Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Capital City

With a population of just 82,307, Yanbu is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the Kingdom's major cities. This coastal industrial hub on the Red Sea is dominated by oil refineries and petrochemical plants, offering little in the way of amenities for the average expat. The weather, perpetually hot and desert-like, is a persistent headache, while the bureaucracy required to get basic services can be a source of endless frustration. Despite recent efforts to develop tourism, Yanbu remains firmly focused on its role as a major oil export and shipping center. This is a city for the hardy, not the faint of heart.