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Coordinates: 24°5′17.75″N 38°3′29.50″E / 24.0882639°N 38.0581944°E / 24.0882639; 38.0581944
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{{Redirect|Yambu}}
[[Image:Fm nasa yanbu saudi arabia.jpg|thumb|300px|NASA photograph of Yanbu' al Bahr]]
{{Infobox settlement
| name =
| official_name = Yanbu
| image_skyline = فندق الموفنبيك بينبع الصناعية.JPG
| image_caption = فندق الموفنبيك بينبع الصناعية
| image_flag =
| flag_link =
| flag_size =
| image_shield =
| shield_link =
| shield_size =
| pushpin_map = Saudi Arabia
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = [[File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg|25px]] [[Saudi Arabia]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Saudi Arabia|Province]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Al Madinah Province|Al Madinah]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Governorates of Saudi Arabia|Governorate]]
| subdivision_name2 = Yanbu
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 = Provincial Governor
| leader_name1 = [[Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|Faisal bin Salman]]
| leader_title2 =
| leader_name2 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 491 BC
| established_title2 = Joined [[Saudi Arabia]] 1925
| established_date2 =
| established_title3 =
| established_date3 =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_total_sq_mi =
| area_metro_km2 = 10,340
| area_urban_km2 =
| elevation_m =
| area_footnotes =
| population_as_of = 2022 census<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yanbu governorate|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/saudiarabia/madina/0302__yanbu_al_ba%E1%B8%A5r/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_total = 331,916
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi =
| population_urban =
| population_metro = 359,631 (Yanbu governorate)
| population_footnotes =
| utc_offset = +3
| utc_offset_DST = +3
| postal_code_type = Postal Code
| postal_code = (5 digits)
| area_code = +966-14
| website =
| coordinates = {{coord|24|5|17.75|N|38|3|29.50|E|region:SA|display=inline,title}}
}}
'''Yanbu''' ({{lang-ar|ينبع|lit=Spring|translit=Yanbu'}}), also known simply as '''Yambu''' or '''Yenbo''', is a city in the [[Al Madinah Province]] of western [[Saudi Arabia]]. It is approximately 300&nbsp;kilometers northwest of [[Jeddah]] (at {{coord|24|05|N|38|00|E|}}). The population is 331,916 (2022 census). Many residents are foreign [[expatriate]]s working in the [[oil refineries]] and [[petrochemical industry]], mostly from Asia, but there are also large numbers from the Middle East, Europe, and North America.


Yanbu has three primary sections; Yanbu Al-Bahr, Yanbu Al-Nakhl and Yanbu Al-Sina'iya as well as a major [[Red Sea]] port.
'''Yanbu' al Bahr''' ([[arabic language|arabic]]: &#1610;&#1606;&#1576;&#1593; &#1575;&#1604;&#1576;&#1581;&#1585; "spring by the sea"), also known simply as '''Yanbu''', '''Yambo''', or '''Yenbo''', is a major [[Red Sea]] port in the [[Al Madinah]] province of western [[Saudi Arabia]]. It is approximately 350 kilometers north of [[Jiddah]] (at 24°05'N 38°00'E).


== History ==
Yanbu's history dates back at least 2500 years, when it was a staging point on the [[spice]] and [[incense]] route from [[Yemen]] to [[Egypt]] and the [[Mediterranean]] region. Yanbu served as a supply and operational base for Arab and British forces fighting the [[Ottoman Empire]] during the [[World War I|First World War]]. It remained a small port town until [[1975]], when the Saudi government designated it as one of the country's two new industrial centres (the other being [[Al Jubayl]] on the [[Persian Gulf]]). Its [[1993]] population was around 40,000.


===Pre-modern era===
Yanbu is an important [[petroleum]] shipping terminal and is also home to three oil [[refineries]], a plastics facility, and several other petrochemical plants. It is the country's second port (after Jiddah) and serves as the main port for the holy city of [[Medina]], 160km (100 miles) to the east. The natural harbour is protected on both sides by wide [[coral reef]]s. Three major oil piplelines lead across the desert from the oilfields in the east to terminate at the Red Sea in Yanbu. Yanbu also has an international airport ([[IATA airport code|code]] YNB) and a naval base.
Yanbu's history dates back at least 2,500&nbsp;years, when it was a staging point on the [[spice]] and [[incense]] route from [[Yemen]] to [[Egypt]] and the Mediterranean region.


Sharm Yanbu ({{lang-ar|شرم ينبع}}), historically known as '''[[Charmutha (Harbor)|Charmuthas]]''', which is a small peninsula located to the north of Yanbu was mentioned by the Greek historian [[Diodorus Siculus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ancientportsantiques.com/a-few-ports/sharm-yanbu/|title=Sharm Yanbu|work=Ancient Ports Antiques|access-date=13 December 2017}}</ref>

The [[Invasion of Dul Ashir]] took place in Yanbu two or three months after prophet [[Muhammad in Islam|Muhammad]]'s return from Buwat. He appointed [[Abu Salama Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Asad al-Makhzumi|Abu Salamah Ibn Abd al-Assad]] to take his place in [[Medina]] while he was away commanding another raid. Between 150 and 200 followers joined this operation to al-Ushayra, Yanbu in either the month of [[Jumada al-awwal]] or [[Jumada al-Thani]].<ref name="Haykal 1976">{{citation|title=The Life of Muhammad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fOyO-TSo5nEC| first=Husayn |last=Haykal|year=1976|publisher=Islamic Book Trust |isbn=978-983-9154-17-7|pages=217–218}}</ref><ref name="Mubarakpuri, The Sealed Nectar p. 128">Mubarakpuri, The Sealed Nectar (Free Version), p. 128</ref><ref name="Mubarakpuri p. 148">Mubarakpuri, When the Moon Split, p. 148.</ref>

They had 30 camels that they rode upon by turns. When they arrived at al-Usharayh, they expected to raid a rich Meccan caravan heading towards Syria led by [[Abu Sufyan]]. The locals already had the knowledge of this caravan’s departure from Mecca and waited for about a month for this caravan to pass. But the Meccan caravan had already passed.

In this operation, Muhammad entered into an alliance with Banu Madlaj, a tribe inhabiting the vicinity of al-Ushayra. He also concluded another treaty that was made with Banu Damrah previously.<ref name="Mubarakpuri p. 148"/> All those treaties established good political connections for him.<ref name="Mubarakpuri, The Sealed Nectar p. 128"/>

===Modern era===
Yanbu served as a supply and operational base for [[Arab Revolt#Prelude|Arab and British forces]] fighting the [[Ottoman Empire]] during [[World War&nbsp;I]]. On July 27, 1916 the Ottoman garrison surrendered in the [[Capture of Yanbu]] to the Arab revolutionary forces.<ref name= "Purcell-Burg">{{cite book |last1=Burg|first1=David F.|last2=Purcell|first2=L. Edward | title = Almanac of World War I|edition=2010|year=2010| publisher = [[University Press of Kentucky]]| isbn= 9780813137711 }} - Total pages: 336</ref> It remained a small port town until 1975, when the Saudi government designated it as one of the [[Saudi Arabia|country's]] two new industrial centers (the other being [[Al Jubayl]] in the [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]]). Extensive government and private development have taken place at the port and surrounding area, which is based on the [[petrochemical industry]].
[[File:Home in Yanbu City - panoramio.jpg|right|thumb|Residential areas in Yanbu]]

== Geography ==
The city is divided into three primary sections, which are located about fifteen&nbsp;minutes (drive by car) away from each other. Yanbu is the second-largest Saudi Arabian city by the [[Red Sea]], after [[Jeddah]].

===Yanbu Al-Bahr ===
[[File:Turquoise Red Sea Waves (3002926462).jpg|right|thumb|A Red Sea beach with turquoise waters at Yanbu]]
[[File:Yanbu_Park_1.jpg|right|thumb|A park at Yanbu]]
(Also known as Yanbu Al-Bahar) is the most northern part of Yanbu. The downtown area of Yanbu Al-Bahr (which is also called ''Al-Balad'') contains most of the population. Most of the restaurants here cater to the various ethnic groups in the area, although some also cater to residents in the Royal Commission. The area also contains some international chain restaurants, as well as some coffee shops. There is also a shopping mall and various shopping centers located here as well. The city has many popular local brand hotels, including international brand like [[Holiday Inn]] Hotel, [[Ibis (hotel)| ibis]] Hotel, [[Radisson Blu]] Hotel and [[Novotel]] Hotel is located at the edge of this area, as is [[Yanbu Airport]]. Arabian Homes also have a gated private residential community compound catering to the expat population, and is located next to the Holiday Inn. Most of the residents tend to be lower and middle-class Saudi citizens, and well as mostly South Asian and lower and middle-class Arab and other Middle Eastern expatriates. Every year there is a flower festival at the outskirts of Yanbu that has attracted many viewers around [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Gulf Cooperation Council|neighboring countries]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/tags/yanbu-flower-and-garden-festival|title=Yanbu Flower and Garden Festival|website=Arab News}}</ref>

[[File:Yanbu flower festival.jpg|thumb|left|Yanbu flower festival]]

Currently, the government is attempting to improve the old, historical area in downtown Yanbu, as many historical buildings are located there. Many are still in a serious state of disrepair. While most of Yanbu Al-Balad has a rather old, worn-out feel to it, parts of the city, particularly at the edges of the city, are starting to modernize, as new shopping centers, as well as a new shopping mall, have been built. [[Jarir Bookstore]] had also opened a branch in Yanbu Al-Balad.

===Yanbu Al-Nakhal===
(''The Palms'') is a separate area, some 47 kilometers from the city (according to Google Maps), that has more than 20 villages such as Jabriyya, Suwaiq, Raihan, Mesharif, Ain-Ajlan, Madsos, Alnejil and Talaat Nazah, where mostly farms would be found. Currently (July 2018), most of the residents are local tribes, mostly from Johainah (Aljohani), [[Harb (tribe)|Harb]] (Alharbi), and few from Ashraf. There are also some foreign nationals, mostly from south and east Asia, as well as some expatriate Arabs. Some of the local Saudis work on their own farms and trade in sheep and camels. The most notable village in Yanbu Al Nakhal is Jabriyya, where the local government office for the town is located. The village has a general hospital, a bank, three ATM machines, four well-serviced filling stations, a fire station, two notable malls, several recreational facilities among other things. The locals are very friendly and cordial in greetings and offering help. There is almost everything you need for basic livelihood in the neighborhood, however, the options for residents pales in comparison to both the Royal Commission and Yanbu Al Bahr. The Radwah Mountain is very visible anywhere in the town.

However, the town has neither hotels nor international schools, and locals and expatriates seeking foreign education for their children had to send them to international schools in the main city center, Yanbu Al Bahr, or in the Royal Commission.

===Yanbu Al-Sina'iya===
Yanbu Al-Sina'iya (literally "the industrial Yanbu") is the industrial city, established in 1975 by royal decree to create a Royal Commission to manage the effort to build a new modern city. It is the southernmost part of Yanbu city. Yanbu Al-Sina'iya is divided into two parts, the industrial area to the south, and a residential area (referred to as the Royal Commission by many locals) directly north and adjacent to the industrial area. The industrial area within Yanbu Al-Sina'iya is the area of all the major refineries and petrochemical installations and is still undergoing major growth. This area of Yanbu was a strip of undeveloped coastal desert land on the Red Sea and has been transformed into an industrial city.

Yanbu Al-Sina'iya's residential section is near the Royal Commission Headquarters. It has amenities such as many international chain and local restaurants, two shopping malls, various shopping centers, supermarkets of various sizes, hospitals, banks, and coffee shops. The [[Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts|Movenpick]] Hotel, Yanbu's newest hotel, is located here, as is The Cove, a gated private residential housing compound built around a large private lagoon. Yanbu Al Sinaiyah is home to [[Yanbu Industrial College]], created for training and imparting knowledge for the students and workforce of the industry. Yanbu International School was also located here, prior to its closing in 2018.

The majority of Yanbu's Western expatriate population is found living in the Royal Commission. The rest of the residents of Yanbu Al-Sina'iya tend to be upper-middle and upper-class Saudi citizens, upper-class Asians, and upper-class Arab and Middle Eastern residents. The residential area of Yanbu Al-Sina'iya has a more modern, clean, and organized feel to it than the downtown area. It is also greener.

A new waterfront project has been launched in the coastline of Yanbu Industrial City. The total area of this project is 12&nbsp;km. The project consists of four phases. The first phase is made of a campground equipped with the needed facilities. The second phase is made up of gardens, marina and a number of islands. The third phase has a recreation area, hotel and other facilities. The fourth phase has an aquarium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saudconsult.com/portal.php?p=4&s=&c=&r=697|title=Projects|website=www.saudconsult.com|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref>

== Climate ==
Yanbu has a [[hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh'') with very hot summer like weather year round.
{{Weather box
|location = Yanbu'al Bahr
|single line = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|Jan record high C = 38
|Feb record high C = 37.3
|Mar record high C = 40.0
|Apr record high C = 43.6
|May record high C = 49.0
|Jun record high C = 49.5
|Jul record high C = 51.0
|Aug record high C = 49.3
|Sep record high C = 49.0
|Oct record high C = 47.4
|Nov record high C = 44.7
|Dec record high C = 42.0
|year record high C = 51.0
|Jan high C = 26.9
|Feb high C = 27.8
|Mar high C = 29.5
|Apr high C = 33.1
|May high C = 35
|Jun high C = 36.5
|Jul high C = 37.4
|Aug high C = 36.8
|Sep high C = 35.7
|Oct high C = 34.5
|Nov high C = 31.3
|Dec high C = 28.4

|Jan mean C = 20.7
|Feb mean C = 21.4
|Mar mean C = 24.0
|Apr mean C = 27.6
|May mean C = 30.7
|Jun mean C = 32.3
|Jul mean C = 32.9
|Aug mean C = 33.4
|Sep mean C = 32.4
|Oct mean C = 29.9
|Nov mean C = 26.2
|Dec mean C = 22.5
|year mean C = 27.8
|Jan low C = 13.5
|Feb low C = 14.0
|Mar low C = 16.5
|Apr low C = 19.7
|May low C = 23.1
|Jun low C = 24.8
|Jul low C = 26.6
|Aug low C = 25.4
|Sep low C = 24.8
|Oct low C = 22.7
|Nov low C = 18.5
|Dec low C = 15.1

|Jan record low C = 4.7
|Feb record low C = 6.5
|Mar record low C = 8.7
|Apr record low C = 11.5
|May record low C = 15.6
|Jun record low C = 18.0
|Jul record low C = 21.3
|Aug record low C = 20.4
|Sep record low C = 19.0
|Oct record low C = 14.3
|Nov record low C = 12.0
|Dec record low C = 7.8
|year record low C = 4.7
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 6.4
|Feb precipitation mm = 1.0
|Mar precipitation mm = 1.4
|Apr precipitation mm = 0.4
|May precipitation mm = 0.7
|Jun precipitation mm = 0.0
|Jul precipitation mm = 0.0
|Aug precipitation mm = 0.0
|Sep precipitation mm = 0.1
|Oct precipitation mm = 4.1
|Nov precipitation mm = 7.4
|Dec precipitation mm = 11.5
|year precipitation mm = 33.0
|Jan precipitation days = 1.4
|Feb precipitation days = 0.6
|Mar precipitation days = 0.9
|Apr precipitation days = 0.6
|May precipitation days = 0.3
|Jun precipitation days = 0.0
|Jul precipitation days = 0.0
|Aug precipitation days = 0.2
|Sep precipitation days = 0.1
|Oct precipitation days = 0.6
|Nov precipitation days = 1.9
|Dec precipitation days = 1.1
|year precipitation days = 7.7
|Jan humidity = 54
|Feb humidity = 53
|Mar humidity = 51
|Apr humidity = 49
|May humidity = 47
|Jun humidity = 50
|Jul humidity = 54
|Aug humidity = 54
|Sep humidity = 55
|Oct humidity = 58
|Nov humidity = 57
|Dec humidity = 56
|year humidity = 53
|source 1 = Climate-data<ref name = en-climate>
{{cite web
| url = https://en.climate-data.org/location/991855/
| title = Climate Data for Saudi Arabia
| access-date = October 24, 2015}}</ref>
}}

== Economy ==
Yanbu is an important [[petroleum]] shipping terminal and is home to three oil [[refineries]], a plastics facility and several other petrochemical plants. It is the country's second port (after Jeddah) and serves as the main port for the holy city of [[Medina]], {{convert|160|km|0|abbr=on}} to the east. The natural harbour is protected on both sides by wide [[coral reef]]s. These reefs remain mostly untouched, making them excellent areas for diving. Three major oil pipelines lead across the desert from the oilfields in the east to terminate at the Red Sea in Yanbu.

==Education==
{{multiple image
| width =
| image1 = RCYCI COLLEGES MALE CAMPUS-8.jpg
| alt1 =
| image2 = RCYCI COLLEGES FEMALE CAMPUS-16.jpg
| alt2 =
| footer = [[Yanbu University College]] campuses for men (left) and women (right)
}}
For higher education, the city has several universities and colleges, including the following:
* [[College of Computer Science & Engineering at Yanbu]] (CCSEY): Which belongs to [[Taibah University]]
* [[Yanbu Industrial College]]
* [[Yanbu University College]]

Yanbu is also home to several primary, intermediate and secondary schools such as:

* [[Al-Isra International School]]
* [[Al Manar International School -Yanbu]]
* Al Tawhid International School
* [[Naba'a Al-Maarifa Private Schools]]
* [[Radhwa International School Yanbu]]
* [[Yanbu Elite International School]]
* Yanbu International School (closed as of July 31, 2018)

'''Hospitals'''

* Al Ansari Hospital - Royal Commission
* [[Yanbu Industrial College|Yanbu]] National Hospital - Royal Commission
* [http://www.rcymc.med.sa/ Royal Commission Medical Center] Royal Commission Hospital - Yanbu

==Tourism==
[[File:Yanbu city.jpg|thumb|right|Traditional old houses in the city of Yanbu]]

Although the city is known for its industrial activities, it is now growing as a touristic destination. The beach is used for scuba-diving as well as swimming and relaxing in front of the white sandy shores.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/saudi-arabia/hejaz/yanbu|title=Yanbu travel {{!}} Saudi Arabia|last=Planet|first=Lonely|website=Lonely Planet|language=en|access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> It has a very big beach called the "China herbal park ", which is approximately 4&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> in size.

In 2020, Saudi Arabia's [[Ministry of Tourism (Saudi Arabia)|tourism ministry]] decided to renovate [[T. E. Lawrence]]'s house in Yanbu, the British officer who captured the city during World War I.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/09/03/lawrence-arabias-saudi-home-restored-tourist-attraction-decades/|title=Lawrence of Arabia's Saudi home restored as tourist attraction after decades of neglect|first=David G.|last=Rose|date=September 3, 2020|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

== Transportation ==

=== Airport ===
[[File:Yanbu Airport Terminal Tower.JPG|right|thumb|The new Yanbu Terminal and air traffic control tower (far right)]]
[[Yanbu Airport|Yanbu has an international airport]] ([[IATA airport code|code]] YNB) that was upgraded in 2009. It only offers flights to [[Dammam]], [[Jeddah]], and [[Riyadh]] within Saudi Arabia.
Internationally, it offers flights to [[Borg El Arab Airport|Alexandria]] and [[Cairo International Airport|Cairo]] in [[Egypt]], [[Istanbul-Atatürk|Istanbul]] in [[Turkey]], and [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] and [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]] in the [[United Arab Emirates]].

All of the international destinations are serviced by foreign airlines; domestic carriers [[Saudia]] and [[Flynas]] only serve the domestic destinations listed above.

=== Highways ===
A highway passes through Yanbu, linking Yanbu to Jeddah in the south, and to the northern parts of the kingdom as well as to neighboring countries like Syria, Jordan, etc., in the north.

=== Yanbu Commercial Port ===
{{Main|Yanbu Commercial Port}}

It is one of the oldest sea ports along the [[Red Sea]]. The port is connected to the holy cities, especially the one in [[Medina|Madinah]]. Moreover, it has an economic importance as it located in an economically vital area. It also receives pilgrims.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mawani.gov.sa:443/en-us/SAPorts/Yanbut/pages/default.aspx|title=Yanbu Commercial Port Yanbu Commercial Port|last=Mawani|website=mawani.gov.sa|language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Saudi Ports Authority]]
*[[2004 Yanbu attack]]
*[[Battle of Yanbu]] or Yanbu Landing
*[[Yanbu University College]]
*[[Yanbu Industrial College]]
*Yanbu International School (YIS), a United States-accredited school
*Al Tawhid International School

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Yanbu}}
* [http://www.rcjy.gov.sa/ Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/yanbu.htm Global Security's page on Yanbu' al Bahr]
* [http://www.alnokhba.com/saudi-arabia/cities-information-yanbu.htm General information on Yanbu]
* [http://www.alnokhba.com/saudi-arabia/cities-information-yanbu.htm General information on Yanbu]
* [http://www.rcjy.gov.sa/ Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu]

===Video===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUTZbhrdSHI&list=PLp-GLxmbWefAVnd_NfbNg-NsogL-z3EMt&index=2 City of Yanbu ]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9L7MKrcnXI&index=5&list=PLp-GLxmbWefAVnd_NfbNg-NsogL-z3EMt Palm Beach at Yanbu ]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWZHmTWuQBk&list=PLp-GLxmbWefAVnd_NfbNg-NsogL-z3EMt&index=4 Yanbu sunrise ]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDziynpUIpc&list=PLp-GLxmbWefAVnd_NfbNg-NsogL-z3EMt&index=7 Types and prices of fish in Yanbu ]

{{Saudi cities}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Yanbu| ]]
{{msg:stub}}
[[Category:Populated places in Medina Province (Saudi Arabia)]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the Red Sea]]

Latest revision as of 17:38, 15 April 2024

"Yambu" redirects here. For other uses, see Yambu (disambiguation).
Yanbu
فندق الموفنبيك بينبع الصناعية
فندق الموفنبيك بينبع الصناعية
Yanbu is located in Saudi Arabia
Yanbu
Yanbu
Coordinates: 24°5′17.75″N 38°3′29.50″E / 24.0882639°N 38.0581944°E / 24.0882639; 38.0581944
Country Saudi Arabia
ProvinceAl Madinah
GovernorateYanbu
Established491 BC
Government
 • Provincial GovernorFaisal bin Salman
Area
 • Metro
10,340 km2 (3,990 sq mi)
Population
 (2022 census[1])
 • City331,916
 • Metro
359,631 (Yanbu governorate)
Time zoneUTC+3
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3
Postal Code
(5 digits)
Area code+966-14

Yanbu (Arabic: ينبع, romanized: Yanbu', lit. 'Spring'), also known simply as Yambu or Yenbo, is a city in the Al Madinah Province of western Saudi Arabia. It is approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Jeddah (at 24°05′N 38°00′E / 24.083°N 38.000°E / 24.083; 38.000). The population is 331,916 (2022 census). Many residents are foreign expatriates working in the oil refineries and petrochemical industry, mostly from Asia, but there are also large numbers from the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Yanbu has three primary sections; Yanbu Al-Bahr, Yanbu Al-Nakhl and Yanbu Al-Sina'iya as well as a major Red Sea port.

History[edit]

Pre-modern era[edit]

Yanbu's history dates back at least 2,500 years, when it was a staging point on the spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean region.

Sharm Yanbu (Arabic: شرم ينبع), historically known as Charmuthas, which is a small peninsula located to the north of Yanbu was mentioned by the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus.[2]

The Invasion of Dul Ashir took place in Yanbu two or three months after prophet Muhammad's return from Buwat. He appointed Abu Salamah Ibn Abd al-Assad to take his place in Medina while he was away commanding another raid. Between 150 and 200 followers joined this operation to al-Ushayra, Yanbu in either the month of Jumada al-awwal or Jumada al-Thani.[3][4][5]

They had 30 camels that they rode upon by turns. When they arrived at al-Usharayh, they expected to raid a rich Meccan caravan heading towards Syria led by Abu Sufyan. The locals already had the knowledge of this caravan’s departure from Mecca and waited for about a month for this caravan to pass. But the Meccan caravan had already passed.

In this operation, Muhammad entered into an alliance with Banu Madlaj, a tribe inhabiting the vicinity of al-Ushayra. He also concluded another treaty that was made with Banu Damrah previously.[5] All those treaties established good political connections for him.[4]

Modern era[edit]

Yanbu served as a supply and operational base for Arab and British forces fighting the Ottoman Empire during World War I. On July 27, 1916 the Ottoman garrison surrendered in the Capture of Yanbu to the Arab revolutionary forces.[6] It remained a small port town until 1975, when the Saudi government designated it as one of the country's two new industrial centers (the other being Al Jubayl in the Eastern Province). Extensive government and private development have taken place at the port and surrounding area, which is based on the petrochemical industry.

Residential areas in Yanbu

Geography[edit]

The city is divided into three primary sections, which are located about fifteen minutes (drive by car) away from each other. Yanbu is the second-largest Saudi Arabian city by the Red Sea, after Jeddah.

Yanbu Al-Bahr[edit]

A Red Sea beach with turquoise waters at Yanbu
A park at Yanbu

(Also known as Yanbu Al-Bahar) is the most northern part of Yanbu. The downtown area of Yanbu Al-Bahr (which is also called Al-Balad) contains most of the population. Most of the restaurants here cater to the various ethnic groups in the area, although some also cater to residents in the Royal Commission. The area also contains some international chain restaurants, as well as some coffee shops. There is also a shopping mall and various shopping centers located here as well. The city has many popular local brand hotels, including international brand like Holiday Inn Hotel, ibis Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel and Novotel Hotel is located at the edge of this area, as is Yanbu Airport. Arabian Homes also have a gated private residential community compound catering to the expat population, and is located next to the Holiday Inn. Most of the residents tend to be lower and middle-class Saudi citizens, and well as mostly South Asian and lower and middle-class Arab and other Middle Eastern expatriates. Every year there is a flower festival at the outskirts of Yanbu that has attracted many viewers around Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.[7]

Yanbu flower festival

Currently, the government is attempting to improve the old, historical area in downtown Yanbu, as many historical buildings are located there. Many are still in a serious state of disrepair. While most of Yanbu Al-Balad has a rather old, worn-out feel to it, parts of the city, particularly at the edges of the city, are starting to modernize, as new shopping centers, as well as a new shopping mall, have been built. Jarir Bookstore had also opened a branch in Yanbu Al-Balad.

Yanbu Al-Nakhal[edit]

(The Palms) is a separate area, some 47 kilometers from the city (according to Google Maps), that has more than 20 villages such as Jabriyya, Suwaiq, Raihan, Mesharif, Ain-Ajlan, Madsos, Alnejil and Talaat Nazah, where mostly farms would be found. Currently (July 2018), most of the residents are local tribes, mostly from Johainah (Aljohani), Harb (Alharbi), and few from Ashraf. There are also some foreign nationals, mostly from south and east Asia, as well as some expatriate Arabs. Some of the local Saudis work on their own farms and trade in sheep and camels. The most notable village in Yanbu Al Nakhal is Jabriyya, where the local government office for the town is located. The village has a general hospital, a bank, three ATM machines, four well-serviced filling stations, a fire station, two notable malls, several recreational facilities among other things. The locals are very friendly and cordial in greetings and offering help. There is almost everything you need for basic livelihood in the neighborhood, however, the options for residents pales in comparison to both the Royal Commission and Yanbu Al Bahr. The Radwah Mountain is very visible anywhere in the town.

However, the town has neither hotels nor international schools, and locals and expatriates seeking foreign education for their children had to send them to international schools in the main city center, Yanbu Al Bahr, or in the Royal Commission.

Yanbu Al-Sina'iya[edit]

Yanbu Al-Sina'iya (literally "the industrial Yanbu") is the industrial city, established in 1975 by royal decree to create a Royal Commission to manage the effort to build a new modern city. It is the southernmost part of Yanbu city. Yanbu Al-Sina'iya is divided into two parts, the industrial area to the south, and a residential area (referred to as the Royal Commission by many locals) directly north and adjacent to the industrial area. The industrial area within Yanbu Al-Sina'iya is the area of all the major refineries and petrochemical installations and is still undergoing major growth. This area of Yanbu was a strip of undeveloped coastal desert land on the Red Sea and has been transformed into an industrial city.

Yanbu Al-Sina'iya's residential section is near the Royal Commission Headquarters. It has amenities such as many international chain and local restaurants, two shopping malls, various shopping centers, supermarkets of various sizes, hospitals, banks, and coffee shops. The Movenpick Hotel, Yanbu's newest hotel, is located here, as is The Cove, a gated private residential housing compound built around a large private lagoon. Yanbu Al Sinaiyah is home to Yanbu Industrial College, created for training and imparting knowledge for the students and workforce of the industry. Yanbu International School was also located here, prior to its closing in 2018.

The majority of Yanbu's Western expatriate population is found living in the Royal Commission. The rest of the residents of Yanbu Al-Sina'iya tend to be upper-middle and upper-class Saudi citizens, upper-class Asians, and upper-class Arab and Middle Eastern residents. The residential area of Yanbu Al-Sina'iya has a more modern, clean, and organized feel to it than the downtown area. It is also greener.

A new waterfront project has been launched in the coastline of Yanbu Industrial City. The total area of this project is 12 km. The project consists of four phases. The first phase is made of a campground equipped with the needed facilities. The second phase is made up of gardens, marina and a number of islands. The third phase has a recreation area, hotel and other facilities. The fourth phase has an aquarium.[8]

Climate[edit]

Yanbu has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh) with very hot summer like weather year round.

Climate data for Yanbu'al Bahr
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 38
(100) 		37.3
(99.1) 		40.0
(104.0) 		43.6
(110.5) 		49.0
(120.2) 		49.5
(121.1) 		51.0
(123.8) 		49.3
(120.7) 		49.0
(120.2) 		47.4
(117.3) 		44.7
(112.5) 		42.0
(107.6) 		51.0
(123.8)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 26.9
(80.4) 		27.8
(82.0) 		29.5
(85.1) 		33.1
(91.6) 		35
(95) 		36.5
(97.7) 		37.4
(99.3) 		36.8
(98.2) 		35.7
(96.3) 		34.5
(94.1) 		31.3
(88.3) 		28.4
(83.1) 		32.7
(90.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) 20.7
(69.3) 		21.4
(70.5) 		24.0
(75.2) 		27.6
(81.7) 		30.7
(87.3) 		32.3
(90.1) 		32.9
(91.2) 		33.4
(92.1) 		32.4
(90.3) 		29.9
(85.8) 		26.2
(79.2) 		22.5
(72.5) 		27.8
(82.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13.5
(56.3) 		14.0
(57.2) 		16.5
(61.7) 		19.7
(67.5) 		23.1
(73.6) 		24.8
(76.6) 		26.6
(79.9) 		25.4
(77.7) 		24.8
(76.6) 		22.7
(72.9) 		18.5
(65.3) 		15.1
(59.2) 		20.4
(68.7)
Record low °C (°F) 4.7
(40.5) 		6.5
(43.7) 		8.7
(47.7) 		11.5
(52.7) 		15.6
(60.1) 		18.0
(64.4) 		21.3
(70.3) 		20.4
(68.7) 		19.0
(66.2) 		14.3
(57.7) 		12.0
(53.6) 		7.8
(46.0) 		4.7
(40.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 6.4
(0.25) 		1.0
(0.04) 		1.4
(0.06) 		0.4
(0.02) 		0.7
(0.03) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.00) 		4.1
(0.16) 		7.4
(0.29) 		11.5
(0.45) 		33.0
(1.30)
Average precipitation days 1.4 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.6 1.9 1.1 7.7
Average relative humidity (%) 54 53 51 49 47 50 54 54 55 58 57 56 53
Source: Climate-data[9]

Economy[edit]

Yanbu is an important petroleum shipping terminal and is home to three oil refineries, a plastics facility and several other petrochemical plants. It is the country's second port (after Jeddah) and serves as the main port for the holy city of Medina, 160 km (99 mi) to the east. The natural harbour is protected on both sides by wide coral reefs. These reefs remain mostly untouched, making them excellent areas for diving. Three major oil pipelines lead across the desert from the oilfields in the east to terminate at the Red Sea in Yanbu.

Education[edit]

Yanbu University College campuses for men (left) and women (right)

For higher education, the city has several universities and colleges, including the following:

Yanbu is also home to several primary, intermediate and secondary schools such as:

Hospitals

Tourism[edit]

Traditional old houses in the city of Yanbu

Although the city is known for its industrial activities, it is now growing as a touristic destination. The beach is used for scuba-diving as well as swimming and relaxing in front of the white sandy shores.[10] It has a very big beach called the "China herbal park ", which is approximately 4 km2 in size.

In 2020, Saudi Arabia's tourism ministry decided to renovate T. E. Lawrence's house in Yanbu, the British officer who captured the city during World War I.[11]

Transportation[edit]

Airport[edit]

The new Yanbu Terminal and air traffic control tower (far right)

Yanbu has an international airport (code YNB) that was upgraded in 2009. It only offers flights to Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh within Saudi Arabia. Internationally, it offers flights to Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, Istanbul in Turkey, and Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

All of the international destinations are serviced by foreign airlines; domestic carriers Saudia and Flynas only serve the domestic destinations listed above.

Highways[edit]

A highway passes through Yanbu, linking Yanbu to Jeddah in the south, and to the northern parts of the kingdom as well as to neighboring countries like Syria, Jordan, etc., in the north.

Yanbu Commercial Port[edit]

Main article: Yanbu Commercial Port

It is one of the oldest sea ports along the Red Sea. The port is connected to the holy cities, especially the one in Madinah. Moreover, it has an economic importance as it located in an economically vital area. It also receives pilgrims.[12]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Yanbu governorate". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  2. ^ "Sharm Yanbu". Ancient Ports Antiques. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  3. ^ Haykal, Husayn (1976), The Life of Muhammad, Islamic Book Trust, pp. 217–218, ISBN 978-983-9154-17-7
  4. ^ a b Mubarakpuri, The Sealed Nectar (Free Version), p. 128
  5. ^ a b Mubarakpuri, When the Moon Split, p. 148.
  6. ^ Burg, David F.; Purcell, L. Edward (2010). Almanac of World War I (2010 ed.). University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 9780813137711. - Total pages: 336
  7. ^ "Yanbu Flower and Garden Festival". Arab News.
  8. ^ "Projects". www.saudconsult.com. Retrieved 2019-05-07.
  9. ^ "Climate Data for Saudi Arabia". Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  10. ^ Planet, Lonely. "Yanbu travel | Saudi Arabia". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  11. ^ Rose, David G. (September 3, 2020). "Lawrence of Arabia's Saudi home restored as tourist attraction after decades of neglect" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  12. ^ Mawani. "Yanbu Commercial Port Yanbu Commercial Port". mawani.gov.sa. Retrieved 2019-08-06.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yanbu.

Video[edit]

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