Car & Van Hire - Jubail

Jubail is best known for its beaches, which are calm and family-friendly, with smooth expanses of soft sand and gentle water. Start your seaside adventure at Al Nakheel Beach. Lined with palm trees, this feels like a tropical paradise. You can rent equipment for all kinds of water sports, including scuba diving, jet-skiing and parasailing, as well as fun banana boat rides. It's at its most beautiful early in the morning when you can watch the sunrise over the water.

Another great beach is Al Fanateer, which is known for the quality of its water. You can just chill out on a sun lounger or, if you're in the mood for adventure, hop onto a speed boat. Water skiing, diving and fishing are all popular activities here. There are many more beaches to explore around Jubail, but remember to dress appropriately. In Saudi Arabia, beachwear is conservative for both men and women. "Burkinis", or full-length swimsuits, are very common. If you're unsure about what to wear, check out the local attire first and dress accordingly.

There's more to this city than just seaside fun, as you'll soon find out with car hire in Jubail. For a touch of history, visit Al-Tawiya Tower. This was built in 1929 as a fortress to protect the nearby Al-Tawiya well. A visit to the tower will help you learn more about the history of the area and the importance of wells to the desert people. In centuries gone by, Bedouins would come here for water, and gradually, the city of Jubail grew as a result. The tower helps explain how this happened and is a great destination for anyone who has an interest in Arabian history. It's also a fascinating sight in itself, as a historic tower in the middle of an ultra-modern city.

With car or van hire in Jubail, you can explore nearby cities. One of the best spots for a day trip is Dammam, an extremely popular destination in the summertime. Once a sleepy coastal village, the discovery of oil transformed Dammam into a modern metropolis. It has stunning beaches, intriguing street art and great shopping. While you're in Dammam, don't miss the chance to visit Murjan Island. This artificial island is great for a picnic or a barbecue and has lots of facilities for the kids to play. You can take boat rides around the island or enjoy a spot of leisurely fishing in the warm waters of the Gulf.

The prices for parking in Jubail will depend on the day of the week and the time of day. Parking is usually free all day Friday and at night. The schedule for free parking changes during the holy month of Ramadan, so check in advance to see whether you can benefit from it. You can pay for a parking spot in Saudi Arabia with cash or a card, and there are also apps and other forms of mobile phone payment available.

Generally, you won't find that much traffic in Jubail, except at weekends. In good weather, many Saudis and visitors flock here to enjoy the beaches. As such, you can expect more cars on the roads on Fridays and Saturdays - the weekend days in Saudi Arabia. You'll experience more traffic if you drive into Dammam, as it is more of a business centre. There are three peak times for traffic during the day: 07:00 to 08:30, 12:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Try to plan your visit to Dammam so you'll avoid rush hour traffic.

Speeding is never a good idea, but it is particularly bad in Saudi Arabia. You can expect to find speed cameras and radars almost everywhere you go, and traffic police work extremely diligently. The country also has far more speed bumps than most other places, often unmarked. If you are caught speeding, you will be faced with a hefty fine, far larger than you might expect in other countries. The same applies to the other rules of the road.

Driving conservatively is recommended in Saudi Arabia. Honking your horn or shouting at other drivers will make you stand out. Women are now legally allowed to drive, but they are not yet a common sight on the roads. You will probably see more female drivers in large cities like Dammam. If you like to listen to the radio in the car, be sure to turn it off during the call to prayer. It is illegal to play music during this sacred time.

Planning a long road trip across Saudi Arabia? The price of petrol won't be a problem, as it is incredibly cheap in this oil-rich state. Sand can be a hazard, though. Sand storms are fairly frequent on desert roads. If you find yourself caught in one, pull over until your visibility improves and it's safe to continue.