Shopping is a big part of the culture in Dammam, as well as many other parts of Saudi Arabia. It’s a colourful and fascinating experience and comes in many forms, from haggling in traditional markets and souqs to perusing the malls that cater for all tastes right up to high-end luxury brands.
And there are lots of opportunities to buy well-priced jewellery, particularly gold – if you look in the right places. The city is home to some cutting-edge fashion brands with accessible as well as statement pieces, along with many international high-street fashion outlets if you’re feeling a desire for Gap or Zara. These are our favourite places to indulge in some retail therapy in Dammam.
Malls in Dammam
The best malls in Dammam are big and bustling, filled with shops for all budgets, from casual to high-end luxury, and with no shortage of traditional souvenirs. Most also have good restaurants or snack stops and various forms of entertainment, such as play areas and even cinemas, which makes them perfect for family outings – ensuring that the children are entertained and well fed while you browse at leisure.
1. Marina Mall
For seafront views of the Persian Gulf head to Dammam’s Marina Mall. It’s a heady blend of clothes, jewellery, accessories and perfumes, with a big emphasis on food, and family friendly zones. A good mall for clothing and women's fashions in particular (it’s a popular spot for bridal wear), and there are some global brands such as Mango, Bath & BodyWorks and The Body Shop, as well as gold and jewellery boutiques.
2. Dareen Mall
Found in the Aziziyah district, on the Khaleej Road, this mall is a go-to for big and international brands, though there are also good essential products which means it appeals to a broad shopping clientele. There’s also a good-sized Hyper Panda on site where you can find all sorts of weird and wonderful food, in all sorts of weird and wonderful packaging.
3. Al Rashid Mall
For a mall that showcases Arab and Islamic architecture, Al Rashid Mall is an inspiring one-stop destination. Inside it has a good selection of luxury brands and fashion-forward boutiques. There is also a good smattering of traditional foods and innovative souvenirs that you can browse while drinking an authentic Saudi coffee.
4. Al Danah Mall
Known as being one of Dammam’s biggest malls, with close to 400 different shops, this has an abundance of food choices and its own cinema, so pretty much every type of shopper will leave satisfied. Make sure you set aside enough time – this isn’t a place for a quick visit!
5. The Souq Mall
A good fashion hub for high-end brands from Gucci to Prada, as well as traditional Arabic clothes. Extend your trip with a visit to the state-of-the-art cinema, or you might get lucky with one of the visiting art exhibitions or cultural festivals that take place throughout the year – they’re a chance to engage with local artists and craftspeople and experience local culture.
6. Al Hayat Plaza
For some of the best abaya stores (loose-fitting robes that are worn by some Muslim women), Al Hayat Plaza is worth the trip. But it’s also a one-stop shop for all sorts of other necessities, from household appliances and school supplies to mobile phones and other gadgets. It’s also popular for copies of original items such as designer handbags and sunglasses, though tread carefully with the price! Next to the mall is a big fish and vegetable market for those in self-catering accommodation, or if you just want to browse the colourful stalls and experience local life.
7. Top Ten
If you want to find budget-friendly clothing, from sports and casual to the latest trends, Top Ten has a big range of clothing for men, women and children, with lots of bargains and reasonable prices.
Markets in Dammam
Dammam markets are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, with plenty of opportunities to seek out authentic crafts, souvenirs and food products. Be prepared to bargain with stall owners, who are used to being challenged on prices, and enjoy the banter. Just ensure you remain respectful and polite – if their lowest price doesn’t work for you, say thanks and continue shopping. Early morning visits beat afternoon ones, for the freshest produce and lighter crowds. Also make sure that you come armed with cash – many stalls don’t take credit cards or Apple Pay.
1. Dammam Traditional Market
It’s hard to miss the Dammam Traditional Market, in all its traditional glory, in the very heart of the city, with buzzing, narrow, colourful corridors and artisan shops. It’s most famous for beautiful and low-priced abayas which many women come to buy during Eid, but also rugs – which tend to be reasonably priced – as well as gold-embroidered bishts and handmade sandals. It’s an eye-opening window into the local culture and a place to wander and admire the many handmade items and crafts that hold fascinating back stories.
There are vibrant textiles, rugs, scarves, jewellery and furniture, and plenty of friendly bargaining opportunities. This is also the place to come for spices and local foods, such as falafels, sweet delicacies, and an extraordinary selection of different types of dates you never knew existed (though there is also the Dates Market itself for an even wider selection including Ajwa, Ambar, Safawi and Sukkari varieties). It’s worth looking out for the various seasonal festivals.
2. The Love Market
For those seeking the glimmer and glare of Saudi Arabian gold, The Love Market attracts locals and tourists alike, looking for the city’s best jewels at affordable prices. There’s a sense of history here, as it was founded in 1943, and is one of Dammam’s best-loved hubs for street culture. More than 100 specialised stores sell a whole array of modern and statement jewels, as well as classic and vintage.
It also attracts many brides-to-be for its dresses, perfumes and cosmetics, with all that shimmers for the big day. There are places to stop for henna designs, watch street performers and get busy at children’s stalls. The market also has a lot of traditional crafts and souvenirs, as well as both local and international food delicacies.
