Plizio Visual Lab

Yanbu

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

—°5

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Practical info — Yanbu

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Visit the Night Market (Souq Al Lail) in Yanbu Al-Balad to experience the authentic traditional atmosphere after dark.
The Yanbu Corniche is good for late afternoon walks to catch the sunset over the Red Sea.
For divers and snorkelers, the pristine coral reefs offshore are a must; book your boat trips in advance.
Park your car in designated areas along the waterfront to avoid fines, as enforcement is strict.
Dress modestly, especially when exploring the historical districts and local neighborhoods.

🍽 Food

🍽

Sayadiyah

A traditional fish dish served with brown rice; try it at the seafood restaurants near the Yanbu Al-Bahr port.

🍽

Fresh Red Sea Fish

Visit the fish market in the morning and have your selection grilled at one of the nearby local eateries.

🍽

Local Dates

Yanbu is famous for its date palms; look for fresh regional varieties in the local markets.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Souq Al Lail

This historical night market provides traditional goods, spices, and local crafts in an atmospheric setting.

🛍

Yanbu Mall

For a modern shopping experience with international brands and air-conditioned comfort.

🛍

Port Fish Market

A lively spot to witness local trade and see fresh seafood brought in directly from the boats.

🧘

Yanbu Lake Park

A man-made oasis with greenery, great for a quiet picnic away from the city noise.

🧘

Radwa Mountains Viewpoint

Drive slightly inland to experience the silence and the impressive backdrop of the distant mountains.

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Northern Corniche

The northern section of the waterfront is usually less crowded and gives secluded spots for relaxation.

Yanbu, full name Yanbu' al Bahr ('Spring by the Sea'), is a major port city on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea, in the Medina province. The city has three main parts: the modern Industrial City (Yanbu Industrial City), the Old Town (Yanbu Al-Balad), and the Royal Commission residential area. Historically, Yanbu was a small fishing village and a stop on the Incense and Spice Route, as well as an important port for pilgrims heading to Medina. In the 1970s, similar to Al-Jubail, the Saudi government developed it into a massive industrial center. Yanbu Industrial City (YIC) is now one of the most important petrochemical hubs in the Middle East, with three oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and a large port specializing in the export of crude oil and petroleum products. The city also places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and is famous for its beautiful coral reefs, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. The city is also known for its clean beaches and well-maintained seaside promenade.

Location: Saudi Arabia
Top sights: Mamlaka al-Haywan · Shells Monument · Fish in a Basket
Population: ~200.161 (2017)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	23	25	28	31	33	34	34	34	31	28	24
Rain mm	5	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	4

Geography

Population

200,161 (2017)

Coordinates

24.08910, 38.06220

Facts

Yanbu's total population exceeds 320,000.
The city is overseen by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.
Lawrence of Arabia landed here in 1917, and the city became a base for the Arab Revolt.
Two main pipelines connect the oil fields of the Eastern Province with Yanbu.
The Yanbu Flower Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The city is home to the world's largest flower carpet in a single location, holding a Guinness World Record.
Sharm Yanbu is a protected bay, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rafina9 km · SWExplore →

Nea Makri10 km · WExplore →

Schinias National Park11 km · NWExplore →

Marathon Battlefield11 km · NWExplore →

Artemida12 km · SWExplore →

Avra14 km · NExplore →

Marathon15 km · NWExplore →

Vravrona Wetland17 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Yanbu (5)

Mamlaka al-Haywan 👨‍👩‍👧 family

A family theme park with animal-themed attractions in Yanbu.

Shells Monument 🏺 historical

A monument made of large shells in Yanbu.

Fish in a Basket 🏺 historical

A sculpture of a fish in a basket in Yanbu.

broken jar 🏺 historical

A monument of a broken jar in Yanbu.

Yanbu Historic Area 📍 landmark

The historic district of Yanbu with old stone buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Yanbu popular with divers?

Yanbu gives some of the most pristine and biodiverse coral reefs in the Red Sea.

What is the best time to visit?

October to April is good for outdoor activities and water sports.

Can one visit the old town?

Yes, the historic Yanbu Al-Bahr has been restored and showcases traditional architecture.

How to get to Yanbu?

Yanbu has its own airport and is well-connected with Riyadh and Jeddah.

Is Yanbu family-friendly?

Yes, the city features beautiful coastal parks and recreation areas right by the sea.

Yanbu: where is it located?

Yanbu is located in Saudi Arabia.

Yanbu: what is there to see?

Highlights include Mamlaka al-Haywan, Shells Monument, Fish in a Basket.

Yanbu: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Yanbu: why is it worth visiting?

Yanbu, full name Yanbu' al Bahr ('Spring by the Sea'), is a major port city on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea, in the Medina province.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →