Between Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City is the Hejazi village of Thuwal. What was once a small fishing village is now becoming a more prominent area for commerce, research, and technology thanks to the rebuilding efforts of the Royal Saudi Navy and largely due to the opening of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Though the glamour of Jeddah is close by, intellectuals will enjoy the company of fellow researchers at KAUST, and beach goers will enjoy the sandy shores of

the Red Sea on what many consider the best beach in the Kingdom. Restaurants, shopping venues, and even a golf course are new to the town, and the lighted King Abdullah Monument stands as an exciting reminder of the growth and development the area is experiencing.