King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is dedicated to the health and well-being of its community, offering comprehensive primary health care services through its on-campus Medical Center. Established in 1974, the center has evolved into a comprehensive facility providing a wide range of services, including general medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dentistry, radiology, laboratory services, and emergency care. The Medical Center emphasizes health education, aiming to raise awareness and prevent diseases within the university and the broader community. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, KFUPM has integrated electronic health platforms to streamline and enhance patient services.

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) offers a comprehensive range of athletic and fitness facilities to promote the well-being of its community. The campus features modern gyms, running tracks, soccer fields, and swimming pools, providing diverse options for physical activities. The Community Center serves as a hub for recreational services, including bowling, billiards, squash courts, and a cinema. Additionally, the university’s beach offers amenities such as junior play areas, walkways, and football yards, enhancing the recreational experience for faculty, staff, and their families. These facilities underscore KFUPM’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle within its community.

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) offers a vibrant array of recreational and entertainment options to enrich campus life. The Community Center serves as a hub for various activities, featuring amenities such as bowling alleys, billiard tables, squash courts, and a cinema, providing diverse entertainment choices for students, faculty, and their families. Additionally, the university’s private beach is equipped with junior play areas, walkways, football fields, and cabins, offering a serene environment for relaxation and leisure. To further cater to the diverse interests of its community, KFUPM supports a variety of clubs, including photography, chess and board games, horse riding and archery, and Toastmasters, fostering a sense of community and personal development among its members.

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) offers a diverse range of student clubs through its Student Activities Department, aiming to provide a healthy and active environment that enables students to engage in hobbies and recreational activities beyond their academic pursuits. With approximately 40 clubs covering scientific disciplines, sports, social, cultural, and artistic interests, students have ample opportunities to develop well-rounded personalities, enhance their talents, and receive training in leadership and responsibility. The university provides full financial support for all approved programs and activities proposed by these clubs. Club activities include training courses, scientific visits, competitions, lectures, exhibitions, excursions, cultural and art programs, scouting, sports activities, and representation in various forums both nationally and internationally. Dedicated offices and halls are available for club members to facilitate their initiatives.

Al Khobar Corniche is a must-see attraction in the year's cooler months. Take a walk along the Arabian Gulf and enjoy refreshments at the promenade. The Corniche offers multiple play areas for kids, a lovely jogging and cycling path, and a beautiful seafront view.

Dhahran and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of cultural and entertainment activities, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. For art enthusiasts, local galleries and cultural centers often host exhibitions showcasing the work of regional artists, reflecting the vibrant creativity of the area. Seasonal events such as traditional music performances and cultural festivals bring the community together and provide opportunities to experience the heritage and customs of Saudi Arabia.

Shopping enthusiasts can explore the bustling local markets and modern malls, such as Dhahran Mall, which features international brands, dining options, and entertainment for families. Cinemas in the area regularly screen the latest international and regional films, making them a popular choice for an evening out.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the scenic Corniche in Al Khobar, where walking paths and picnic spots along the Arabian Gulf create a serene environment for relaxation and recreation. With these diverse activities, life in Dhahran offers enriching experiences that go beyond academics, creating a balanced lifestyle for KFUPM students and faculty.

Located just a short distance from the KFUPM campus in Dhahran, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and innovation. Established by Saudi Aramco and inaugurated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2016, Ithra encompasses a museum, library, cinema, theater, and exhibition halls, offering a diverse array of programs and events that cater to various interests.

The center’s mission is to inspire a passion for knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a diversified economy and enriched cultural landscape. Its proximity to KFUPM provides students, faculty, and visitors with convenient access to world-class exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational resources, enhancing the overall experience of life in Dhahran.

Whether you’re interested in exploring contemporary art, attending theatrical performances, participating in innovative workshops, or simply seeking a space for intellectual exploration, Ithra offers a dynamic environment that complements the academic and cultural pursuits of the KFUPM community.

For more information on Ithra’s programs and visiting hours, please visit their official website.

Just a short drive from the KFUPM campus, the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center (Scitech) offers an engaging educational experience for visitors of all ages. Affiliated with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Scitech is dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge and technological innovation through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

The center features seven main exhibition halls, each focusing on different scientific disciplines, including Earth and Space, The Living World, Our Beautiful Seas, Wonders of Science, Amazing Technology, and Discovery Oasis. These halls house over 350 scientific exhibits designed to simplify complex scientific concepts and make learning both enjoyable and accessible.

One of Scitech’s highlights is its Scientific Dome, the first of its kind in the Middle East, which offers immersive IMAX presentations on various scientific topics, providing visitors with a captivating visual experience. Additionally, the Astronomical Observatory allows guests to explore celestial phenomena, enhancing their understanding of astronomy.

For more information on exhibits, programs, and visiting hours, please visit Scitech’s official website.

Located in Dammam, the Heritage Village is a prominent cultural landmark that offers visitors an immersive journey into Saudi Arabia’s rich history and traditions. Established in 1998 by Saudi collector Saad Al-Balhi, this five-story fortress-like structure showcases the diverse heritage of the kingdom’s provinces.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by traditional mud architecture, leading to exhibits featuring ancient weapons, jewelry, photographs, manuscripts, and other rare artifacts. The village also houses a museum that delves deeper into the nation’s past, providing insights into the daily lives of its ancestors.

Beyond its historical displays, Heritage Village offers a vibrant marketplace where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, and visitors can purchase locally made items such as incense, spices, and handicrafts. The on-site restaurant serves authentic Saudi cuisine, allowing guests to savor traditional dishes in a culturally rich setting.

For those interested in exploring Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, Heritage Village in Dammam provides an enriching experience that bridges the past with the present. Its proximity to KFUPM makes it an accessible destination for students and visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of the kingdom’s history and traditions.

For more information on visiting hours and exhibits, please visit their official website.

One of the unique advantages of living in Dhahran is its proximity to Bahrain, a neighboring country that can be reached in just over an hour by car via the King Fahd Causeway. Bahrain offers a perfect day-trip destination, with a blend of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the bustling Manama Souq, marvel at the Bahrain National Museum, or relax at the picturesque Amwaj Islands.

Bahrain is also home to a wide variety of dining options, from authentic Arabic cuisine to international dishes, and vibrant shopping malls like The Avenues and City Centre Bahrain. For those seeking history and culture, sites such as the Bahrain Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Tree of Life provide fascinating insights into the country’s past.

A day trip to Bahrain offers an exciting break from routine and a chance to experience a different culture and environment, making it a popular choice for KFUPM students, faculty, and visitors. With its ease of access and diverse attractions, Bahrain is a must-visit destination just a short drive from Dhahran.