
Alkhobar walking tour unveils urban history
ALKHOBAR: Khaled Almsaad, a lifelong resident of historic northern Alkhobar, is bridging the city's past and present through guided walking tours that promise a deeper connection with its heart and past.
His cultural initiative, Tanafs, connects the community with the arts, with a permanent location launched this year after the project first began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hub offers a range of activities including workshops and local tours designed to enrich Alkhobar's cultural scene.
The ticketed walking tour, which Almsaad guides personally, begins at Tanafs' headquarters, which also houses his coffee shop, Marfa, located on the first floor of the building.
During a recent tour, participants were given a brief presentation about the activity and about Alkhobar itself.
Almsaad, who is also a street photographer with over a decade of experience, spoke about the neighborhood's evolution, reflecting on his deep understanding of the city's character and evolving maps. Many of his own photographs were showcased on the walls.
• Tanafs offers a range of activities including workshops and local tours designed to enrich Alkhobar's cultural scene.
• The walking tours are organized every Friday afternoon and sessions will continue until Ramadan.
• Tickets can be booked through Tanafs' Instagram.
He shared safety tips and general advice before leading the group on a tour through northern Alkhobar's streets.
Alkhobar itself, with its unique historical and urban development, serves as the perfect backdrop for these tours. The headquarters directly overlook the beloved old Al-Shula Mall.
Almsaad explained that Alkhobar's development is unlike other cities in Saudi Arabia. 'Alkhobar is unique among Saudi cities because it was not formed out of natural growth through trade or tribal alliances. Instead, it emerged out of industrial necessity, driven by the need to house the workers in the early days of oil production,' he says.
The city became the first planned urban development in the region, setting a precedent for other cities, such as Riyadh, that followed a more organic path of growth.
One of the first stops is a hidden gem tucked away in the neighborhood. This shop, which has 'no photography allowed' signs in every single cluttered aisle, is filled with slightly dusty but pristine toys and trinkets from long ago — objects that remain untouched and undocumented, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the past.
We passed by several friendly northern Alkhobar cats and continued our journey through the streets, learning the city's secrets as Almsaad shares its history.
Alkhobar's commercial rise began in 1923, when it became a hub for movement and trade between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Despite its modern growth, the city's cultural heritage has always remained intertwined with its commercial activities — a theme Almsaad continues to explore throughout the tour.
One notable historical figure in the city's development is Floyd Ohliger, an American engineer who played a key role in Saudi Arabia's oil discovery. In 1938, he was instrumental in the discovery of commercial oil at Oil Well No. 7 (Dammam Well No. 7), a landmark event that confirmed the country's vast oil reserves.
Later, in 1945, his arrival in Dhahran marked the beginning of planned urban developments. His work in establishing 'company towns' to house Aramco workers led to the creation of self-sufficient communities with modern infrastructure, setting a blueprint for urban growth in the region.
The walking tour provides participants with an opportunity to experience the evolution of Alkhobar firsthand. Stops along the way include businesses, marketplaces, and cultural landmarks that showcase the city's transformation over time. Old rusted doors with intricate designs stand as reminders of the city's past. Many are still used today as people and businesses still reside behind those doors.
One memorable stop takes place at a watch repair stand in a bustling market, where time seems to stand still.
Ashraf Ali Khan has been operating his stand for 36 years. 'I am from Pakistan. I came in 1989 and opened this shop. I'm still here, Alhamdulillah,' Khan told Arab News.
Reflecting on the changes in the market, Khan said: 'After a few months of moving here, the first Gulf War came. Many people went to Riyadh, left for Bahrain, or went back to India or Pakistan. I stayed. My children were born in Alkhobar. This clock repair stand has been here for decades. The customers have changed, but I am still here, Alhamdulillah.'
Participants on the tour also get to sample local foods, from fluffy Filipino bread, which is light and soft, to engaging in a detailed conversation about coffee with the vivacious and knowledgeable founder of Hiqbah specialty coffee.
During the tour, we sampled fried snacks from a local vendor and enjoyed a chai latte at the elegant Oi cafe.
Rawan Albakri, a participant at the tour, told Arab News: 'As someone not from Alkhobar, I find the tour very interesting. I love this, actually. I learned that there are untold stories. Stories that we always pass by but never had the chance to ask about or learn the history of this place.
'It actually has a lot of history. We walked around, we went to different businesses, we tasted some of the foods and drinks. I love walking — I think that was an experience in itself.'
Throughout the tour, Almsaad emphasized the importance of community and cultural awareness. As the group moved between stops, he explained how the city is divided into specialized commercial zones, catering to different needs.
'If you want to buy home decor, you'll go to a different district. This organization makes it easy to find what you need, but it also means that certain areas become specialized over time,' he noted.
One of the tour's highlights is the bus ride back, which surprised the participants who had never used public transport in the city.
The event, which lasts for several hours, immerses participants in a blend of history, culture, and modern life.
Almsaad encourages the younger generation to connect with the city's past and future by physically walking through its streets. 'For Alkhobar to grow, we need to collaborate. The new generation has to support each other, work together to create a stronger, more connected community. It's not just about businesses; it's about sharing ideas, uplifting one another, and making the city better together.'
As the tour neared its end, Almsaad shared a personal anecdote — how his 2-year-old son now visits the same barbershop he used to visit as a child, highlighting how the traditions of the community remain close to his heart.
'They also still give the same exact little gift after the haircut. I got it when I was a kid and now my son gets it,' he said.
Tours are organized every Friday afternoon and sessions will continue until Ramadan. Tickets can be booked through Tanafs' Instagram.
As Almsaad put it: 'To truly preserve and understand Alkhobar, you have to experience it on foot.' And with every step, the city's rich history and vibrant present come alive.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia and Netherlands sign agreements with investments exceeding SR428 million
Saudi Gazette Report AMSTERDAM — Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands have signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) with investments exceeding SR428 million in Amsterdam. The agreements were inked between a number of Saudi and Dutch companies with the aim to develop and localize modern technologies in the environmental, water, and agricultural fields. Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti attended the ceremony of signing 27 agreements and MoUs during his current visit to the Netherlands from June 10 to 12 in the presence of a number of the Dutch government officials as well as senior executives and business leaders from the public and private sectors. The signing included a MoU between the Saudi National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector and the Dutch company VigGuard to establish cooperation to localize livestock disease control research. MoUs were also signed between the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development, the Dutch Greenhouse Alliance, the Dutch company Hoogendoorn, Hudson River Biotechnology, and Wageningen University, to launch initiatives in the fields of agricultural technology and research, and to establish capacity-building partnerships in the fields of agricultural innovation, greenhouse farming solutions, and green biotechnology. The partnerships also included the signing of a MoU between the National Agricultural Services Company and Delphi to support agricultural innovation. MoUs were also signed between the Makkah Region Development Authority, Van der Hoeven Projects for Protected Agriculture and Horticulture, and Horizon 11 to transfer and localize biotechnology. A MoU was signed between Al-Yasin Agricultural Company and the Cobret Experimental Center to establish a partnership worth up to one million euros to promote biotechnology in control and crop protection. Another MoU was signed between the Saudi Greenhouse Management and Agricultural Marketing Company and Plantae and Certhon with the aim of investing in localizing innovations in the agricultural sector. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Lehaa Group of Companies for Trade and Agricultural Investment, the Dutch Royal HZPC Group, and the Gal Sahara Potato Production Company, with investments exceeding SR76 million. This will enhance potato production in the Kingdom, in addition to establishing a French fries factory equipped with the latest processing technologies. Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti also witnessed the signing of six MoUs between Dafa Agricultural Company and a number of companies specialized in the fields of vegetables, fruits, fertilizers, greenhouses, and software project supply, with investments exceeding SR292 million. It is worth noting that this visit comes within the framework of the plans and vision of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to enhance the global capacity of the Saudi agricultural sector, expand the production and export of local agricultural products, contribute to increasing the volume of trade between the Kingdom and the Netherlands, and strengthen international partnerships, in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.


Saudi Gazette
6 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
BD Saudi Arabia charts a value-driven healthcare future under new leadership
Becton Dickinson (BD) in Saudi Arabia today announced its reinforced commitment to the Kingdom's ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of its newly appointed Country General Manager, Omar Malabarey. With a distinguished career spanning public and private healthcare sectors, Malabarey brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to drive BD's impact on the local healthcare ecosystem. Malabarey's appointment marks a pivotal moment for BD Saudi Arabia, as he aims to leverage BD's global legacy of innovation in medical technology to foster value-based healthcare solutions, cultivate strategic partnerships, and champion local talent development, all in strong alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. "Joining BD is a natural continuation of my mission to elevate the healthcare ecosystem in the Kingdom," said Omar Malabarey. "My focus is on creating a long-lasting impact by delivering solutions that not only enhance patient care and safety but also contribute to the efficiency and modernization of the entire healthcare system." Internally, Malabarey is dedicated to cultivating a collaborative and empowering workplace culture, positioning BD as an employer of choice for Saudi talent. Externally, his priority is to elevate BD's corporate identity beyond its well-recognized products, establishing the company as a trusted partner in healthcare transformation. Central to BD's strategic approach are its Signature Programmes™️, which address three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to empower hospitals across Saudi Arabia to implement best practices in infection control, optimize workflows, and ultimately improve outcomes for both patients and medical professionals. Highlighting Saudi Arabia as a strategic and pioneering market in digital healthcare, Malabarey emphasized the Kingdom's rapid progress towards a modern, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare model under Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. BD is actively contributing to this shift with smart medication management systems, pharmacy robotics, and digital health solutions designed to minimize human error and maximize care has significantly expanded its local presence, now employing approximately 170 professionals and operating through seven strategic distributors. Reinforcing its commitment to local development, BD recently launched the state-of-the-art BD Training Center in Riyadh in April, providing hands-on clinical and technical training for healthcare professionals and biomedical engineers. The company also hosted its inaugural BD Healthcare Summit, convening key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI, automation, and workforce development in collaborations underpin BD's commitment to the Kingdom. These include partnerships with STC and Mobily to explore digital health innovations, a pioneering collaboration with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia, and a partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association aimed at developing clinical competencies and supporting the healthcare ahead, Malabarey envisions BD as a long-term healthcare enabler in Saudi Arabia, deeply invested not just in growth but in meaningful impact. From supporting local workforce initiatives to driving best practices in clinical care, BD is poised to be a central player in the country's ongoing healthcare transformation.


Saudi Gazette
9 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
NEOM Port trains 10 Saudi women in remote crane operation
Saudi Gazette report TABUK — NEOM Port has begun training 10 young Saudi women from the Tabuk region in advanced technical jobs, including remote operation of cranes. This training is part of a pioneering two-year program that combines technical education, practical training, and career guidance. This initiative coincides with NEOM Port's delivery of the first batch of fully automated, remote-controlled cranes designed to transfer containers and cargo from ships to the dock, enhancing its readiness for smart trade. This equipment, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, will contribute to raising the port's efficiency and strengthening its position as a global center for smart and sustainable trade. Development work is accelerating at NEOM Port in preparation for the opening of Advanced Container Terminal No. 1 in 2026, which will implement an automated horizontal transport system as part of the port's plan to achieve full automation. With the introduction of these new technologies, the port's logistics capacity is expected to double, supporting industrial growth in the region and expanding access to global markets, in addition to enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of supply chains and opening up horizons of new works.