Dammam

Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, is a modern city on the Persian Gulf coast. It forms part of the Dammam-Dhahran-Khobar metropolitan area and is a hub for commerce and industry. In Dammam, you can stroll along the Corniche, a 4-kilometer waterfront promenade, visit the Al-Karia Ash-Sha'abia museum and restaurant to experience local culture, or take short trips to nearby cities like Khobar or Dhahran. The city's location also makes it easy to travel to other Gulf countries.

Getting to Dammam

You can reach Dammam by air, road, or rail. King Fahd International Airport, about 50 km from the city center, handles domestic and international flights. The airport covers approximately 780 square kilometers, making it the world's largest by land area. SAPTCO operates hourly shuttle buses between the airport and the city bus station for SR12, with the journey taking around 45 minutes. If you prefer, taxis can make the 30-minute trip for upwards of SR50.

If you're traveling by train, head to Dammam railway station, located about 8 km from the city center. Trains connect Dammam to Abqaiq (40 minutes), Hofuf (1 hour 10 minutes), and Riyadh (3 hours 30 minutes). For road travelers, major highways link Dammam to other parts of Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. Route 40 leads to Riyadh, Makkah, and Jeddah, while Route 95 connects to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Exploring the Dammam Corniche

The Dammam Corniche is a green strip along the Persian Gulf where you can walk, have picnics, or relax. Children can enjoy the playgrounds, while adults can grab a bite from the fast food restaurants, food trucks, or coffee shops in the area. The corniche has a 4-kilometer walking track, which is particularly pleasant between November and April when temperatures are cooler.

Next to the corniche, you'll find Al Morjan Island, a small artificial island with a central monument. Take an afternoon walk here for views of the gulf and the city skyline. Near the corniche stands the kingdom's tallest flagpole at 60 meters high, a popular spot for taking photos.

Shopping in Dammam

Dammam has a variety of shopping options. In the city center, you'll find Souq-el-hob, a market selling abayas, jewelry, sewing supplies, clothes, and other items. For a contemporary shopping experience, visit malls such as Al-Othaim, Nakheel, Dareen, or Marina. These malls house international brands and typically include a hypermarket for groceries and household items.

Day Trips from Dammam

Dammam's central location in the Eastern Province makes it easy to explore nearby areas. A 15-minute drive takes you to Khobar, known for its waterfront and shopping districts. Dhahran, 20 minutes away, is home to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, an architectural landmark housing a museum, library, and theater. If you're interested in industrial sites, drive 90 minutes to Jubail, recognized as the world's largest industrial city.

For an international day trip, cross the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain. The journey, including border formalities, takes about an hour.

Food and Drink in Dammam

While Saudi Arabia prohibits alcohol, Dammam has numerous cafes, juice parlors, and restaurants serving non-alcoholic specialty drinks and mocktails. To sample traditional Saudi cuisine, visit Al-Karia Ash-Sha'abia (People's Village Restaurant) near the corniche. This combination of restaurant and museum serves traditional dishes in a setting that highlights Saudi culture.

You'll also find a wide range of international cuisines, particularly in shopping mall food courts and at chain restaurants throughout the city. Keep in mind that during Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours.

Historical Context

Although Dammam itself is a relatively young city, the Eastern Province has a long history. Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation in the area dating back more than two thousand years. However, desert sands buried much of this early history, and the area remained largely uninhabited for centuries.

Dammam's modern development began in the 1930s following the discovery of oil in the region. The city quickly grew from a small fishing village into a major commercial port and industrial center. Today, the Eastern Province, with Dammam as its capital, contains the world's largest oil reserve and the fourth-largest gas reserve.