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Dammam
Gulf port city and oil hub
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Currency
- SAR
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
Dammam is the capital of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, an industrial port city on the Persian Gulf and the centre of the Dammam–Khobar–Dhahran metro area. Visitors come for the Gulf corniche, the Ithra cultural centre, nearby historic sites and easy access to Bahrain.
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Mecca
- Medina
- Dammam
Quick facts
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Capital
- Riyadh
- City population
- 903,312
- Population of Saudi Arabia
- 33M
- Country area
- 2,250,000 km²
- Official language
- Arabic
- Currency
- Saudi Riyal (SAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Calling code
- +966
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 9 m
- Plugs
- A / B / C / G · 220V
- Emergency numbers
- 911
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 21° | 23° | 27° | 33° | 38° | 42° | 43° | 43° | 40° | 36° | 30° | 24° |
| Low | 12° | 13° | 16° | 21° | 26° | 29° | 31° | 30° | 27° | 23° | 19° | 15° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$43
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$100
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$230
Top things to do
- Free
Dammam Corniche
A green waterfront strip facing the Gulf with a nearly 4 km walking track; best visited from November to April when the weather is cooler.
- Half day
- Dammam Corniche
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- Free
Al Morjan Island
A small artificial island with a central monument at the end of the Corniche, good for an afternoon or evening walk in mild weather.
- Half day
- Al Morjan Island
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- ≈ $10
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
A landmark cultural centre with a museum, children's museum, library, cinema and exhibition halls; check the programme before you go as some events need booking.
- Half day
- Dhahran
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Free
Tarout Castle
A Portuguese fort built between 1515 and 1520 on a base at least 2,000 years older, on Tarout Island; go early as there is little shade.
- Half day
- Tarout Island
- Good for kids
- Free
Abu Loza's Bath
A historic Turkish bathhouse dating back to the 11th century CE; a quick stop for those interested in the region's older layers.
- Half day
- Al Souq district
- Indoors
- Free
Dammam Flagpole
The tallest flagpole in the kingdom at 60 metres; a short photo stop, though the flag is not always flying.
- Half day
- Dammam Corniche
- Good for kids
- ≈ $5
Bahrain day trip via King Fahd Causeway
Cross the 28 km causeway to Bahrain in about 30 minutes from Khobar; the bridge toll is around SR20 and you need your passport and visa for Bahrain.
- Full day
- Dhahran
- Good for kids
- Free
Khobar and Dhahran
Spend a day between the neighbouring cities, about 15–20 minutes by car, for malls, waterfront and the Aramco area; taxis or a rental car are the easiest way.
- Full day
- Dhahran
- Good for kids
Before you go
Entry and visas
Most visitors need a visa before travel: many nationalities can apply online for a tourist e-visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), and e-visas can also be issued on arrival at Saudi international airports. Passports must be valid for at least six months from arrival, and separate Hajj visas are required for the pilgrimage season. Rules differ by nationality and purpose of travel, so check the official Saudi visa platform before booking.
Official websiteFrom the airport
King Fahd International Airport (DMM) is about 31–50 km northwest of the city; SAPTCO shuttle buses run roughly hourly to the bus station (about 45 minutes, SR12), while taxis take around 30 minutes and charge from SR50.
Getting around
Public transport is limited; taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are the usual way to get around, with short city trips costing SR10–20.
Local tips
- Dress modestly in public places; women should cover shoulders and knees, and alcohol is banned throughout the country.
- Carry cash for small shops and taxis, though cards are widely accepted in malls and hotels.
- Summers from May to September are extremely hot and humid with frequent dust storms; plan outdoor time for early morning or evening.
- The best weather for the corniche and outdoor sights is from November to April, when daytime temperatures are mild.
Areas worth knowing
- Tarout Island
- Al Souq district
- Dhahran
- Dammam Corniche
- Al Morjan Island
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 11, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in Saudi Arabia
All destinations- RiyadhSaudi capital of forts, souqs and skyscrapers
Saudi Arabia - JeddahRed Sea gateway and old coral city
Saudi Arabia - MeccaIslam's holiest city and pilgrimage heart
Saudi Arabia - MedinaIslam's second holiest city
Saudi Arabia - Al-UlaAncient Nabataean tombs and desert oases
Saudi Arabia - AbhaMountain city of Saudi Arabia's south
Saudi Arabia - Ta'ifSaudi Arabia's cool mountain summer escape
Saudi Arabia
Sources: visa.mofa.gov.sa · visa.mofa.gov.sa · mofa.gov.sa · Wikipedia: Dammam · Wikivoyage: Dammam