Al Khums, Libya's Mediterranean gem, sits on the lighthouse-marked coastline about 150 km east of Tripoli. It is a small town with a peaceful community of approximately 25,000 residents. Being the nearest coastal escape from war-torn Tripoli, Al Khums has become a melting pot of expats looking for a respite from the chaos. The soothing climate, stunning landscapes, laid-back lifestyle, and the cozy expat community carve the scenery's serene splendor. Al Khums' unique blend of seclusion and cosmopolitanism provides an idyllic setting for families, surfers, cyclists, and beach bums.
Tips for expats in Al Khums
Visa requirements
Libya offers two types of residence cards to foreign nationals, a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa. The single-entry visa is valid for a maximum of three months, while the multiple-entry visa allows durations varying from six months to two years. Libya issues residence cards based on the type of employment, i.e., self-employment, business, or employment by a Libyan entity. Expats must submit documents such as the employment contract, the company's registration document, and a medical certificate from a Libyan hospital.
Language resources
Arabic is the official language of Libya, and English is widely spoken in the expat community. Signage, menus, and brochures are available in both languages. Learning a few key Arabic phrases, such as 'Marhaba' (hello), and 'Shukran' (thank you), will enhance interactions with the locals. Most international schools offer English as their medium of instruction, providing an educational environment for children adaptable to international communities. Additionally, Libyan universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English too.
Cost of living for expats in Al Khums
Housing
Al Khums offers a variety of well-managed housing options, ranging from studios to four-bedroom villas. Sharing a home with an expat community is an affordable and convenient option for newcomers, with monthly rents as low as USD 150 / EUR 130 / GBP 110 for a shared room in a villa. One-bed apartments coast between USD 250 / EUR 220 / GBP 185 to USD 400 / EUR 350 / GBP 300, and two-bed apartments range between USD 350 / EUR 310 / GBP 275 to USD 600 / EUR 535 / GBP 460 per month. Three-bedroom houses vary from USD 850 / EUR 765 / GBP 665 to USD 2,150 / EUR 1,920 / GBP 1,665 a month.
Groceries
Al Khums is a town with abundant local produce and imported groceries, available at supermarkets and local shops. The cost of groceries is significantly lower than that in western Mediterranean coastlines. Basic daily needs such as bread, cheese, eggs, and vegetables cost around USD 14 / EUR 13 / GBP 11 a week for a family of four. Meats, fruits, and spices are easily available and affordable in the local markets.
Transportation
Al Khums has a variety of transportation options, making commuting convenient for expats. Public minivans and shared cabs, 'mashrutiyah' and 'lajna' respectively, are the cheapest ways to travel, costing less than USD 2 / EUR 2 / GBP 1 per trip. Taxis are easily hailed with a flag-down fare starting at USD 3 / EUR 3 / GBP 2, with an additional charge for every kilometer. Renting a car is affordable, costing USD 100 / EUR 90 / GBP 80 a month for a small car, with no additional charges for miles or fuel. Monthly public transportation cards cost USD 20 / EUR 18 / GBP 15 for an adult and USD 10 / EUR 9 / GBP 8 for a child.
Climate in Al Khums
Al Khums enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, which brings mild and pleasant weather throughout the year. Summers are long, hot, and dry with temperatures soaring past 30°C (86°F). Winters, on the other hand, are rainy and mild, ranging between 11°C (52°F) and 16°C (61°F). Spring showers drench the coastline with blossoming greenery, while autumn breezes caress the shores in sparkling hues of orange, red, and yellow.
Job market in Al Khums
Al Khums offers a great job market, with ample opportunities for international firms, fresh graduates, and skilled professionals. Industries such as tourism, fishing, construction, real estate, and aviation are thriving, driven by the ongoing reconstruction of war-torn Tripoli. English being the mother tongue for most companies, expats have an easy time securing employment. The country offers freehold ownership for non-Libyans, making property investment and self-employment an exciting prospect.
Healthcare in Al Khums
Al Khums hosts a handful of reputed medical institutions, providing excellent healthcare services. Al Khums Hospital and Al Kahila Clinic, two prominent healthcare providers, boast advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. The hospitals and clinics have teams of highly qualified international doctors, many of whom are fluently bilingual in English and Arabic. Expats can access a range of specialty centers catering to ophthalmology, dental, and maternity treatment, with state-of-the-art imaging technology. The cost of healthcare in Al Khums is extremely affordable.
Transport in Al Khums
Al Khums' transportation system is limited, but it's easy to get around the town with an array of affordable commuting options. The town has public minivans and shared cabs - 'mashrutiyah' and 'lajna', respectively - easily recognizable by their color schemes, which run along the coastal roads and the central sunset strip. Private taxis, easily hailed in the streets, are relatively cheaper compared to most Western coastlines. Renting a car is the best option to travel within Libya, providing the liberty to explore at your own pace while experiencing the rich terrain of Libya's coastal plains.
Safety in Al Khums
Al Khums is a relatively safer place compared to many other popular coastal resorts in the Mediterranean region. Cases of petty theft, burglary, and anti-social activities are minimal. The evening allure of musically vibrant souks, patrolled by watchful security personnel, is safe for exploring on foot. The only area to be cautious is Al Khums' troop deployment zone, with army checkpoints spread through the central city limit. Here, it's recommendable to travel during early morning or late evening, taking necessary precautions while moving between zones.
Neighborhoods in Al Khums
Ganaba Al Lababidh
Ganaba Al Lababidh is an enticing blend of a modern coastal breeze and charming rural vibes. It's a sprawling residential area dotted with lush villas, private compounds, and palm groves, all surrounding a serene lake. The community is just off the coastal highway connecting Tripoli and Sirte, making it an ideal residence for families working in the central business districts of Tripoli and Misrata. Ganaba Al Lababidh provides all basic amenities, such as supermarkets, restaurants, healthcare clinics, and schools, ensuring a comfortable expat living experience.
Mansoura
Mansoura is a historical coastal town, enclaved within the Al Khums municipality. It's replete with cultural heritage, showcasing remnants of Roman ruins and Ottoman buildings. The town is situated on a stunning stretch of beach, adjacent to a peaceful lake. Expats settling in Mansoura can embark on a journey through history while enjoying a peaceful coastal lifestyle. The area is home to a sonic symphony of surreal whistling Bee-eaters, prehistoric ('dinosaurs') turtles, and sandpipers.
Attractions in Al Khums
Al Shat Beach
Al Shat Beach is a glistening shoreline spreading for seven kilometers south of Al Khums. The coastline offers an uninterrupted stretch of golden sand and shimmering turquoise waters, winding along Al Shat fishing village. The beach dazzles beach bums with its breathtaking sunrise and sunsets. The mineral-rich azure waters provide the perfect setting for snorkeling, swimming, diving, and kite surfing enthusiasts. A sidewalk lunch by the beach and sunbathing in the golden sands are perfect ways to spend an afternoon idyll.
Al Libi Mosque
Al Libi Mosque is a magnificent historical monument, reflecting the Islamic traditions of Libya's past. This grand mosque, built-in 1868, features a grand dome that serves as the central focal point of the town. It's a perfect spot for cultural explorers, capturing the essence of Al Khums' vibrant Islamic legacy.
International Schools in Al Khums
Al Khums International School
Buildings 11-16, Saadi Road, Al Maya Area, Al Khums.
Al Khums International School is a premier educational hub offering an internationally acclaimed academic curriculum for students from kindergarten to high school. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities abounding in cutting-edge equipment and resources, ensuring a stimulating learning process. The faculty members are a mix of local and international teachers, all committed to delivering a holistic learning experience through rigor and care.
Al Khums Bilingual International School
Al District, Al Binsh Area, Al Maya Area, Al Khums.
Al Khums Bilingual International School is a prestigious educational institution situated amidst lush gardens and courtyards. The school provides a rigorous academic curriculum for young learners between grades KG to 6. It's committed to imparting a bilingual educational experience in English and Arabic, providing an ideal ambiance for international learners to seamlessly transition.
Useful expat resources in Al Khums
Al Khums Zoo
Details about the zoo and animal reserve in Al Khums.
Al Khums Cooperative Society
Information about local services and amenities provided by the cooperative.
