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Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

SCITECH (Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center)

A hands-on science centre on the Al Khobar seafront with interactive galleries and a domed theatre — a favourite for families and an easy escape from the heat.

Favourite places

Local food

  • Kabsa

    Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    The national dish: long-grain rice cooked in a spiced broth with chicken or lamb, topped with fried onions, nuts and raisins, and served on a large shared platter.

  • Mutabbaq

    Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    Thin dough folded around minced meat, egg, leek and spices and fried on a hot griddle — a favourite evening street snack, sweet versions are filled with banana or cheese.

  • Al-Ahsa dates

    Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    The oasis of Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province is one of the largest date-growing areas in the world. Its khalas dates, soft and caramel-sweet, are sold in every market and served with coffee.

Where to eat

  • Prince Turki Street

    Facing the Al Khobar Corniche

    Al Khobar's best-known restaurant and café street, running parallel to the Corniche, with Saudi, Gulf, Middle Eastern and international food and outdoor seating in the cooler months.

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  • Mall food courts

    Al Khobar and Dhahran

    The big shopping malls have food courts and family restaurants — the easiest choice in the hot summer months, when eating outdoors is hard.

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Where to stay

  • Al Khobar Corniche and Prince Turki Street

    Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    The liveliest place to stay in the Eastern Province: hotels facing the sea, with the Corniche, cafés and restaurants on the doorstep and the King Fahd Causeway a short drive away.

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  • Downtown Al Khobar and Al Olaya

    Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

    Mid-range and business hotels around the older downtown streets and the Al Olaya district, close to the malls and King Fahd Road towards Dhahran.

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Culture

Science centres like SCITECH are popular family outings in the Eastern Province, and school trips come from across the region.

History

SCITECH, the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center, opened in Al Khobar in the 2000s as one of the first interactive science centres in Saudi Arabia. It was created to make science and technology exciting for young people through exhibits they can touch and try.

Its galleries cover subjects such as the human body, physics, space and the natural world, and its domed theatre shows films and astronomy programmes.

Tour plans

Family science day

Half day

  1. Step 1: Galleries

    Explore the hands-on science exhibits.

  2. Step 2: Dome show

    Catch a film or astronomy show in the dome theatre.

  3. Step 3: Lunch

    Eat on Prince Turki Street or at a mall nearby.

  4. Step 4: Corniche

    End with a walk on the seafront when it cools down.

Map

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Travel information

Best time to visit

All year, as it is indoors; particularly good in summer. Check current opening times and any family or school-group days before you go.

How to get there

SCITECH is on the Al Khobar seafront; take a taxi or ride-hailing car. There is parking on site.

Getting around

Allow two to three hours to go round the galleries and catch a show in the dome.

Travel tips

  • Check the show times for the dome theatre when you arrive.
  • Opening days and family-only sessions can vary; confirm before visiting.
  • Best for children of school age, but adults enjoy it too.
  • Dress modestly in public: for men and women, clothes that cover the shoulders and knees; women are not required to wear an abaya or cover their hair, but loose clothing is expected. Some shops and small businesses close briefly at each of the five daily prayer times, and on Friday many open only after the midday prayer. The weekend is Friday and Saturday.

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