In Dammam, as across the whole of Saudi Arabia, alcohol is strictly forbidden so standard bars and clubs aren’t part of the city’s nightlife scene. The mocktail lounge scene isn’t as developed here as it is in Jeddah and Riyadh either. But does that mean there’s no nightlife? Absolutely not!
In fact, after dark is a great time to get out and about, especially as the cooler evenings often provide welcome respite in hot weather. From concerts to coffee shops, late-night shopping and evening entertainment, there’s a wealth of activities open from sundown until the small hours. Here are just some of the best things to do at night in Dammam.
1. Pay a visit to Dammam’s Love Market
The lively Souq Al Hob is a traditional-style outdoors market in Dammam, and a great place to browse stalls, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the occasional street performance. Historically a hub for female vendors, Souq Al Hob became known as the Love Market because many of the stalls sell wedding goods and gold jewellery, especially traditional Saudi designs.
These days there are numerous other products for sale at the clothes, perfume and spice stalls that line the main street. It’s also a great area to grab a bite, as kiosks and food trucks a-plenty sell everything from falafel and shawarma wraps to ice-cream and coffee. The market is busiest after dark, and stays open each night until 1am. Remember to bring cash as some stalls don’t accept credit cards. Entry is free.
2. Go late-night shopping at Al Othaim Mall
Malls in Saudi Arabia are often more like giant entertainment centres, with actual shopping just a small part of what’s on offer. Al Othaim Mall, in the heart of Dammam, is no exception. It’s a massive, ship-shaped complex housing multiple floors of both Saudi and international brands selling homewares, clothing, toys and more. The ground floor is home to a large hypermarket.
However, one of the biggest draws is the kid’s entertainment centre, which is jam-packed with games and activities and an on-site bowling alley – perfect for whiling away a few hours before or after a shopping session. There’s also a large food court with an array of fast-food outlets, cafes and snack vendors. Best of all, the mall stays open until the wee hours – perfect if you have a family of night-owls to entertain.
3. Hit the trendiest coffee shops
Late-night coffee shops are a long-standing trend in Saudi Arabia, and Dammam is no different. Whether you’re just popping in for a takeaway flat white, or looking for somewhere lively and atmospheric to hang out for the evening, there will definitely be a cafe to suit. Most serve specialty brews along with freshly-baked cookies, cakes and desserts to snack on.
They’re a great place to relax, work, catch up with friends, play games or just people-watch if you’re in the mood. Try stylish Piccolo, which has several branches in Dammam open until midnight – the Al Faisaliyah branch is open 24/7. Order a coffee of the day with an éclair rose or pistachio doughnut, and settle into one of the comfy grey chairs to while away the evening.
4. Book tickets to a cultural production at Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra (meaning "enrichment" in Arabic), is a world-class culture and learning centre in Dhahran, and an interesting option for an evening out. There are exhibitions for children and adults held year-round, along with cinema screenings, theatre productions, classical concerts and other events. Built by Aramco, Saudi’s national oil company, it also houses a fascinating Energy Exhibit about the KSA’s oil history and the science behind it. Opening hours are until 11.30pm most nights – check performance timings if you’re visiting for a particular event.
5. Grab ice cream from a seaside food truck
The reviews are in: Light Food Truck officially serves some of the best ice cream in Dammam. From mango and pomegranate swirls to chocolate fudge drizzle and speculoos-crumbed vanilla, a soft serve from here is a real treat – and all come served with a cute cocktail umbrella. But the food isn’t the only thing Light has going for it; it’s in an amazing location.
Parked right on the seafront off the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Road, you can grab an ice-cream (or burger, chocolate brownie or waffle if you prefer) and eat it overlooking the Arabian Sea. A low-key, but perfect evening excursion and one of the most fun things to do at night in Dammam.
6. Get your nails done
Dammam’s beautiful people didn’t get that way by accident – there are salons, mani-pedi bars and beauty parlours all over the city offering fabulous nail art, hair treatments, facials and more. Many keep late hours so you can pop in after a busy day for a treatment and some quiet time, or gather up a bunch of friends and make a social occasion out of it – many are happy to cater for small groups. Try upscale beauty spot Madame oh la laa, which stays open until 9.30pm every night except Sundays. This pretty pink salon offers delicate nail art, massages, lashes brows and hair care.
7. Listen to a live classical performance
Saudi Music Hub is a Kingdom-wide organisation that aims to promote music and culture through education, facilities and performances. The Al Khobar hub regularly hosts concerts, workshops and lectures on Arabic and Western music. These sessions are open to all and evening events on the calendar can include anything from oud workshops to world-class violin performances and open mic nights. Make sure you register in advance as spaces are limited.
