Hofuf City Guide

Local dishes such as Kabsa, Mandi, and dates are must-tries. International food is limited but growing, with some vegetarian options. Late-night food mainly at casual eateries.

No traditional nightlife due to local laws. Evenings are for family gatherings, malls, and coffee shops.

Good range of local and international coffee shops; specialty coffee is growing.

Tipping is optional but appreciated; around 5-10% in restaurants, rounding up in taxis is common.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and provider stores. Top providers are STC, Mobily, and Zain. ID registration is needed to activate.

City is generally clean, with good waste management.

Limited 24/7 services, some pharmacies and minimarts open late.

Supermarkets offer international goods; traditional souqs sell fresh local produce and crafts. Main supermarkets are Panda, Danube, and Carrefour. Bargaining is normal in souqs but not in supermarkets.

Card payments work well in big stores and hotels, but smaller shops, markets, and taxis need cash.

ATMs are easy to find at banks, malls, and supermarkets like Al Rajhi, NCB, and Samba. International withdrawal fees vary by bank.

Local schools teach mostly in Arabic. Few bilingual or international options; more choices in nearby larger cities.

Very small to no digital nomad community here.

Large green areas from the Al-Ahsa Oasis and public parks.

Running paths are available in parks like King Abdullah Environmental Park; safe and mostly well-lit.

Gyms and sports clubs are available; check hours and locations.

Tennis courts at private clubs and sports centers; booking varies.

Padel courts exist in newer sports complexes and private clubs.

Few dedicated yoga studios; some gyms offer classes.

Some gyms offer boxing and taekwondo; few dedicated dojos.

No skiing; desert climate.

Limited water sports near city; better options on the coast farther away.

Not a surfing spot; closest coast is not suitable for surfing.

Diving spots are far away near Dammam or Khobar.

Good public hospitals like King Fahd Hospital and Almoosa Specialist Hospital. Some English-speaking staff in private clinics. Pharmacies are common and often open late.

Avoid drinking tap water; bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Parks and playgrounds like King Abdullah Park offer kid-friendly spaces. Family cafés exist, mostly in malls. Attractions like Al-Ahsa Oasis and Qarah Mountain are good for families.

Strict laws against LGBTQ+ expression; no legal protections.

Pet-friendly spaces are rare and pet import rules are strict.