Dammam Travel Guide

Dammam, the capital of the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, is known as the richest place in the world in terms of oil sources. The city, an important port of the Persian Gulf, is also the fifth largest Saudi city after Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca and Medina.

General Information

Location

Located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Dammam is one of the largest cities of the Persian Gulf. It is close to the capital Riyadh, on the west as well as Bahrain on the east.

Best Time to Visit Dammam

Dammam, where the hot desert climate is effective, has a relatively humid atmosphere compared to the cities in the inner parts of Saudi Arabia due to its location on the Persian Gulf. Rarely and very little rainfall is observed in the city. The average temperature of Dammam is around 37°C in summer and around 16°C in winter. The best time to visit Dammam is during the autumn and winter months when temperatures are lower.

How Many Days are Enough To Visit?

Two or three days are enough for visiting attractions in Dammam. During this time, you can easily visit the museums, parks, villages, shopping malls and local restaurants.

Travel to Dammam

The distance between Istanbul and Dammam is 2521 kilometers by plane. Traveling by plane from Dammam to Istanbul takes 3 hours and 10 minutes. You can travel from Istanbul airports to King Fahd International Airport with direct flights. You may follow campaigns for Dammam flights and travel between two cities at attractive prices.

SEARCH CHEAP FLIGHTS

Transportation in Dammam

There is no developed public transportation system in Dammam. Renting a car is the easiest way to provide transportation in the city. Public bus is also available in Dammam but it is not very common. Buses are preferred by men working at workplaces or factories. Taxis are also a common option for city transportation in Dammam. There are many taxis in the city and it is very cheap to get anywhere by taxi. You can call the hack stands or flag down a taxi cab.

Transportation to Dammam Airports

King Fahd International Airport is about 20 kilometers northwest of Dammam city center. You can go the city center from the airport in 45 minutes by taxi.

RENT A CAR

Places to Visit in Dammam

Damman, one of the oldest settlements of the Arabian Peninsula, is among the important cities of the country with its historical buildings, city parks and museums.

Tarut Castle

Tarut Castle is located on Tarut Island, about 6 kilometers off the Persian Gulf. The history of the island dates back to 5000 BC. Tarut Island is considered to be the oldest settlement of the Arabian Peninsula. The island, which has been a major settlement and trade center for centuries, played a big role in the history of the region. Tarut Castle, located in the center of Tarut Island, is an important archaeological landmark. This traditional castle was built on the ruins of ancient settlements and civilizations.

Dammam Museum

The museum, which has been operating since 1985, displays artifacts from archaeological excavations in Dammam and the surrounding area. The museum collection, which consists of six halls, includes archaeological artifacts that reveal the history of Dammam and Saudi Arabia. It is possible to examine the works separated by periods chronologically. You can visit the Dammam Museum between 08:00 and 19:00 except on Fridays and Thursdays.

Murjan Island

A man made island connected to the city by a bridge, Murjan Island, is among the most popular tourist spots of the city. You can have a pleasant time on this island where restaurants, cafes, parks and entertainment centers are located. It is possible to go to the island by private boat tour or ferry. Also, the famous lighthouse on the island is worth seeing.

Dammam Corniche

Located on Dammam's Aziziah Beach, Corniche is one of the best spots of the city. You can walk peacefully in the evening in Corniche or rest at the cafes located here. Modern art works are also exhibited in this beautiful coastal part of Dammam, which was expanded in 2007. Corniche is the most popular region of the city where families come to spend pleasant time in the evening because the weather is extremely hot during the day. It is an ideal place to spend a pleasant time with its fascinating scenery, green areas, children's playgrounds and kiosks. Besides, national holidays, ceremonies and celebrations are held here every year.

King Abdullah Park

King Abdullah Park is located on the coastal part of Dammam, in the most popular area of the city, Corniche. The park, which has a unique design, reveals the modern face of the city. King Abdullah Park stands out with its extraordinary landscape, large green areas, clean streets, restaurants, cafes, city theater, magnificent fountains and colorful flowers. You can check this park while visiting the Corniche. In addition, the park hosts various festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

King Fahd Park

King Fahd Park is a large amusement park between the cities of Dammam and Dhahran. It is considered one of the largest parks in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. The waters passing through different points add a fairy-tale atmosphere to the park. There is also a huge entertainment area, many restaurants, cafes, numerous waterfalls, bridges and artificial lakes in the park. King Fahd Park is in the first place for those who want to have fun in Dammam. You will release adrenaline in this park thanks to gondolas, swings, speed trains, horror tunnels and many other toys that sound fun.

Dolphin Village

Dolphin Village is an entertainment village located at the entrance of the Murjan Island. There is an amusement area, a swimming pool and a circus where dolphin and seal shows are held every day. Dolphin Village, which is especially full in special days and holidays, is a very fun place for families with children.

Where to Stay in Dammam?

There are dozens of accommodation alternatives in Dammam, including three, four and five star ultra luxury hotels. Accommodation facilities gather around the Persian Gulf and Corniche region. The city's most luxurious hotels are usually located on King Khalid Street. Five-star hotel prices are quite high as in other Saudi cities. Take a look at 7 city hotels where you can stay in Dammam;

• Sheraton Dammam Hotel
• Park Inn by Radisson Dammam
• Swiss International Al Hamra Hotel
• Hotel Novotel Dammam Business Park
• Wyndham Garden Dammam
• Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel Dammam
• Boudl Cornish

FIND CHEAP HOTEL

What to Eat in Dammam?

There are international food brands at almost every part of the city. Dammam residents consist of different ethnic roots and nations. Traditional dishes also show richness and variety of the city. Usually made from chicken meat, Nejdi Kabsa is consumed quite widely in Dammam. Also, Yemeni Mandi is mostly preferred for lunch. Mabshoor, Mitabbak, Foul, Areika, Hareisa, Kebap Meiroo, Migalgal, Madhbi Madfun, Kibdah, which are known as Hijaz dishes, are among the most preferred tastes of the city.

Traditional dishes such as Manzalah, Ma'asoob, Magliya, Hummus, Biryani, Ruz Kabli and Bukhari are especially preferred during Ramadan. As in many Middle Eastern cities, the effects of Arab culture are clearly felt in Dammam dishes. Meat dishes cooked on wood fire are quite delicious. Especially chicken and red meat are widely used in local menus and meals are usually eaten by hand.

Dammam Cuisine

Do not return without tasting these flavors in Dammam;

• Yemeni Mandi
• Nejdi Kabsa
• Mitabbak
• Biryani
• Manzalah
• Bukhari
• Magliya

Dammam Restaurants

• Beit Misk
• Da Vinci Italian Restaurant
• Paragon Family Restaurant
• Royal Malabar Restaurant
• Steak House

Shopping in Dammam: Best Souvenirs to Buy

The city is rich in shopping opportunities. You can find different souvenirs at shopping malls in the city. Al Shatea, Hayat, Sheera, Tamimi, Al Waha, Ibn Khaldoun and Al Othaim are among the best shopping addresses of Dammam. Arab bazaars can also be visited. Dammam Auction Market, Al Souq, Souq El Harraj, Souq El-Hob, Souq Mecca and Souq El Dammam are among these local markets.

Nightlife in Dammam

It is hard to say that there is a vivid nightlife in Damman. Saudi Arabians and visitors spend their time in parks, cafes, amusement parks and shopping malls. Especially on weekends and holidays, shops and beaches are full till late at night.

Things to Know Before Visiting Dammam

• Note that all restaurants and cafes are closed during prayer times.
• The vast majority of shopping malls are open until 23:00 at night. This period can be extended until 00:00 in summer. Some hypermarkets are open 24 hours a day.
• Everywhere in the city is closed on Fridays, including the stores in the mall.
• Wearing abaya or long tunic to cover casual clothes is a mandatory for every woman.
• Three-pin sockets are often preferred in Dammam. Bring a converter for your electronic devices to use in case of need.

What are the emergency numbers in Dammam?

Ambulance: 997

Police: 999

Fire Department: 998