Yanbu is not only one of the oldest ports in Saudi Arabia, but is also one of the most important industrial cities. Along with many historical sites it also boasts beautiful coral reefs that are perfect for diving and fishing on its long Red Sea coast.
The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu is currently implementing new projects worth SR1.4 billion in Yanbu, including a seafront project, aside from college buildings for girls, and infrastructure projects such as main and subsidiary roads.
Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayan, chairman of the Royal Commission (RC), recently inspected the projects including the home ownership program for RC employees in Jabiriya District where 693 housing units have been completed at a cost of SR727 million.
Covering an area of 11 km, the seafront project will boost tourism in Yanbu and create more jobs for Saudis, an RC spokesman said. “The Royal Commission will take into consideration the environmental aspects while providing recreational facilities.”
The seafront project is aimed at attracting more tourists to the city and providing them with all required facilities such as recreation centers, hotels and restaurants and, above all, greenery.
The Huzam Al-Akhdar project, opened by prince Saud, is spread over an area of 9 km along King Abdul Aziz Road. As many as 22,000 trees and 200,000 flowers have been planted in the area, which has greenery on 70,000 square meters, according to Aqeeli Khawaji, CEO of the commission in Yanbu. In addition to pathways for joggers, the area has resting places, recreational facilities for children, a large prayer area and parking for 600 vehicles.
The newly opened Fairouz Gardens, believed to be the most beautiful garden in Yanbu covering an area of 72,300 square meters, is now a major spot for relaxation for families and has a play area with recreational facilities for children. An attractive feature is that the garden has a large map of the Kingdom covering 1,200 square meters. The newly developed Yanbu Industrial Lake is eye-catching and has become a pleasant landmark.
These and other projects in the pipeline are aimed at making Yanbu one of the Kingdom’s major tourist attractions, says Hamid bin Khidr Sabeeh, RC’s director for operations and maintenance. The huge seafront project has lucrative investment opportunities for Saudis interested in the tourism sector.
With the launch of the first phase of the seafront project north of Yanbu, the city promises to have many tourist attractions. “This is an important project, which aims at developing historical ports in the north of Yanbu, Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, has said. The seafront project will attract at least 500,000 tourists every year. The project includes recreational centers, resorts, marine games and cultural projects.
One of the starred hotels promoting tourism is Movenpick Hotel & Resort Yanbu whose General manager Khaled Habbab says the rate at which tourist projects are being developed in and around the industrial city, the day is not far when it will find its pride of place on the Kingdom’s tourist map for both domestic and international travelers. “The Royal Commission has already made a beginning and efforts are continuing to add as many tourist attractions as possible,” he says.
This Ramadan itself, the industrial city has welcomed tourists from across the Kingdom and also elsewhere in the Gulf, thanks to its restaurants, sports centers and water sport activities. It offers the best among the Kingdom’s diving facilities. It is ideally placed to cater to both water sport lovers and sun seekers. It has some of the best starred hotels including Radhwa Holiday Inn Yanbu, Radisson Blu Hotel Yanbu, which has a beautiful beach location right by the Red Sea, and Tulip Inn Yanbu, also having a beach location, aside from Movenpick which is located on Al Mahaar Island.
Although Yanbu is clearly designed for business, there is a great deal of sports activities available nearby, such as Red Sea diving, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling. It also boasts some of the best restaurants and cafes. Movenpick itself is a spectacular hotel and resort, built on its own private island and offering “unmatched privacy,” as well as architectural distinction and unobstructed views of the Red Sea from all of its 201 rooms, suites, villas and apartments. Its tourist attractions include a dramatic zero-edge infinity pool overlooking the sea, a private marina with diving, snorkeling and excursion options, as well as a fully equipped health club and spa.
With its main dining outlet Radwa and the specialty seafood restaurant Al Mourjan (opening in October 2009), as well as the Mendy barbecue house, diners have plenty of options. Alternatively, one can stop by the Tea Leaves lobby lounge cafe for a tea, coffee or light snack. In fact, the city offers several exclusive dining options and private sandy beaches. Guests are spoilt for choice with a range of recreation opportunities offering everything from a fitness center to a private beach and marina as well as a steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna and massage room (opening in October 2009). The hotels boast of conference rooms equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology and a spacious, versatile banquet halls accommodating several hundred guests.
Yanbu also has become a favorite destination for weekends, especially among those interested in family adventure or a luxury trip. “Yanbu is green and serene. This is the third best city I love to live after Makkah and Madinah. It is known for its hospitality and multiculturism,” says Salman Zahid, a long time resident of Yanbu.
With some of its projects either completed or nearing completion, the industrial city is marching toward becoming a truly world-class tourist destination in one of the Kingdom’s most exciting and dynamic new urban areas.