Yanbu history

The history of Yanbu spans approximately 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest port settlements on the Red Sea coast. The city emerged as a vital transit point on ancient trade routes connecting Southern Arabia with the Mediterranean.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements at the site of modern Yanbu appeared due to its strategic location. The city served as a crucial stop on the Incense Route, along which caravans delivered frankincense, myrrh, and spices from Yemen and Egypt to the countries of the Mediterranean. The Greek historian Diodorus Siculus mentioned this port in his works under the name Charmutas.

Key Factors of Development

• Geographical Location: Yanbu possesses a natural harbor on the Red Sea, which made it a key port for trade and navigation. For centuries, it has been the main seaport for the holy city of Madinah, located 170 km to the east.
• Trade: The city was a hub of bustling trade, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Africa and India. Valuable goods such as spices, textiles, and incense passed through its port.
• Pilgrimage: With the advent of Islam, Yanbu acquired the status of an important point for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah by sea. Here, they could rest and replenish their supplies before continuing their journey.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Yanbu's traditional economy was closely linked to servicing pilgrimage routes, maritime trade, and date exports. The historic city center, especially the old port district and the Souq Al-Lail (Night Market), still preserves the atmosphere of the past. Originally, the market was a place where local fishermen traded, and today one can find traditional products there. Although the city has been actively developing as a modern industrial center since 1975, its historical part, known as Yanbu Al-Bahr ("The Spring by the Sea"), retains its cultural heritage.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Yanbu spans more than two millennia. The city has journeyed from an ancient port on the Incense Route to a modern industrial and tourism hub of Saudi Arabia. Below are the main milestones of its development.

• Around 500 BC — Establishment of the settlement, which served as an important transit point on the Incense Route connecting Yemen and Egypt with the Mediterranean.
• 1st Century BC — Greek historian Diodorus Siculus mentions the port in his writings under the name Charmutas.
• 7th Century AD — With the spread of Islam, Yanbu gains strategic importance as the main seaport for pilgrims heading to the holy city of Madinah.
• 1517 — The city, along with the entire Hijaz region, becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, under whose rule it remained for several centuries.
• 1916–1917 — Yanbu becomes a key operational and supply base for the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, where forces led by T.E. Lawrence successfully repelled an enemy advance.
• 1925 — Yanbu becomes part of the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd, which was subsequently transformed into the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• 1975 — The Government of Saudi Arabia issues a royal decree to establish a major industrial center in Yanbu, marking the beginning of its modern economic history.
• 1982 — The King Fahad Industrial Port opens, becoming one of the world's largest terminals for shipping crude oil and petrochemical products.
• 2009 — The local airport receives international status (Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport), boosting tourism and business activity in the region.

Stages of Transformation: From Ancient Port to Industrial Giant

The development of Yanbu is an example of how strategic vision can turn a small historical settlement into one of the drivers of the national economy. The city's evolution proceeded through several key stages, each radically changing its appearance and status, strengthening the position that Saudi Arabia occupies on the world stage today.

• Establishment as the Maritime Gateway of Hijaz. Historically, the city formed as a vital hub for pilgrims and merchants. Significance: This laid the foundations of an urban economy oriented towards logistics and services, and formed a unique cultural code open to the outside world.
• Establishment of the Royal Commission (1975). The government's decision to create the industrial satellite city of Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah became a turning point. Significance: Transition from spontaneous development to world-class planned urban planning and the beginning of the heavy industry era.
• Construction of the East-West Pipeline (Petroline). Laying the pipeline from eastern oil fields to the Red Sea. Significance: Transformation of the city into a strategic energy hub, allowing oil exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which sharply increased the geopolitical weight of the region.
• Launch of the Petrochemical Cluster. Creation of massive processing capacities and oil refineries. Significance: Diversification of the local economy, moving away from simple raw material transit to the production of high value-added products and the creation of thousands of skilled jobs.
• Opening of the King Fahad Industrial Port. Commissioning of a giant terminal stretching for tens of kilometers along the coast. Significance: Ensuring logistical independence for the export of industrial goods and receipt of raw materials, making the city a key link in global supply chains.
• Implementation of "Yanbu-2" and Subsequent Expansions. Scaling of the industrial zone and residential infrastructure in the 2000s. Significance: Attracting foreign investment and implementing modern environmental and technological standards in production.
• Revitalization of the Historic District. A large-scale program to restore the old city and the market. Significance: Preservation of cultural identity and architectural heritage amidst industrialization, creating an attraction point for cultural tourism.
• Development of the Tourist Waterfront. Improvement of the coastline with parks and beaches. Significance: Improving the quality of life for citizens and shaping the city's image as an attractive destination for recreation and diving on the Red Sea.

The architectural appearance of Yanbu represents a visual history of its development, demonstrating the contrast between centuries-old heritage and rapid modernization. Two main architectural eras are clearly distinguished in the city, each forming its own unique district.

Traditional Architecture: Hejazi Heritage in Yanbu Al-Bahr

The historic city center, known as Yanbu Al-Bahr ("Yanbu by the Sea"), has preserved the characteristic features of the traditional architecture of the Hijaz region. This style was formed over centuries under the influence of maritime trade and the climatic features of the Red Sea coast. Key features include:

• Materials: Buildings were constructed primarily from local marine stone (coral blocks), which was quarried directly from the sea. Palm trunks and tamarisk wood were used for frames and ceilings.
• Rawashin (Mashrabiya): The most recognizable element of the facades are the intricately carved wooden balconies and window grilles, known as rawashin. They served not only as decoration but also ensured privacy, protected against the sun, and facilitated natural ventilation of the rooms.
• Layout: The old city has an organic layout with narrow streets that create shade and comfort. A landmark place preserving the spirit of the past is the historic Al-Sur district and the Souq Al-Lail (Night Market), where merchants and fishermen once gathered.

Modern Urban Planning: The Modernism of Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah

Since 1975, a new era in the city's development began, linked to the government's decision to establish a major industrial center here. Thus appeared Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah ("Industrial Yanbu") — a city built "from scratch" according to a unified master plan. Its architecture differs radically from the historical part:

• Style: The development is based on the principles of modernism and functionalism. Architecture here is subordinate primarily to function, which is expressed in strict geometric forms, wide streets, and clear zoning.
• Planning: The city is divided into industrial, residential, and recreational zones, ensuring logistics efficiency and a high quality of life. This is an example of a large-scale urban planning project aimed at diversifying the country's economy.
• Materials: Modern materials are used in construction — concrete, glass, and steel, emphasizing the industrial character of the new city.

Thus, Yanbu offers the traveler a unique opportunity to see two different worlds: the charm of an ancient port city with its distinctive Hejazi architecture and the power of a modern industrial metropolis designed with the latest urbanistic ideas.

Prominent Figures Associated with Yanbu

The history of Yanbu, spanning millennia, is closely intertwined with the fates of many prominent figures — from ancient historians to modern monarchs. Below are some of the key figures who left their mark on the city's history.

Diodorus Siculus

An ancient Greek historian of the 1st century BC. In his works, he was one of the first to mention the port at the site of modern Yanbu, calling it Charmutas. His records confirm the city's ancient status as an important point on the Incense Trade Route.

Prophet Muhammad

The founder of Islam. In the early Islamic period (7th century), an expedition known as the Ghazwa Dhul-Ushayrah took place in the vicinity of Yanbu. As a result, a treaty was concluded with the local Banu Mudlij tribe, and the city became part of the nascent Muslim state, later acquiring significance as a port for pilgrims to Madinah.

Thomas Edward Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)

British officer, archaeologist, and writer. During the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire (1916–1917), Yanbu became a key operational and supply base for Arab and British troops under his command. It was here that a major enemy offensive was successfully repelled, which was of great importance for the course of the revolt. His house in the old city has been restored and turned into a museum.

Faisal I bin Hussein

One of the leaders of the Arab Revolt and the future King of Iraq. Prince Faisal commanded the Arab forces that operated out of Yanbu. The city served as a vital bridgehead and headquarters for him during the campaign in the Hijaz.

Ibrahim bin Abd al-Rahman al-Nashmi

One of the first governors of Yanbu after its incorporation into the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd (the predecessor to modern Saudi Arabia). He governed the city during the transitional period from 1926 to 1928, in the era of the new state's formation.

King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

The fourth King of Saudi Arabia. His reign marked a new era in the history of Yanbu. In 1975, he issued the historic royal decree establishing the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, which launched the massive project to transform the traditional port city into one of the world's largest industrial centers.