Dammam is a city in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, on the Persian Gulf coast of Asia. It serves as the provincial capital and is a major centre of the oil industry, which shapes much of its character and its economy. It is also known as Ad-Dammam.
Dammam forms part of the greater Dammam metropolitan area, which it shares with the neighbouring cities of Dhahran and Khobar. For a visitor, this means the three places are closely linked, and a stay in one often puts the others within easy reach.
What a visit offers
- A coastal city on the Persian Gulf, with a working port and waterfront setting.
- An insight into the oil industry that has defined the region's growth and modern life.
- A base from which to explore the wider Eastern Province and its neighbouring towns.
Dammam suits travellers interested in the economic and industrial side of the Gulf region, as well as those passing through on business or exploring the Eastern Province more broadly. Its appeal lies less in any single landmark than in its role as a provincial capital on the Gulf coast, and in the connection it offers to its neighbouring cities.
Planning your trip
Because Dammam is one part of a larger metropolitan area, it is worth considering how you will move between Dammam, Dhahran and Khobar during your stay. Checking the current details of any specific place you wish to visit before setting out is a sensible step.
