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.

Transportation

The roads in the Dhahran area are the best in condition in the entire country. There is an industrial railroad station adjacent to Dhahran. and one of Saudi Arabia's three major international airports (DHA) is a short distance west of Dhahran (King Fahd International Airport in Dammam). King Abdulaziz Seaport in Dammam is about 15 km away from Dhahran. Ras Tanura, the second major oil city (an oil seaport and oil-refining and storing center) is 50km north of Dhahran and connected with it by one highway (like Abqaiq, the major plants area). Aramco runs a free-of-charge Bus service that serves all residents to/from Dhahran. There are basically no traffic jams in Dhahran even in rush hours (with the exception of the security gates and around the core area). However, all traffic lights in Dhahran are computer-controlled to maximize the traffic flow. The main office buildings including the Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Center (EXPEC), Exploration Computer Center (ECC) and the Engineering Building are connected by an underground tunnel network to help employees avoid extreme sun heat.

Related Topics:
King Fahd International Airport - Ras Tanura - Abqaiq

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dhahran airport originally consisted of the old King Fahd Air Terminal, which included a private section for Aramco corporate use and a small US airforce base. The new airport, King Fahd International Airport serves Dhahran, Dammam, Al Khobar and the entire metropolitan area. The old airport is now called King Abdulaziz Airbase, a major Royal Saudi Air Force base.

Related Topics:
King Fahd Air Terminal - King Fahd International Airport - King Abdulaziz Airbase - Royal Saudi Air Force

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~