Tanura

Tanura, also known as Ras Tanura, is a coastal town in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, located on the Persian Gulf. It is home to one of the country’s oldest oil facilities, with a port and refinery complex operated by Saudi Aramco. The town developed in the mid-20th century as the Saudi oil industry expanded, becoming an important export hub for crude oil and refined products.

Geography and economy: Ras Tanura Port handles crude oil loading and related shipping, while the Ras Tanura Refinery processes crude for domestic use and export. The facility has long been a key asset in Saudi Aramco’s oil operations and has played a central role in the economic development of the Eastern Province.

Population and culture: Tanura remains relatively small compared with larger Saudi cities, and its economy is closely tied to the oil industry. The workforce includes Saudi nationals as well as expatriate workers engaged in refinery and port operations.

Climate: The area experiences a hot desert climate, with very hot summers, mild winters, and high humidity along the coast, along with occasional dust storms.

Transport: The town is connected by road to other major urban centers in the Eastern Province, including Dammam and Khobar, with regional infrastructure supporting oil-sector operations.

See also: Ras Tanura; oil industry in Saudi Arabia; Dammam metropolitan area.