Flights to Dammam (DMM)

Dammam is a bubbling port city on Saudi Arabia’s east coast, characterised by its stunning waterfront and golden beaches.

Incredible modern developments have become synonymous with Dammam, though these seamlessly blend with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Dammam Corniche is the city’s crowning jewel. Stroll a charming palm-lined promenade before watching the sun plunge below the horizon as you sip on Arabic coffee in a relaxed waterfront cafe.

Aside from buzzing eateries and breathtaking views, the corniche also offers a route to the staggeringly beautiful Al-Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago where you can find luxury resorts adorned with picturesque beaches. Dive into an array of water sports or simply glide through this tranquil haven on an electric scooter.

The Dammam Corniche is also renowned for its lush green spaces, which serve as welcome oases. King Abdullah Park is one of these peaceful escapes, a spacious area popular with locals and tourists and an ideal spot for a picnic.

The Dammam Heritage Village sits on the edge of the park and provides a fascinating snapshot of the region’s rich history. Wander through striking traditional Saudi buildings to discover a vast collection of antiques, manuscripts and other artefacts. Watch skilled local artisans in action, sample delicious food and look out over the swaying palms of the corniche from the village’s viewpoint.

There is more wonderful history just north of Dammam at Tarout Castle. This archaeological site, which dates back over 5,000 years, features the remnants of a once impregnable fortress. See its magnificent towers and walls rising from a small hill – a particularly impressive sight in the light of dusk or dawn.

While Dammam itself offers a selection of glorious beaches, one of the Arabian Gulf’s most popular seaside resorts is just south of the city. Head to Half Moon Bay, where golden-sand beaches stretch for miles and warm, turquoise waters make for unbelievable diving experiences. See coral reefs, shipwrecks and colourful marine life as you float through an underwater paradise.

When it comes to dining in Dammam, you’ll have a variety of mouth-watering local dishes to pick from thanks to its diverse cultural roots. Samak mashwi is a must-try, consisting of lavishly garnished and spiced fish caught fresh from the Arabian Gulf. Yemeni mandi, which originated in Yemen's Hadhramaut region, is a popular lunch dish featuring succulent meat and aromatic yellow rice, seasoned to perfection.