Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is really three cities, with Al Khobar and Dhahran making up the triumvirate. The extent of the urban sprawl is such that the latter two cities are basically considered part of Dammam, although each has several distinctive features and sights.
Travelling between the three is easy (15 minutes by taxi from Dammam to Al Khobar, and the same for Dammam to Dhahran) but expensive, with a taxi costing around SAR 115. Wherever you choose to base yourself, you will almost certainly arrive at Dammam’s King Fahd Airport, the world’s largest – so large that after it was built, Dhahran’s airport reverted to military use.
We’ve got everything you need to know about Dammam’s neighbourhoods so you can pick the perfect base for your visit.
Marjan Island
Marjan Island is a small, man-made island located off the coast, easily accessible from the Corniche, and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Locals like to fish from the rocks and the beaches, and have picnics in the shaded areas and barbeque spots. You can also take boat rides from Marjan and ferries take passengers back to the mainland.
In the evenings, when the island is lit up, it is an interesting place to wander, while a spiral tower in the centre of the island provides a 30-metre-high panoramic view of Dammam. Constructed in 1991, Marjan Island is currently being upgraded to improve facilities for tourists.
Al Shati
Al Shati is the perfect place to stay if you want to visit the Heritage Village or the Corniche
Hugging the coastline, Al Shati is a popular neighbourhood for tourists, boasting stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and containing the famous Dammam Corniche, which stretches for miles and is lined with restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood and local cuisine.
For those interested in local culture, Al Shati is the home of the Dammam Heritage Village, which offers a glimpse into the region's history through its exhibits and traditional architecture.
Al Khobar
Although it is technically a neighbouring city, Al Khobar’s proximity to Dammam and home to some of the region’s most notable sights makes it difficult to avoid. It is extremely popular with expats and the compounds, malls and restaurants that cater to them. Among its most famous shopping hubs is the cavernous Al Rashid Mall.
The waterfront in Al Khobar has great views of the Arabian Gulf and the epic King Fahd Causeway that connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. Indeed, Manama Airport is also a great option for connections to Al Khobar.
Al Faisaliah
Al Faisaliah is a lively and energetic neighbourhood in Dammam and one of the only ones considered to be ‘walkable’ by any standards outside some of the summer months. It is without doubt the most authentic neighbourhood in any of the three districts, with bustling souqs and relatively traditional architecture, certainly compared to most of the modern development in the Eastern Province since the oil boom. It is an interesting neighbourhood and popular with families, although if you’re looking for high-end hotels it's probably best to look elsewhere.
Al Aziziyah
Popular with expatriates and close to several international schools, Al Aziziyah is centred around families and long-term visitors, home to at least one peaceful park – Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Jalawi Park – and a short drive from the Corniche. Just south of Al Aziziyah is the bustling Dammam vegetable and fish market, and to the north is Dareen Mall.
Al Manar
A suburban neighbourhood popular with locals, Al Manar is home to traditional souqs and street markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional handicrafts, as well as eateries serving Saudi dishes at affordable prices. Shekhdar Restaurant is a local favourite.
Just like Al Aziziyah above, tourists don’t often make a trip to Al Manar, as there are few hotels, but it is a stone’s throw from Ithra.
Dhahran
Home to the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, which dominates much of the local economy, Dhahran is a mostly residential neighbourhood. However, it is close to the hotels, beaches and diving of Half Moon Bay and the epic Loopagoon Water Park, which is a big hit with families and is focused on women and kids.
Officially, Dhahran is home to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), a standout destination featuring museums, an art gallery, a library and a cinema, but this is also easily reachable from Al Khobar and Dammam.
Half Moon Bay
South of Dhahran, Half Moon Bay is a horseshoe-shaped bay that runs between the Dana Beach Resort on the western side, round to the Mena Holiday Beach Resort on the eastern side and the public beach. South of the public beach is the private beach reserved for Saudi Aramco employees and it’s considered one of the nicest stretches of sand in the Eastern Province. From the Aramco beach, the road continues around to Al Khobar proper and Al Nawras Lake.
Unless you are staying in one of the resorts, the only way to visit Half Moon Bay is by car or taxi.
