Dammam Saudi Arabia

A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Welcome to Dammam, the bustling port city on the Arabian Gulf! This guide will equip you with everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable trip.

About Dammam:

Dammam, the largest city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional charm. Situated on the coast near the Persian Gulf, it’s a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, waiting to be explored.

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Visa Requirements: As a tourist, you’ll need a tourist visa to enter Dammam (and Saudi Arabia in general). Ensure you meet the requirements and apply for the necessary travel documents well in advance.

  • Dress Code: Remember to dress modestly in public. For women, this means covering their hair and body with loose-fitting clothing. For men, it’s best to wear long pants and a shirt that covers the shoulders.

  • Ramadan Etiquette: Be mindful of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. Public eating, drinking, or chewing gum is discouraged during daylight hours.

  • Religious Practices: It’s important to respect local religious practices. Avoid walking in front of someone praying and refrain from discussing sensitive topics like religion or politics in public. Publicly praying five times a day is a fundamental practice in Islam.

  • Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially women who are not your immediate family.

  • Ramadan Etiquette:

    • Refrain from eating and drinking in public: This can be seen as disrespectful to those who are fasting.
    • Be patient and understanding: During Ramadan, many businesses operate on reduced hours or schedules. It’s important to remember that people may be tired or hungry, so avoid anything that could add to their discomfort.

  • Ramadan Etiquette (cont.):

    • Respect local customs: Be aware that public displays of affection are generally not acceptable during Ramadan.
    • Dress modestly: As a general rule of thumb, dress conservatively, especially during the day.

Things to Do in Dammam:

Dammam is a gateway to the Eastern Province’s diverse landscapes and attractions. While it might not have the towering skyscrapers of Riyadh or Jeddah, it offers a unique charm and plenty of things to do for travelers interested in exploring the rich culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia while enjoying modern amenities.

Historical and Cultural:

  • Visit the Dammam Museum: Explore the history of the Eastern Province through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
  • Explore the Old Town (Al-Dammam Al-Qadeema): Discover a historical area with traditional architecture, markets, and restaurants.
  • Immerse yourself in the culture at the King Fahd Park: This sprawling park features traditional Saudi architecture, crafts, and food stalls, perfect for experiencing local culture.

Modern Activities:

  • Shop till you drop at the Dammam Mall or the Mall of Dammam: These shopping centres offer a wide range of international brands, restaurants, entertainment options and cafes.
  • Enjoy a day out at the Half Moon Beach: This popular beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunshine.

Cultural Immersion:

  • Walk the streets of Tarut Island: This island boasts historical landmarks, including a 17th-century fort and traditional markets.
  • Explore the local souks (markets) for unique souvenirs: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Dammam market and discover traditional crafts and goods.

Modern & Cultural Activities Combined:

  • Visit the Qatif Oasis: This serene oasis is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and learn about the region’s agricultural heritage.
  • Experience the beauty of traditional architecture in the old Al Khobar neighbourhood: This historic district showcases beautiful old homes and buildings, offering a glimpse into the past with their traditional architecture and charm.

Things to Do in Dammam (Beyond Shopping & Dining):

  • Explore the Arabian Gulf: Take a boat trip or go fishing off the coast of Dammam.
  • Discover the local culture: Visit the heritage village, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or the Dammam Corniche to learn about Saudi culture and traditions.

Transportation:

  • Getting around: Dammam is well-connected with a network of taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem.
  • Driving: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be challenging for visitors unfamiliar with the driving style. It’s best to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws (driving is on the right side) and customs before you go.

Tips for a Smooth Trip:

  • Plan ahead: Research transportation options, visa requirements, and local customs before your trip.

  • Respect the dress code: Dress modestly in public areas, especially outside of the city.

  • Embrace the Arabic culture: Be mindful of cultural differences and try to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic.

  • Learn some Arabic customs:

    • Greetings: Avoid shaking hands with someone who is not your gender.
    • Photography: Always ask for permission before taking pictures of people, especially women.

  • Transportation (cont.):

    • Public Transportation: Public transportation in Dammam is generally affordable and efficient. The Dammam Metro is a convenient option for getting around the city, while buses are a good way to reach other destinations within the region.
    • Taxis: Use ride-sharing apps or negotiate fares before entering a taxi.

Public Transportation (cont.):

  • Download ride-hailing apps: These apps make it easy and affordable to get around Dammam.
  • Consider the “abaya” rule: While not strictly enforced in Dammam, women are expected to wear an abaya (a loose black robe) when traveling outside of their home or immediate family’s presence.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Public Transportation (cont.):

  • Public Driving:

    • Driving in the city: Driving is the primary mode of transportation within Dammam, and it’s generally safe but it’s essential to remember that traffic laws are strict and driving on the right side of the road.

Travel Essentials:

  • Pack light: You’ll likely be carrying your luggage around yourself, so packing light is essential for easy transport.
  • Dress modestly: This means covering your shoulders and knees, wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t reveal your shape, and avoiding bright colors or flashy attire.
  • Respect cultural norms: Be mindful of the fact that Saudi Arabia has a conservative culture and respect those who are observing Islamic customs.

Things to Enjoy as a Tourist:

  • Explore the natural beauty: Discover the stunning beaches and coastal scenery at Half Moon Beach.
  • Experience the local culture: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Eastern Province by visiting the Dammam Museum or taking part in a cultural event.

Respecting Local Culture:

  • The abaya is a long black robe traditionally worn by women: While you can choose to wear an abaya, it’s not required for tourists who are women in the city of Dammam. You are free to dress as you like when traveling within your hotel or private residence.

  • Photography of Local Women: Always ask for permission before taking pictures of local women.**

Transportation (cont.):

  • Respecting the Abaya: Remember that wearing an abaya is a sign of respect for the local culture.

  • Public Transportation:

  • Use a “driver’s license” metaphor: Think of it as needing to be respectful when you’re in someone else’s “house.” You are free to travel within the city by car or taxi, and can even choose to wear an abaya as a way to blend in and respect local culture.

  • Be mindful of prayer times: While Dammam may not be as strict as other cities in Saudi Arabia about prayer times impacting daily life, it’s still considered polite to be respectful of the five daily prayers by keeping noise levels down and avoiding distractions during these times.**

Respect for Religious Practices:

  • Dress code:

  • Respecting Islamic Dress Codes:

    • It is recommended that you dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees, wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t reveal your figure.
    • Be respectful of the “abaya” rule: Keep in mind that this is a cultural norm for women in Saudi Arabia, but remember, it’s not mandatory for tourists to wear an abaya.

  • Respect for Islam: The call to prayer is a reminder that Dammam is a Muslim city.**

Tips for Respecting Religious Practices:

  • Dress and Appearance:

    • Wear modest clothing: This applies to both men and women.

  • Photography:

    • Avoid taking pictures of people praying or religious sites without permission.

  • Respect for the Local Culture:

Be aware that while Saudi Arabia is a modern society, it is still important to respect local customs. For example:

  • Cultural Sensitivity:
    • Dress in traditional clothing (when appropriate): If you are a woman and want to show respect for local culture when visiting religious sites or religious figures, consider wearing an abaya.
    • Be mindful of noise levels:** Avoid making loud noises or talking loudly near mosques.

Respecting the Local Culture:

  • Respect the “right-hand” rule: Don’t eat with your left hand.

  • Local Customs:

  • Dress code: Respect local customs and dress conservatively, especially when visiting a mosque.

  • Modesty: Remember that Saudi Arabia is a conservative country.

Travel Tips:

  • Dress for the Occasion: While a “right-hand” rule isn’t mandatory in public, it’s still considered polite to dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees) when entering someone’s home or a mosque.**

Transportation & Accommodation:

  • Public Transportation:

    • Driving in Dammam:**
      • The Eastern Province has a modern bus system that connects major cities and towns.
      • Taxis are readily available, but remember to agree on a fare before starting your journey.

  • Travel for the “right” side of the story:

  • Transportation & Accommodation (cont.):

    • Public transportation is generally safe and reliable:**

Transportation:

  • Respecting local customs:

  • Dress code: Be mindful of local traditions and cultural norms.

  • Transportation (cont.):

  • Respect “Abaya” etiquette: While a formal abaya is not required for tourists, it’s important to be aware of the cultural context.

  • Consider the “driver’s license” metaphor: Just like you wouldn’t eat with your left hand while driving in a conservative area, you don’t need to worry about dressing conservatively for the entire trip.

Public Transportation (cont.):

  • Dress Appropriately: Remember that clothing etiquette is important when travelling in Dammam.**

  • Respect local customs: Wear modest clothing and follow the general dress code guidelines.

Transportation & Accommodation:

  • Enjoy safe travel:

  • Transportation:

Transportation & Transportation Etiquette (cont.):

  • Dress for the occasion: You’ll want to be dressed appropriately for your destination in Damman.
  • Respect for transportation norms:

For a more immersive experience:

  • Visit the local markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and culture of the city.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Remember to avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan.

Enjoy a “cultural” experience:

  • Consider exploring Dammam’s cultural offerings, such as the traditional markets (souks) and historical sites.

  • Learn about local customs:

  • Respectful behavior:

  • Be mindful of dress code expectations:

  • Transportation Etiquette:

Plan ahead for transportation:

  • Public Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the “prayer times” schedule and plan your activities accordingly.

Enjoy Dammam’s Culture:

  • Travel Etiquette:

  • Respectful behavior: Be aware of and respect the local “culture” and customs, such as following dress code guidelines.

  • Dress appropriately: Wear an abaya when visiting mosques or during events in “local” areas.

Transportation & Transportation Etiquette (cont.):

  • Respecting the local culture: Respecting the “prayer times” is crucial for understanding the local culture and customs.

  • Finding a mosque:

    • Download a prayer time app: Apps like Prayer Times, Athan, and Muslim Pro are readily available on mobile devices and can help you determine the appropriate times to dress conservatively.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Public Transportation:

  • Local Customs:

  • Respecting local customs: This means dressing appropriately for the occasion, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting a mosque.

  • Driving:

Dammam is a large city with many transportation options, so it’s important to plan ahead.

  • Public Transportation:
    • Transportation:

You can use the “driver’s license” metaphor to understand why.

Just as you might wear a different outfit for different occasions (formal attire for a wedding, casual clothes for a weekend outing), travelers in Saudi Arabia are expected to dress respectfully when visiting a mosque.

Driving:

  • Be mindful of traffic laws:

    • Driving etiquette: These are the same for all drivers and pedestrians.

  • Respectful driving:

Remember that this is a conservative society, so avoid wearing a “scarf” or anything else that could be seen as covering your face too much.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Respecting local customs: Remember that many Saudis are deeply religious and consider the clothing etiquette in public to be a matter of respect for their culture.

  • Dress appropriately:

  • Ramadan is a time for Muslims to focus on their faith:

Wearing a “scarf” or other head covering in this context may be considered disrespectful and insensitive. It’s important to remember that you are not required to wear an abaya outside of the mosque, but dressing modestly will show respect for local customs and sensitivities.

  • Respecting the local “culture”:

Be mindful of the fact that visitors are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate and respectful of the local culture.

Transportation:

  • Public Transportation: Be aware of the city’s transportation schedule and adjust your plans accordingly.
  • Driving:

Respecting the rules of the “road”:

  • Be mindful of traffic: This is a large city with heavy traffic, so plan extra time for travel.

  • Respecting local customs:

  • Avoid driving during Ramadan: Remember that many people are fasting and may be more sensitive to noise and distractions.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Respectful behavior:

If you’re traveling to a new place, it’s important to respect the local culture.

For example, if you are visiting Dammam during Ramadan, remember that this is a holy month for Muslims, and many businesses will operate on reduced hours.

  • Dress code:

  • Transportation:

Be mindful of the local “culture”:

  • Respecting the cultural context: Remember that even if you’re not a Muslim, it’s important to be respectful of the people who are.

Transportation (cont.):

  • Transport:

  • Public Transportation:

  • Dress appropriately: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

  • Respecting local customs:

  • Be mindful of cultural sensitivities:

  • Use a taxi or ride-hailing service for transportation:

This is important for travelers who are not familiar with the “culture” of the region, as many Saudis might be visiting mosques during this time, and it’s essential to dress respectfully and avoid any attire that may be considered inappropriate.