Unless your company has their own compound, then as you say you have a choice of two Western compounds in Yanbu. (For 'Western' read 'defended and secure'.) It's not like Jeddah with a choice of dozens.

Both compounds offer the usual facilities: Restaurants, spas, shops, health center, swimming pools, taxi service, dry-cleaners, supermarket, limousine service etc.

Where do they differ?

The Cove Yanbu is a brand new compound due to open in late 2009. The main unique feature is that it has it's own beaches and lagoons completely within the secured boundary of the compound. Also since it's brand new, the quality of finish, furniture, cooker and washing machines, air-conditioners etc. will also be brand new.

Arabian Homes is very slightly cheaper, but is an old compound and now looks distinctly tired. Arabian Homes Yanbu is not up to the same standard as Arabian Homes compounds in Jeddah and Riyadh where there is more competition. In Yanbu they have been a "choice of one" for years and have not really bothered. It's possible they may "up their game" when The Cove opens.

I live in Jeddah, but in your position I'd go for The Cove. No question. Even if I had to pay the small difference in price from my pocket.

Hope that helps give you some idea - but it's always best to have a look of course.

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