Dammam
Ad Dammam, town lies in eastern Saudi Arabia, in Ash Sharqiyah (Al Hasa) Province, on the Persian Gulf. It is one of the nation's chief ports, serving as a major exporting point for petroleum and natural gas. King Faisal University (1975) is here. Ad Dammam was a small coastal community until the late1930 s, when it began to be developed as a port. Several large-scale residential and commercial building projects were undertaken here in the1970’s and early1980’s.
The port city is well connected by road, rail, and air with the rest of Saudi Arabia, as well as with its neighboring countries.
Apart from housing the main seat of the Easter Province administration, Dammam is a major residential and commercial center. An important section of King Faisal University is located here.
DamMam
Dammam is about 400 km away from Riyadh. It is the capital of the Eastern region and a very important port. It was a separate small town but now it has become one big town, linking Al-Khobar and Al-Dhahran. Dammam is now a major commercial center.
Historians believe that Dammam was initially called DAMDAMA, which means the sound of drums that announce the beginning or the end of the hunting season. Near Dammam lies a very important center for refining petroleum. The population of Dammam is about one million.
Dammam Transformation - Aramco
No area of the Middle East, or perhaps the whole world, has undergone such dramatic transformation in such a short period of time as has the Dammam-Dhahran-Al-Khobar triangle in eastern Saudi Arabia. Located on the Arabian Gulf across from the island of Bahrain, the region has ancient roots in history. Tombs, remnants of dwellings and historical references indicate that it was inhabited more than two thousand years ago. However, the encroaching desert sands buried most vestiges of human habitation and the area had been largely deserted for centuries.
Dammam Attractions
Dammam is the largest town in the eastern region; it has expanded to the city limits of two other modern towns, Al-Khobar and Dhahran. Near Dammam are located the most important centers in the world for the production and refining of petroleum. The population of Dammam is greater than a million. The most important features of the city are:
King Fahd Park
The King Fahd Park in Dammam is the largest in the Kingdom. King Fahd Park is located along the Dammam-Dhahran Express Road, north of the Gulf Palace and almost equi-distant from the townships of Dammam and Al-Khobar. Spread over 67 acres in the heart of the Dammam Area, its millions of trees and bushes is a haven of greenery and many ornamental pools provide a refuge for families in the heart of the city.
A large number of smaller parks are scattered throughout the area with scenic beauty, perfect places to spend evenings. The water for much of the parks comes from recycling urban and industrial runoff. The sprawling area of the park contains amenities for families, from children to elders alike. A central cafeteria serves fast food and drinks in a large sitting area for families. You will also find pools, man-made lagoons, fountains, greenery, and buildings - all designed to offer soothing relief.
Within the park, the Saudi Amusement Center caters to the entertainment of children. Extremely modern in concept and design and run by professionals, the center boasts an exciting train ride to take visitors around the park.
Corniche
A panoramic view of natural beauty, Dammam Corniche forms part of the gigantic seaside project stretching from Aziziah Beach to Tarot Island. Interspersed along the Corniche are massive, modern art installations, which reflect the creativity of their makers and the nation's love of art.
The Corniche is a local destination of families and friends for leisure time, especially in the evenings after work to enjoy. A spacious area between Dammam and Al Khobar has been designated specifically for sports and game facilities. Major clubs, which allow locals and expatriates alike to take part in sport, are located in this area.
Water sports are available to all at the Coastal City set up by the General Presidency for Youth Welfare, which is now a commercial concern open to families, in Half Moon Bay to the south of the city, and through private clubs in the area.
Heritage Centre Dammam
This museum depicts various aspects of regional life in Saudi Arabia. The Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography has an interesting collection of local Bedouin crafts, traditional costumes and Islamic pottery, as well as some Stone Age tools.
by Mahdi Al-Fadhl, from Arabia
