go to the Tahlia Street or the Al-Balad Souk.
For shopping and dining, you can go to the Tahlia Street or the Al-Balad Souk.
The Tahlia Street is one of the most popular shopping streets in Jeddah, featuring high-end boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.
The Al-Balad Souk is one of the oldest markets in Jeddah, featuring traditional architecture, handicrafts, spices, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Al-Balad Souk Market
Jeddah is a multifaceted city that caters to a variety of interests and preferences, blending old-world customs with contemporary advancements, religious practices with commercial activities, and marine environments with desert landscapes.
Its friendly atmosphere and appealing character make it a hospitable destination for global travelers.
If you seek entertainment and leisure, the Jeddah Waterfront and Red Sea Mall are popular options to consider.
Dammam is the fifth richest city in Saudi Arabia and the capital of the Eastern Province.
One of the latest shopping malls in Dammam is the Marina Mall, which includes over 300 stores, a hypermarket, a food court, a cinema, and an indoor amusement park.
5. DAMMAM
Dammam is the fifth richest city in Saudi Arabia and the capital of the Eastern Province.
Dammam is the main seaport on the Persian Gulf and hosts several oil fields and refineries that produce crude oil and petrochemicals for domestic and international markets.
Dammam also has a growing industrial sector that includes steel, aluminum, glass, paper, and electrical products.
Dammam also has a modern transportation network that connects it to other cities in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.
Dammam was founded in 1923 by members of the Al-Dawasir tribe who moved there from Bahrain.
Dammam was founded in 1923 by members of the Al-Dawasir tribe who moved there from Bahrain.
The city became a major port and an administrative center after the discovery of oil in nearby areas in 1938.
Today, Dammam is one of the largest cities in Saudi Arabia with a population of about 1.3 million people as of 2023.
It is also part of the Dammam metropolitan area, which includes Khobar, Dhahran, and Qatif.
If you are doing business with any of the oil or industrial companies in Dammam or nearby cities such as Jubail, Al-Ahsa, or Al-Khafji, you will find Dammam a comfortable and convenient city to stay.
If you are doing business with any of the oil or industrial companies in Dammam or nearby cities such as Jubail, Al-Ahsa, or Al-Khafji, you will find Dammam a comfortable and convenient city to stay.
You can stay at one of the many quality hotels in Dammam, such as the Sheraton, the Novotel, or the Ramada, which offer comfortable rooms and facilities.
In addition to driving, there are alternative transportation options available for navigating the city such as trains and ride-hailing apps.
The city boasts a well-maintained road system, and a metro line is currently being built.
For fun and relaxation, you can visit the King Fahd Park or the Marina Mall.
For fun and relaxation, you can visit the King Fahd Park or the Marina Mall.
The King Fahd Park is one of the largest parks in Saudi Arabia, covering an area of 1.4 km2 (0.5 sq mi).
King Fahd Park
It features green spaces, fountains, lakes, playgrounds, restaurants, and cafes.
You can also enjoy some sailing or fishing at one of the many harbors or islands in Dammam, such as Tarout Island or Coral Island.
For further shopping and dining, you can go to the Othaim Mall or the Al-Shatea Mall.
For further shopping and dining, you can go to the Othaim Mall or the Al-Shatea Mall.
The Othaim Mall
You can also go to the Al-Shatea Mall which is one of the oldest shopping malls in Dammam, featuring more than 200 shops, a supermarket, a food court, a cinema, and an outdoor fountain.
Dammam is a dynamic and diverse city that offers something for everyone.
Dammam is a dynamic and diverse city that offers something for everyone.
It is a city that combines tradition and modernity, sea and desert, business and leisure.
It is a city that welcomes visitors from all over the world with its hospitality and beauty.
These are the five economic powerhouses of Saudi Arabia that offer many opportunities for business and pleasure.
These are the five economic powerhouses of Saudi Arabia that offer many opportunities for business and pleasure.
Each city has its own strengths and challenges that require careful analysis and planning before entering the market.
However, with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program that aims to diversify the economy and enhance its competitiveness, these cities are expected to grow further and become more attractive for local and foreign investors.
We hope this guide helps you plan your next business trip to Saudi Arabia and enjoy its culture and hospitality.
The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace- Arabian proverb
