Definition

Proper noun: A city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It is a major administrative center for the Saudi oil industry and is historically significant for its role in the development of the country's petroleum resources. The city also gained international attention due to a tragic terrorist attack in the 1990s.

Usage

Dhahran is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this city. It is often mentioned in contexts related to the oil industry, Middle Eastern geography, and modern historical events.

Examples

• As a location:
  • The headquarters of Saudi Aramco is in Dhahran.
  • Dhahran is a vital hub for oil exports from Saudi Arabia.
• In a historical context:
  • The 1996 Khobar Towers bombing occurred in Dhahran.

Advanced Usage

• "the Dhahran attack": A common shorthand reference to the 1996 terrorist bombing at the Khobar Towers housing complex.
  • The Dhahran attack led to significant changes in U.S. military security protocols overseas.

Variants and Related Words

• Dhahran Airfield: A historic airfield in the city, important during the early oil exploration period.
• Dhahran International Airport: The former name of the King Abdulaziz Air Base, which served as a major airport.

Synonyms

• Oil city (descriptive term, not a proper name): A general term for a city whose economy is dominated by the petroleum industry.
• Administrative center (descriptive term): Highlights its role in corporate and governmental operations.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "in the Dhahran area": Used to describe events or facilities located in or near the city.
  • Several major oil fields are located in the Dhahran area.
• "based in Dhahran": Commonly used to describe companies or organizations whose primary offices are in the city.
  • Many energy sector engineers are based in Dhahran.

Noun

1. an oil town in eastern Saudi Arabia on an inlet from the Persian Gulf; in June 1996 terrorists bombed an apartment complex in Dhahran killing 19 United States soldiers and wounding more than 300 people