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NATURE & OUTDOORS

The best outdoor adventures in Dammam

Discover a different side to Dammam – sunset sailing, horse riding and exploring underwater worlds are just some of the outdoor experiences on offer in the pearl of the Arabian Gulf.

Set on the brilliantly blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, Dammam has relatively recently opened its doors to visitors, drawing intrepid travellers to its shores with a beguiling blend of vibrant contemporary culture and compelling history – not to mention wall-to-wall sunshine, authentic souks and awe-inspiring modern architecture.

What you might not know, however, is that Dammam is fertile ground for outdoor adventures of both the relaxing and more high-octane varieties: horse riding along silky sands, cruising at sunset on the tranquil waters of Half Moon Bay, parasailing and exploring spellbinding coral reefs all await you. We’ve curated a selection of six unmissable outdoor highlights that will leave you convinced that Dammam is so much more than your run-of-the-mill city break.

Cycle along the Al-Khobar corniche

Fuelled by a traditional Saudi breakfast of spicy shakshuka (tomatoes and eggs) or foul (fava bean stew), enjoy the morning sunshine with a gentle ride along the Al-Khobar corniche. A favourite with local families and visitors alike, this 16-km stretch of promenade boasts a well-maintained cycle path flanked by palm trees, providing shade and a touch of tropical paradise. Along the way, enjoy views of the striking (and space age-esque) Khobar Water Tower, while taking in the contrast of the high-energy city on one side and the tranquil waters of the Gulf on the other. Younger visitors will love the myriad playgrounds and parks along the seafront, though the kid-friendly highlight is undoubtedly the Scitech Technology Center, packed with interactive science-focused exhibits. If cycling has you in need of a caffeine hit, fear not: simply pop in to one of the corniche’s many cafes and coffee shops for a Saudi coffee and a spot of people watching.

Explore Dammam’s underwater worlds

Dammam may be famed for its combination of bustling souks, ancient castles and cutting-edge contemporary architecture, but its most priceless treasures might just lie beneath the city’s azure waters. Diving into the crystal-clear (and lusciously warm) seas surrounding Dammam, snorkellers and divers will be rewarded with diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The nearby islands of Jana and Karan are famed as the best spots around to discover the rich undersea world – 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 a veritable rainbow of corals and other fish. For first time and younger divers, we recommend Marjan Island for beginner-friendly diving adventures just moments from the heart of the city.

Soak up the view of Dammam from Marjan Island

As well as providing a novice-friendly spot for new divers just beginning their underwater adventures, the idyllic Marjan Island draws visitors for its stellar views of Dammam. With a 30m-tall tower as its focal point, Marjan Island certainly boasts its own architectural prowess, but its main draw is perhaps the view it offers as you look back to the city. Home to an immaculately maintained park, the man-made island is the perfect spot to admire the skyline and reflect on Dammam as a feat of architecture and engineering: a metropolis quite literally rising from the desert. Once you’ve enjoyed the stroll along Marjan Walk, the walkway linking the island to the city, why not hop aboard a ferry for a boat tour or join the many local fishing enthusiasts who take up residence on the island’s seafront, before taking a seat in one of the park’s cafes for a cooling drink or restorative coffee.

Go horse riding along the beach

Whether you’re an expert equestrian or donning riding boots for the first time, experiencing Dammam on horseback is an unmissable outdoor adventure. Saddle up and ride along the sandy beaches to encounter the city afresh and create an exhilarating connection with nature – all in the care of an experienced guide, who will make you feel at ease on your trusty steed and ensure your journey is both safe and fun, whether you’re in the mood for a gentle walk or a fast-paced canter beside the lapping waters of the Arabian Gulf. Horse riding on the beach in Dammam doesn’t only offer a chance to reconnect with nature, though: it’s also a fascinating immersion into the cultural traditions of Saudi, where horse riding has a rich heritage. Be sure to ask your guide about the history of Arabian horses, dating back more than 3,000 years.

Enjoy a cruise in Half Moon Bay

Situated just outside Dammam in charming Al Khobar, Half Moon Bay is a must-visit spot when exploring Saudi’s Eastern Province. In addition to its rich history and culture, the area is an ideal destination for boating enthusiasts, thanks not least to the azure seas of the Arabian Gulf. There’s nowhere better to set sail for a jaunt on the water than idyllic Half Moon Bay, home to pristine sandy beaches (some of the cleanest and most family-friendly in the area), an abundant marine life, and a consistent gentle breeze – not to mention fantastic grouper fishing, a real plus for any keen anglers. Pro tip: head to Half Moon Bay and hop on a cruise as night begins to fall and be rewarded with one of the Eastern Province’s most stellar sunsets.

Challenge yourself to water sports in the Gulf

Dammam offers an array of water sports activities that cater to both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a slightly gentler pace. Windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts flock to Half Moon Bay, just a short drive from Dammam, where consistent winds and flat waters create the ideal conditions for some exhilarating aquatic excursions. Jet skiing and parasailing are widely available in the area, providing high octane fun against the stunning backdrop of Dammam’s skyline, while banana boats and donuts (of the water sports variety!) are always a hit with kids. If you’re after a rather more tranquil, zen-inducing experience, kayaking and paddleboarding along the calm Gulf waters offer serene moments to soak in the coastal beauty. Fishing charters are also a popular option, allowing you to try your luck at catching local specialties – maybe you’ll even come back with a sailfish or a coral trout!

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

To get to Dammam in the Eastern Province, you can take a direct domestic flight from either Riyadh (one hour) or Jeddah (two hours). You can also take a direct train from Riyadh to Dammam with the Saudi Railways Organisation, with the journey taking around four hours. When your reach Dammam, we’d recommend hiring a car for the ultimate in flexibility and ease when travelling around Dammam and the wider Eastern Province. It’s easy to reach Saudi from both the UK and USA. 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 the country is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime, depending on where in the country you are, and rarely exceed 30°C. The summer months between June and September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often north of 40°C. But, do as the locals do and head out after dusk when it’s much cooler!

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.