Why is Dammam Famous? Top Things to Do 2025

Nestled along the serene Arabian Gulf, Dammam in Saudi Arabia is a cosmopolitan hub that thrives on its idyllic coastal setting. This city is widely known for its lush parks, breezy waterfronts, and sandy beaches, suitable for laid-back summer holidays. Dammam is also worth visiting in winter, with average daytime temperatures hovering around the low 20s Celsius and dipping to around 10 degrees at night.

The region has also gained recognition as an up-and-coming destination for art, sports, and entertainment, featuring the kingdom's inaugural street art exhibition in the Bayoonya district of Al Khobar and numerous cultural centers and museums. As the sun sets, stroll through the bustling Share Al Hob souq in Dammam, where you'll encounter a lively mix of merchants, performers, and street musicians.

The Ultimate Guide To Dammam - Essential Things To Know Before Getting Here

What is Dammam known for?

Dammam, the sixth largest city in Saudi Arabia, is a stunning example of modernity. Following the discovery of oil in 1938, the city underwent a rapid transformation from a traditional coastal village to a contemporary metropolis with cutting-edge infrastructure and all the modern amenities. Until now, Dammam is not only the administrative hub of the Saudi oil industry but also a center for sports, art, science, and entertainment. When visiting the city, visitors should not miss street art exhibitions that are rapidly becoming one of the city's leading attractions.

In addition to its modernity, Dammam is a critical commercial hub and port. The King Abdul Aziz Sea Port, the largest port in the Persian Gulf, is located in Dammam. Its import-export traffic in the country is second only to the Jeddah Seaport, and it is the third largest and busiest port in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Dammam is a critical commercial hub and port in Saudi Arabia

How to get to Dammam?

Travel from Riyadh to Dammam

There are several ways to travel from Riyadh to Dammam, which are approximately 400 kilometers apart. If you're looking for the most comfortable way to travel, you can fly from Riyadh to Dammam. Several airlines, including Saudi Arabian Airlines, fly between the two cities. The flight takes about 1 hour, and there are several daily flights available.

It takes about 5 hours to 6 hours to reach Dammam from Riyadh by bus. The most convenient way to travel from Riyadh to Dammam is by car. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Getting to Dammam from Jeddah

Because the distance between these two cities is quite long, approximately 1,360.1 kilometers, the fastest way to travel from Jeddah to Dammam is by air. It takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to fly from Jeddah (JED) to Dammam (DMM). Alternatively, the train operated by Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) takes approximately 17 hours to reach Dammam from Jeddah.

Weather in Dammam: The best time to visit Dammam

Located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Dammam shares similar geographic features with the surrounding area, characterized by harsh desert conditions and arid climates throughout the year. The weather in Dammam is relatively dry, with very sparse rainfall, occurring only during the winter months. However, its location in proximity to the Arabian Gulf provides visitors and tourists with a chance to escape the heat. The coastline offers scenic walkways where visitors can enjoy the cool sea breeze.

The average temperature in Dammam ranges around 37°C in summer and around 16°C in winter. Therefore, the best time to visit Dammam is autumn and winter, typically between October and March when the weather is more pleasant, and travelers can avoid the scorching hot weather that may badly affect the trips.

The best time to visit Dammam

The best Dammam Hotels

Since it is a large city, finding a luxury hotel in Dammam is not hard. Here are some of the best hotels in Dammam, Saudi Arabia:

Residence Inn by Marriott Dammam 

The hotel offers the accommodation with the most facilities, with an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a shared lounge.

Address: Al Badi, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Dana Rayhaan by Rotana

Dana Rayhaan by Rotana provides various amenities, including concierge services, free WiFi that covers the entire property, a restaurant, and a terrace.

Address: Al Ashriah Street, Al Badi, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Braira Al Dammam

This is a 4-star hotel, providing accommodation with a fitness center, a restaurant, with many other amenities.

Address: Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Road, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Tripper Inn Hotel

At Tripper Inn Hotel, guests can enjoy lodging that comes with several features, such as a fitness center, free private parking, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Address: Yaqoot St, Ash Shati Ash Sharqi, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Welcome to Dammam - Check out the most attractive places to visit in Dammam

Half Moon Bay

Located just a short drive south of Dammam, Half Moon Bay was once a stop for Arab traders from the Arabian Gulf region. Today, it is truly a dream getaway for families and beach enthusiasts alike. The cove's shallow and tranquil entrances make it ideal for learning to scuba dive or simply wading in the azure waters. Not only is it a great escape during summer holidays, but Half Moon Bay is also a perfect spot for fishing, boating, or enjoying a warm winter day. Whether you're seeking a private or public beach, Half Moon Bay has plenty of options along its beautiful coastal road.

Many locals often arrange a nice picnic with their families in Half Moon Bay. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy resort stays, chill out on the white-sand beaches of clear turquoise water, and have intimate outdoor excursions. In short, Half Moon Bay is a must-visit destination in Dammam for anyone looking to enjoy the magic of beautiful surroundings.

Half Moon Bay in Dammam

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture - Ithra

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (known as Ithra), a groundbreaking initiative by Saudi Aramco, was established with the aim of promoting cultural development in the Kingdom. With a focus on inspiring a passion for knowledge, creativity, and innovation, Ithra delivers world-class, cross-cultural experiences through its various facilities.

Ithra houses a large museum, library, cinema, and indoor and outdoor spaces for festivals or exhibitions. The Time Magazine ranked King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture among the top 100 places to visit in the world, cementing its position as one of the leading attractions in Dammam. For those interested in culture, visiting the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is undoubtedly among the top things to do in Dammam.

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dammam

Heritage Village in Dammam

The 5-story Heritage Village is a perfect spot for those interested in Saudi Arabia's rich culture and heritage. Visitors can marvel at the fascinating artifacts, manuscripts, and other items on display that give insight into the country's past and present. Wandering through the different parts of the village, visitors can explore the warm gatherings of Najd, the fascinating nature of the Aseer District, the clear blue sky of Al-Baha, and the magnificent decorations of the Eastern Province. The village also includes a museum and an oriental restaurant that serves delicious Saudi dishes and other types of food.

The antiques, manuscripts, and documentaries in the Heritage Village were collected by the designer during 15 years of continual travel. With its aim to preserve the forefathers' tradition and the country's glorious history, the village is now a must-visit destination for anyone who wishes to explore and appreciate Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage. 

Dammam is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in discovering Saudi Arabia's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Check out the best time to visit Saudi Arabia and pack your visa to Saudi Arabia right away! Applying for a Saudi Arabia visa is the most convenient way to obtain a visa to this Western Asian nation.