Dhahran

Dhahran (Arabic الظهران aẓ-Ẓahrān, meaning "the two backs") is a city in Saudi Arabia located in the country's Eastern Province not far from the Persian Gulf a short distance south of the larger port city of Dammam. Dhahran is, technically speaking, a fenced-in company compound, and only Saudi Aramco employees and their dependents may live inside. However, because the town's name is also used for the international airport (DHA) and US consulate, both located outside the Saudi Aramco compound, "Dhahran" is often used for convenience to refer to the larger metropolitan area that includes (Al-)Khobar, (Al-)Dammam, and many private residential compounds, all of which have grown together into a single megalopolis of over 1 million inhabitants.

Sites of interest

• Ar Rabiyah Compound
• Dhahran Hills Park
• Half-Moon Bay (outside the compound)
• Dhahran Rolling Hills Golf Course
• Saudi Aramco Oil Exhibit
• The Heritage Gallery
• Al-Fayrouz Theater
• Munira Ashgar's Museum
• U.S. Consulate General (outside the compound)
• King's Road Theater
• Hamilton Guest House
• Dhahran Hobby Farm (outside the compound)
• King's Road Library
• EXPEC Building (in the Admin Area)
• The Almujamma (Blue) Mosque
• Engineering Complex (Office Buildings and Library)
• King's Road Recreation Area
• Steinecke Hall
• King's Road Ball Field
• Dhahran Dance Hall
• Tower Building
• Dhahran Rolling Hills Putting Area
• Dolly Parton
• Dhahran International Hotel (outside the compound - known for being the residence of foreign reporters during the Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991), and the 1998 Operation Desert Fox. Remainings of a launched Patriot Missile are displayed in the main hall).