"Yanbu" Yanbu` al Bahr by LauraofArabia

Yanbu Al-Sanayea is a beautiful little town - peaceful and quiet. It is an Industrial town built by the Saudi Royal Commission. It is very clean and very modern. It was built by an American architect. It looks a lot like Arizona. It is located on the shore of the Red Sea and has a lovely Corniche. Plans have recently gotten underway to improve it and make it even better! Many of the large oil, gas and petrochemical companies are located outside of the city. There are a large number of foreign workers living on compounds here. Not a lot of restaurants or shopping. Dana Mall is nice though.

Yanbu Al-Bahr means Yanbu by the Sea in Arabic. It is a small city with an ancient past. There are some beautiful, old Arabian houses that are falling into dis-repair. The Saudi Government has recently launched a project to protect and develop the historical landmarks in Yanbu. It is and was a seaport on the Red Sea. In olden days, caravans carrying carpets, spices, silk and incense would pass through Yanbu Al-Bahr on their way to distant markets in the Middle East and Europe. It has a beautiful shoreline and a nice souq or marketplace. There is a good restaurant in the Holiday Inn.