Al-Khobar’s Public Squares and Roundabouts Showcase Saudi Heritage Through Urban Design - Business Today Middle East
Al-Khobar Governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region has transformed its public squares and roundabouts into distinctive urban landmarks that celebrate the Kingdom’s history, culture, and national identity. . . .
Al-Khobar Governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region has transformed its public squares and roundabouts into distinctive urban landmarks that celebrate the Kingdom’s history, culture, and national identity. Blending functional traffic infrastructure with creative architectural elements, these spaces offer residents and visitors an engaging visual experience while reflecting the country’s development and cultural heritage. One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks is theUnification Roundaboutat the entrance to the Al-Khobar Corniche. The centerpiece features the Islamic declaration of faith,“There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,”inscribed in gold, alongside the Kingdom’s emblem of two crossed swords and a palm tree. Surrounded by landscaped green spaces, the monument symbolizes national pride and unity. At the southern section of the Corniche,Abeyah Squarepays tribute to the horse of the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, which accompanied him during the Kingdom’s unification journey. Nearby, another public square presents a unique space-inspired design, with a black surface decorated with stars and constellations to create an artistic representation of the night sky. TheVision 2030 Roundaboutis among Al-Khobar’s most significant urban attractions. Spanning approximately11,300 square meterswith a120-meter diameter, the landmark consists of84 individual unitsarranged to form portraits of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The project was designed and executed using advanced technologies by Saudi engineers and specialists. Another prominent roundabout illustrates the story of Saudi Arabia’s unification through an artistic installation covering more than2,100 square meters. The site features10 mural panelsdepicting key milestones in the life and achievements of Founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, with each panel bearing his official seal and signature. These projects reflect Al-Khobar’s continued urban development and commitment to creating attractive public spaces that combine cultural identity with modern design. The city’s progress has also been recognized internationally, with theInternational Institute for Management Development (IMD)ranking Al-Khobar61st among the world’s smart cities in 2025, highlighting its achievements in sustainable urban development and its contribution to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.