The best things in Dammam, as in life, are free. Many of the most authentic experiences, and all of the top natural beauty sites, don’t cost anything at all to visit, meaning even those travelling on a shoestring won’t miss out.
From the various corniches with their dazzling Arabian Gulf vistas to the numerous tranquil lakes, little-known islands and fascinating cultural sites, it’s easy to make most of the region on a tight budget. These are the best free things to do in Dammam.
1. Take a walk along Dammam or Al Khobar’s Corniche
Both Dammam and Al Khobar have beautiful corniches, perfect for a completely free outing, morning, noon or night. You can go jogging along the pathways in the morning, take the kids to the playgrounds in the afternoon, picnic in the parks at sundown or take long after-dinner walks in the evening – the possibilities are endless. Of the two, Al Khobar’s Corniche tends to be a bit livelier. It’s well-developed with eating and shopping complexes near the water and is popular with tourists and expats, while Dammam’s Corniche is typically quieter and more ‘local.’ Regardless of which corniche you visit, a stroll along one of these serene walkways is the perfect way to soak up the city’s atmosphere and make the most of gorgeous Arabian Gulf views.
2. Get some fresh air at Life Park (King Fahd Park)
One of the largest parks in Saudi Arabia, Life Park (also called King Fahd Park) is the heart of Dammam, a relaxing destination for families and friends to meet, picnic, exercise and enjoy being out in nature. Entrance is free and that includes access to the picnic areas, barbecue stations, playgrounds and green lawns as well as the nature reserve showcasing the region’s biodiversity.
There are activities aplenty too if your budget stretches to a small fee – paddleboating on the large lake is very popular with families and there’s a go-karting track nearby. Adrenaline fans will find it hard to leave the park without having a ride on the famous 265m-long zipline, which speeds customers across the lake at a height of 26m. It’s not for the faint hearted!
3. Wander the ruins of Tarout Castle
A day out to Tarout Island (which is only a half-hour drive from downtown Dammam) can be completely free. The main reason to visit is to explore the grounds of ancient fort Tarout Castle, which dates back to 5,000 BCE. Entrance is free, although we recommend paying the small fee to hire a tour guide to learn about its fascinating history.
After checking out the historic hill-top site, wander down to see the streets and heritage houses of the old town, visit one of the island’s numerous date farms, or browse the stalls of one of the travelling markets (as the name suggests, these markets routinely move location so check in advance which days and neighbourhoods they are open).
4. Visit the ducks on a 10,000 sq-m lake
Head just a little north of the Al Khobar Corniche and you’ll find yourself at a wonderful lake, which is home to more than 100 species of duck and geese. Known as Duck Lake, it’s a great place to go to see the beautiful birds flying, swimming and waddling about on the banks of the man-made lake. The lake is particularly popular with families, as in addition to visiting the ducks, you can rent bikes, paddleboat on the water or stop for a snack at one of the many nearby stalls. It’s one of the most peaceful spots in Al Khobar, and a visit doesn’t cost a thing.
5. Take a trip to Marjan Island for sweeping Gulf views
Marjan Island is a small, man-made island connected by a 1,800m bridge to the mainland. It’s a superb, and completely free, excursion if you drive but can also be reached by a ferry from Dammam’s Corniche. There are restaurants, cafes, children’s play areas and lawns to enjoy once you reach the island, plus shaded picnic areas dotted along the coastline. Don’t leave without visiting Al Malawi Tower, a white tower at the centre of the island with a long winding staircase you can climb right up. From the vantage point at the top of the tower, you can take in the sweeping panorama of the Arabian Gulf.
6. Hit the beach at Half Moon Bay
More than 18km of beautiful white-sand beach awaits you at Half Moon Bay, one of the Eastern Province’s most beautiful beaches. The crescent-shaped bay’s shallows are great for paddling in, and it’s also a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkelling, and other watersports. There’s no charge to enter the beach or use the public facilities.
7. Go on an educational adventure to Ithra
Most events and attractions at Ithra are ticketed, but this famous learning centre is still worth a visit even if your budget doesn’t stretch that far. The library is free to visit and use, housing more than 350,000 physical books, plus thousands of electronic and audio books, and numerous other digital resources.
And to keep the kids occupied, there are often free story-telling events and workshops held for little ones – check if pre-registration is required before your visit. Of course, there’s also no charge for admiring the magnificent architecture either, so take your time wandering around the four massive, stone-shaped buildings that house the centre.
8. Explore the delights of Modon Lake Park
Areas of natural beauty can be few and far between in Dhahran, but Modon Lake is certainly the exception to the rule. This urban retreat is a serene, man-made lake surrounded by grassy banks, walkways and shady areas to sit. The lake itself is filled with recycled water and is home to lots of wildlife, including large duck and turtle populations. The park extends 400,000 sq-m and rarely gets busy, making it a perfect place to go for a quiet picnic or walk. The whole area is well lit at night.
