Khobar’s roundabouts transformed into urban landmarks reflecting national identity

The roundabouts and public squares of Khobar in the Eastern Province have been transformed into prominent urban landmarks that reflect the national identity. Blending traffic functionality with architectural designs inspired by the Kingdom’s history and culture, these sites offer residents and visitors a visual experience that highlights authenticity and creativity in the urban landscape.

At the Khobar Corniche waterfront, the Tawhid Roundabout greets visitors with a distinctive architectural design. Its centerpiece is a sculpture bearing the phrase of Tawhid, “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,” in gold, complemented by the Kingdom’s emblem of two crossed swords and a palm tree, surrounded by green spaces—serving as a symbol of national pride and belonging.

On the southern Corniche, the “Abyah” Square commemorates the horse of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, which accompanied him during the unification of the Kingdom. Meanwhile, the “Guided by the Stars” Square combines national and cosmic themes, with a black floor designed to resemble the night sky, adorned with constellations and stars.

Striking architectural features and interactive experiences

The “Vision 2030” Roundabout, located at the intersection of King Faisal and Prince Sultan roads along the Corniche, stands out as one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Spanning 11,300 square meters with a diameter of 120 meters, it features 84 units forming the images of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The project was executed by Saudi engineers and supervisors using advanced technologies.

In the Aziziyah district, the “Rayah” or “Banner” Roundabout sits at the intersection of King Khalid and King Fahd roads, covering 3,000 square meters. It is topped by a massive sculpture resembling a waving flag, its artistic curvature designed to evoke the movement of wind, symbolizing national unity and the flag’s proud ascent.

The “Unity of a Nation” Roundabout, at the intersection of King Salman Road and Prince Turki Road, represents the Kingdom’s unification journey through an artwork spanning over 2,100 square meters. It consists of ten mural pages documenting key milestones in the life of the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. Each page is adorned with his seal and signature, “Al-Wathiq bil-Wadud Abdulaziz Al Saud.”

Ardah Square and notable urban progress

On the northern Corniche, Ardah Square—winner of the second edition of the “Mujassam Watan” award—stands as a testament to the diversity of the Kingdom’s regions. It features 13 columns representing the administrative regions, each engraved with distinctive architectural motifs. The square offers an interactive visitor experience, combining lighting, a water stage, and traditional Saudi Ardah chants, as well as a barcode system that allows visitors to explore the history of each region in multiple languages.

This urban development reflects Khobar’s progress in urban planning. The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) ranked Khobar among the world’s smart cities, placing it 61st globally in 2025, underscoring its advancement in sustainable urban development and alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Khobar’s roundabouts and squares are no longer merely elements for organizing traffic, but have become urban landmarks documenting the Kingdom’s history and highlighting its national identity. They embody the integration of art, engineering, and urban planning, offering visitors a visual and cultural journey that reflects the Kingdom’s development.