Jubail, a city on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, is often overshadowed by the glitz of Riyadh or the religious significance of Mecca. Yet, this industrial hub holds a unique place in the kingdom’s transformation—and the world’s energy landscape. From ancient trade routes to modern megaprojects, Jubail’s history is a microcosm of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision.
Long before oil rigs dotted the horizon, Jubail was a quiet fishing village. Archaeologists have found evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years, with ties to the Dilmun civilization—a key player in Bronze Age trade. The city’s coastal location made it a natural stop for merchants traveling between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
By the 7th century, Jubail became part of the Islamic Caliphate’s expanding trade network. Its port facilitated the movement of goods like pearls, dates, and textiles. For centuries, life here revolved around the sea—until the 20th century brought seismic change.
The discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in 1938 reshaped the entire region—and Jubail was no exception. By the 1970s, the Saudi government launched an ambitious plan to diversify the economy beyond crude exports. Jubail was chosen as the site for one of the world’s largest industrial cities.
The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) was established in 1975, tasked with transforming the area into a global petrochemical hub. Billions of dollars poured into infrastructure: refineries, pipelines, and desalination plants. By the 1980s, Jubail Industrial City was a reality, attracting multinational corporations and skilled expatriates.
Modern Jubail is home to over 300 industrial facilities, including the world’s largest oil refinery (SATORP) and major players like SABIC and Aramco. The city produces everything from plastics to fertilizers, feeding global supply chains.
But with great industrial power comes great responsibility—and scrutiny. As climate change dominates headlines, Jubail’s carbon footprint is under the microscope. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to address this, with plans for carbon capture and green hydrogen projects. Jubail is poised to be a testing ground for these technologies.
Jubail’s strategic location adds another layer of complexity. Situated near the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for global oil shipments—the city is both an asset and a potential target in regional tensions. The 2019 drone attacks on Aramco facilities underscored this vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the global shift toward renewables raises questions about Jubail’s long-term role. Will it adapt, or risk becoming a relic of the fossil fuel era? The answer may lie in NEOM and other futuristic projects, but Jubail’s industrial expertise ensures it won’t fade quietly.
Jubail’s workforce is a blend of Saudis and expats from Asia, Europe, and beyond. The city’s residential areas reflect this diversity, with communities living side by side—though not always equally. Labor rights, particularly for migrant workers, remain a contentious issue.
Unlike Riyadh or Jeddah, Jubail was designed as a planned city. Wide highways, green spaces, and modern amenities cater to its residents. Yet, the rapid expansion has also led to challenges: traffic congestion, pollution, and debates over urban sprawl.
As Saudi Arabia pushes for a post-oil future, Jubail stands at a crossroads. Its history is a testament to human ambition—and its future will likely be just as dramatic. Whether it becomes a model for sustainable industry or a cautionary tale depends on the choices made today.
One thing is certain: the world will be watching.