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World / Asia / Saudi-Arabia / Dammam

Capital of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Provinces, Dammam boasts possibly the fastest development of any town on earth. The former fishing and pearling hamlet is now the cradle of the kingdom's oil industry, a major port and vibrant commercial centre.

Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Visa Requirements

Tourism visas are now available under a new Discover Saudi Arabia scheme and are available to groups of four or more organised by a recognised tour company

Language

Arabic

Timezone

Arabic

Weather

From mid-April to October average daily temperatures top 40˚C. From December to January temperatures in the interior can touch zero at night.

Dialling Code

00 966

Electricity

220V and 110V with both three-pin (fitting UK plugs) and American-style two-pin plugs

Health and Safety

Excellent hospitals are found throughout the Kingdom. All residents (including foreign nationals) are entitled to both public and private health care, though as the latter is expensive, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly advised. In recent years, sporadic attacks by Al-Qaeda on Western targets have resulted in a tightening of security around residential compounds and embassies. Register with your embassy and keep an eye on warnings issued by them

Useful Links

Excellent hospitals are found throughout the Kingdom. All residents (including foreign nationals) are entitled to both public and private health care, though as the latter is expensive, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly advised. In recent years, sporadic attacks by Al-Qaeda on Western targets have resulted in a tightening of security around residential compounds and embassies. Register with your embassy and keep an eye on warnings issued by them

The nearest airport to Dammam is in Riyadh. Flights to Riyadh arrive at King Khaled International Airport, situated 40km north of the city centre. Buses (SR10) connect the airport to Al-Aziziyah Bus Station (17km south of the city centre) from 8am to 10pm. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs around SR70.

Dammam Museum of Archaeology & Ethnography

Dammam Museum of Archaeology & Ethnography: Housed on the 4th floor of the Dammam Public Library, the museum gives an overview of the region's history, culture and art. Historical artifacts range from Stone Age tools to Islamic pottery, and a colourful collection of traditional Bedouin craftwork (including costumes and jewellery).

The Dammam Corniche

The Dammam Corniche: Forming part of a large seaside project stretching from Aziziah Beach to Tarot Island, the Corniche is a popular attraction locally. Families come to admire the modern art installations, to picnic along the seafront or to participate in the watersports offered at the beach clubs.

Half Moon Bay

Excursions: Take a trip to the attractions just outside Dammam, including Half Moon Bay (28km south of Al-Khobar), where you can swim or dive, the Aramco Exhibit, an outstanding museum on the oil industry, or the famous King Fahd Causeway, a 25km-long major feat of modern engineering linking Saudi Arabia to the island of Bahrain.

Quick Lunch - Ghazi Restaurant

Though simple and unassuming, the Ghazi Restaurant is spotless, swift of service and well-run. The fresh and flavoursome Pakistani food attracts a devout local following.

Top Table - Shahnaz

The Shahnaz is famous for its pizzazz: first-class food served in a magnificent Moorish setting.  Both Iranian and Italian dishes are offered and seafood is a speciality. Don't miss the char-grilled lobster.

Cheap Eat - Al-Bahar Oriental Restaurant

The exterior may look unpromising, but the Al-Bahar Oriental Restaurant serves delicious Filipino dishes at unbeatable prices.

On Business - Golden Tulip Al-Hamra Hotel

Modern, comfortable and central, the Golden Tulip Al-Hamra Hotel Dammam offers a choice of four restaurants, a health club, and a Jacuzzi.
Book now

Lap Of Luxury - Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers

Set in the commercial district, the deluxe Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers, has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, panoramic views of the Gulf or city from all rooms, and the best business facilities in town .
Book now

Cheap Sleep - Gulf Flower Hotel

The best budget bet in town is the Gulf Flower Hotel, which offers sparkling-clean and surprisingly spacious rooms. Ask for one with a balcony.
Book now

Coffee And Chat - Sheraton, Lobby Lounge

Open from 7am, the Lobby Lounge is a good spot for breakfast and the service is fast and attentive.

Formal Presentation - Sheraton

The Sheraton (as above) boasts three well-equipped meeting rooms, a business centre, wireless Internet access and a 9,400 sq ft ballroom.

Evening Drinks - Caffe Vienna

Famously “dry”, the closest you'll get to a drink in Dammam is a non-alcoholic cocktail at the Caffe Vienna (open to 1am).

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