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CULTURE & HERITAGE
Uncover the highlights of Dammam
Be among the first to discover Dammam: a tapestry of culture, history, nature and creativity...
By Elise Morton
Coral reefs, bustling souqs, ancient castles and vibrant contemporary culture: all these await you in and around Dammam.
A tiny fishing village until the discovery of oil reserves in 1938, the capital of Saudi’s Eastern Province is both forward-looking and rich in heritage. Set on the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, the city has recently opened its doors to visitors, drawing intrepid travellers to its shores with a beguiling blend of compelling history and ultra-modern marvels. But where to begin? We’ve curated a selection of 10 unmissable highlights that will leave you captivated by Dammam…
1
Stroll the historic Bayoniya neighbourhood
To meander through the quaint streets of Bayoniya is both to step back in time and experience the cutting-edge of Saudi creativity. Strolling through the historic neighbourhood and admiring the traditional houses, you’ll get a feel for quintessential Arabic architecture and be able to imagine life here in centuries long gone. Bayoniya does not only belong to the past, though – it’s also at the forefront of today’s vibrant local culture. In 2018, the historic neighbourhood got a makeover when some of its ancient streets became a living art exhibition, thanks to a team of young Saudi graffiti stars.
2
Absorb the cutting-edge vision of Ithra
Rising like a beacon in the desert, Ithra – also known as the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture – is famed for its iconic architecture. Designed by world-famous Norwegian architects Snøhetta, the centre’s five futuristic buildings each resemble stones, with its central tower standing 110m tall. Inside, Ithra lives up to the meaning of its name: Arabic for ‘enrichment’. With thought-provoking exhibitions, captivating performances, a children’s museum and a number of opportunities to sample culinary delights – Arabic coffee and the best of Greek gastronomy, to name just two – the centre has everything for the perfect family day out. What’s more, you’ll almost certainly come away having learnt something, thanks to Ithra’s galleries dedicated to contemporary Middle Eastern and Islamic art, Saudi culture, and the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula. A visit to Ithra is also a sneak peek into the future of Saudi – the cultural hub is known as a centre for innovation, running programmes for the country’s budding scientists, engineers and creative minds.
3
Go snorkelling and diving
Saudi’s Arabian Gulf coast is home to innumerable underwater treasures. Diving into the crystal-clear seas surrounding Dammam, snorkellers and divers will be rewarded with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Among the best spots around to discover the rich undersea world are undoubtedly the islands of Jana and Karan. The islands are a favourite nesting site for green turtles, with some 1,000 females coming ashore each year to lay their eggs, while the surrounding waters are also home to barracudas, whale sharks and an entire rainbow of corals and other fish. First time diver? Marjan island offers easy diving adventures close to the heart of the city.
4
Enjoy a dose of nostalgia at Taybeen Museum
Driving up to Taybeen Museum, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d made a wrong turn. What appears to be nothing more than a family home in fact houses something extraordinary: an eclectic collection of over 10,000 vintage toys, posters, food, cameras, mobile phones and other electronics – even a display showcasing the evolution of Coca Cola bottles. Although the personal collection-cum-museum offers a nostalgic journey into a Saudi childhood, the treasure trove of recognisable comic books, games and snacks will have you venturing down your own memory lane and yearning for simpler times quicker than you can say ‘brick phone’.
5
Embrace Saudi heritage at the Heritage Village
Already thinking about your next trip to Saudi? Choose your next destination with a little help from Dammam’s Heritage Village, which will give you a taste of the Kingdom’s diverse regions: from the highlands of Nejd to the Red Sea coast and pilgrimage sites of Hejaz. Nestled amidst the modern cityscape, the Heritage Village offers an immersive experience that transports visitors both across the country and back in time. Within its fort-like architecture you’ll encounter a lively showcase of Saudi customs and crafts, with artisans demonstrating age-old techniques from weaving to pottery, providing a firsthand look at the nation’s rich heritage. Don’t leave without settling in on comfy floor cushions for an aromatic Arabic coffee or traditional meal of grilled meats and meze, an experience that feels just like dining in a typical Saudi home. Classic car enthusiasts rejoice – here you’ll also find an extensive exhibition of vintage automobiles through the ages.
6
Go sailing in Half Moon Bay
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Dammam is an ideal destination for boating enthusiasts. There’s nowhere better to set sail for a jaunt on the water than idyllic Half Moon Bay, home to pristine sandy beaches, an abundant marine life, and a consistent gentle breeze – not to mention fantastic grouper fishing, for the keen anglers among us. If you like your water-based adventures slightly more high octane, jet skis, parasailing and banana boats are on hand to take the adrenaline level up a notch. Pro tip: head to Half Moon Bay as night begins to fall, and be rewarded with one of Dammam’s most stellar sunsets.
7
Feel Dammam’s pulse at Love Market
As the Grand Bazaar is to Istanbul, so Love Market is to Dammam. That is to say that it’s an integral part of city life and, as such, an unmissable highlight. Officially titled Share Al-Hob, this lively souk has earned the nickname Love Market for its many jewellery shops, but it also offers ample opportunities for picking up other one-of-a-kind souvenirs and supporting local artists and makers. Love Market will take care of the seemingly infinite variety of spices (which you’ll smell as soon as you enter the market), handicrafts, carpets, ceramics and fabrics – all you need to do is make sure there’s space in your suitcase.
8
Go back in time at Tarout Castle
Set on the highest point of its namesake island, Tarout Castle’s three magnificent remaining towers have seen the rise and fall of numerous powers: from the Dilmun Kingdom to the powerful Persian, Islamic, Portuguese and Ottoman Empires. Historians believe part of the fortress we see today was built by its Portuguese occupants in the 16th century, but its roots run deeper still – to 5000 BC in fact, when the site was dedicated to the worship of Mesopotamian goddesses. Although one of the oldest inhabited spots in the Arabian Peninsula, Tarout Castle not only boasts a storied history – it also offers a stunning view of the surrounding area.
9
Camp with Bedouins in the desert
Far from the lights of the ultra-modern city, camping in the Saudi desert with local Bedouins is an immersive adventure into a time-honoured way of life and a truly mesmerising landscape. Once the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll share stories around a crackling fire and beneath a star-studded canvas, enveloped by warm Arabian hospitality. Your expert Bedouin guides will reveal the desert’s secrets and legends, while you savour authentic cuisine and experience nomadic traditions firsthand, all before settling down to sleep in a traditional Bedouin tent. Getting up in the morning is never fun, but being greeted by a lemon-hued desert sunrise and fragrant Arabic coffee certainly helps.
10
Admire history at Alfelwah and Aljowharah Museum
The Alfelwah and Aljowharah Museum, founded by philanthropist Abdulwahab Al Ghunaim, has blossomed from a personal collection into one of Dammam’s cultural treasures. Established in 2018, the museum houses half a million diverse artefacts within an opulent villa: ranging from vintage cars and an ornate 500-year-old copy of the Quran to elaborate jewellery and memorabilia celebrating national airline SAUDIA. Among the myriad cultural marvels, visitors are transported to a traditional Saudi bedroom and meeting hall, and even to catch a glimpse of possessions that belonged to the Kingdom’s first monarch, King Abdulaziz.
Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
Dammam is surprisingly easy to get to. You can take a direct domestic flight from either Riyadh (one hour) or Jeddah (two hours), or hop on a direct train from Riyadh to Dammam with the Saudi Railways Organisation, where the journey takes around four hours. For getting around the city, you can use taxis, ride-hailing apps liek Uber and Careem or by hiring a car. Getting to Saudi from both the UK and USA is simple, too. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.
FAQ
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
