Happy TravellerDammam, the capital of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia, is a city with a rich history, a booming economy, and a fascinating culture. Known as a major administrative center for the Saudi oil industry, Dammam has become one of the fastest-growing cities in Saudi Arabia, with a yearly growth rate of 12%. The city boasts a population of over 1.2 million people and is part of the Greater Dammam metropolitan area, which is home to over 4 million people. Here’s everything you need to know about this fascinating city:
History:
Dammam was founded in 1923 by the Al Dawasir tribe that migrated from Bahrain after King Abdul Aziz allowed them to settle within the area. The discovery of oil in the region led to a construction boom and the development of the city into a port city and an administrative center. Dammam was made the capital of the Eastern Province after the unification of Saudi Arabia.
Culture:
Dammam is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries and cultural festivals throughout the year. The city is also home to many parks and beaches, including the beautiful Half Moon Beach. Visitors can enjoy traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants, or take a stroll through one of the city’s many souks (markets), where they can purchase handicrafts, textiles, and local spices.
Economy:
Dammam is known for being a major administrative center for the Saudi oil industry, but the city’s economy is diversifying. The establishment of the first Industrial City of Dammam led to the development of many non-oil industries in the area, including construction, manufacturing, and finance. The King Abdul Aziz Sea Port, the second largest and second busiest port in Saudi Arabia, is located in Dammam and is a major hub for global trade and commerce.
Transportation:
Dammam is well connected by air, sea, and land. The King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in the world in terms of land area and is connected to major cities in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The King Abdul Aziz Sea Port, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, is the largest port in the Persian Gulf. Dammam is connected to the Saudi capital, Riyadh and Jeddah on the west coast by Highway 40, and is also linked to Bahrain by the 28 km long King Fahd Causeway. The city has no intra-city public transport service, but inter-city bus services are operated by the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO).
Climate:
Dammam features a hot desert climate, with mild winters and extremely hot summers. Rainfall in Dammam is generally sparse, and usually occurs in small amounts in the winter months of November, December, and January; with periodic heavy thunderstorms. Hail generally falls during the colder months of December and January, while dust storms, known locally as shamals, are common in summer.
Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or industry, Dammam has something to offer every visitor. Come and explore this beautiful and vibrant city for yourself!
