Dammam, Port city in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Dammam is a port city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia that stretches along the Persian Gulf coast and is shaped by wide streets, tall residential buildings, and commercial districts. The waterfront promenade runs several kilometers parallel to the water and connects parks, plazas, and public spaces with one another.
The fishing village only began to grow in the 1920s when families from the interior moved here. After 1938, oil extraction in the surrounding area brought rapid change and transformed the small settlement into a regional center.
The name comes from the Arabic word for two hills that once shaped the landscape and now form part of the built-up area. Locals still use the harbor for traditional dhow boats that float alongside modern cargo vessels, showing the contrast between old and new times.
Most sights and shops lie along the coastal road and are easy to reach by car or taxi. In summer, temperatures during the day can become very high, so the evening is often the most comfortable time to visit the waterfront.
The airport is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest and belongs to the largest airports in the world with a ground area exceeding 700 square kilometers (270 square miles). Despite this extent, many travelers use the city as a starting point for visits to the surrounding area.
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