Khobar Corniche

The Khobar Corniche is a long waterfront running along the Arabian Gulf coast in the city of Khobar, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. It consists of a continuous strip of gardens, paths and plazas facing the sea.

Until the 1930s Khobar was a small fishing village. It then grew quickly with the rise of the oil industry in neighbouring Dhahran, becoming a modern commercial city with a planned street grid. The corniche was built and extended in stages as part of that growth and development has continued in recent years.

Along the corniche there are lawns, tracks for walking, running and cycling, children's playgrounds, seating areas and mosques, together with the restaurants and cafes found along the adjoining street. One of its most recognisable features is the water tower that stands on a small island joined to the shore. The waterfront is busiest after sunset, when temperatures fall and residents come out to walk or sit facing the sea. It serves as the main outdoor space for the people of Khobar.