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Alkhobar’s Half Moon beach is found littered with plastic on most days.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) will review tourist destinations in the Eastern Province and investigate complaints of high prices and a dearth of entertainment facilities.

Abdul Latif Al-Binyan, director general of the SCTA in the region, recently toured various sites in Alkhobar to get a feedback from visitors about services.

He said there was lack of entertainment facilities in the city, which he would raise with the Tourism Development Council in the region.

Al-Binyan also highlighted the importance of reviewing the prices of seasonal accommodation facilities.
Ali Al-Hagri, a tourist visiting Qaysareyet Al-Rashed, complained to Al-Binyan about potholes in the streets. He also said that the intersection between Al-Tawaoun and Abqaiq roads was congested with trucks in the mornings and afternoons.

Al-Hagri said that the Nesf Al-Qamar, or Half Moon beach, was littered with plastic waste and called on the authorities to launch public awareness campaigns about the situation.

Al-Hagri claimed that owners of furnished apartments exploit customers by raising their prices during the peak summer season.

However, he praised the services offered at Qaysareyet Al-Rashed and the diversity of restaurants and coffee shops. Al-Hagri suggested that the authorities build theme parks at the Nesf Al-Qamar beach and the Alkhobar Corniche.

Hassan Najrani complained of congestion in the parking lots of the city. However, he said the Eastern Province has the best laid-out region in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Ali Wadi’ from Abha said he was happy with facilities at Qaysareyet Al-Rashed and the Dammam Corniche. He said the hotel services were excellent and the taxi services reasonably priced. However, Wadi’ suggested a review of the prices of furnished apartments.

According to reports, the Eastern Province authorities plan to build a further 23 hotels, increasing the number of regional hotels to 120.

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