KHUBAR, AL-

also spelled Al-khobar, oasis and port city, ash-Sharqiyah mintaqah (province) and region, eastern Saudi Arabia, on the Persian Gulf south of ad-Dammam. The city is a commercial and industrial centre lying in a valley on the main road to Jordan. Al-Khubar has good water wells and fertile soil, producing excellent agricultural yield. Crops include dates, watermelon, squash, and other vegetables. The harbour has been enlarged and a sea-water desalinization plant has been constructed. Pop. (1974) 48,817.