Dammam Corniche
Dammam Corniche is a charming seaside waterfront stretching roughly 27 kilometres along the Arabian Gulf, giving the city a perfect coastal expanse for strolls, sports and relaxation. When you visit you’ll notice the distinctive circular Marjan Island as one of the corniche’s standout landmarks.
If you like details, here are the corniche’s main features in a short, clear format:
• The corniche covers Dammam’s beachfront and runs between 9th Street and 18th Street, with two lanes (main and secondary) forming a triangle that contains a large lake.
• About 5 km of the frontage are dedicated to fitness activities: running, walking and cycling, with supporting services such as parking areas.
• There is a marina with capacity for around 300 boats, and north and south breakwaters: the northern breakwater is about 1,100 m long and includes a service road and parking for roughly 1,000 cars, while the southern breakwater is about 1,300 m long.
• Green spaces and trees extend across approximately 155,000 m², protected by seawall rocks, and on the inner side there is a sandy beach suitable for swimming.
There is an additional 4.5 km waterfront that includes an 8 km total promenade and covers nearly 500,000 m²; at its centre is a main circular plaza (6 m high and 17,000 m² in area) with two towers 23 m high whose design is inspired by Gulf heritage to highlight the architectural identity. The waterfront also includes: green areas of about 250,000 m², parking for roughly 3,000 cars occupying about 155,000 m², entrance fountains, and six multi-sport courts (football, basketball, volleyball, handball) alongside children’s play areas and public services.
Finally, the Seef waterfront was opened in 1442 AH / 2021 AD, where aesthetics and the “human” aspect of design were carefully considered; part of it stretches 2,000 metres longitudinally (from Al-Mohandessin plan to University Housing) and 100 metres deep. It contains children’s play areas, athletics zones and a fitness promenade, pedestrian paths, sculptural installations, dedicated parking for people with disabilities, restrooms, green spaces and shaded tree areas — all designed so the corniche becomes a family-friendly place for sport and quiet moments by the sea.
Dhahran Hills Park
Dhahran Hills Park is a peaceful retreat near Dhahran, ideal if you’re looking for a green escape from the city’s hustle. The scene calms the nerves: wide grassy areas, trees, and an attractive artificial pond with a fountain that gives the site a photogenic character — a great place for a picnic, photography, and giving children a fun time.
Quick visitor guide
Main activities: walking and strolling, family time by the lake, children’s play areas, plus some water play and seasonal performances that are added at certain times.
Google Maps location: Quirsh St, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 34471 — you can search by name directly to view the route and get directions.
Typical opening hours: morning until evening (for example: 06:00 AM — 10:00 PM as shown on some listings). Check the park’s page or Google Maps before visiting to confirm.
Nearby services: pathways and benches, children’s play facilities, and suitable family seating areas; food options and hotels are also available nearby in the Dhahran area.
Quick tips for visitors
Prefer early morning or sunset for walks to avoid heat and to get better light for photos.
Bring water, sunscreen, and something for the children to play with — the park is ideal for a relaxing half-day.
For distinctive photos, get close to the pond and fountain or explore the green paths between the hills.
King Fahd Park—a family oasis in the heart of Dammam
If you want a place that combines nature and family fun, King Fahd Park is the perfect choice — the largest park in Dammam and a popular family spot with a peaceful character and comprehensive facilities. You’ll find a large lake, sprawling gardens, playgrounds, and even a small zoo that gives children a close-up experience with some animals.
A wonderful natural mix
The park covers about 650,000 m² of green spaces. It features a network of promenades and paths designed for sport and leisure:
• A 2.5 km bicycle track.
• A 760 m dirt walkway and another 395 m walkway.
• A fine concrete promenade stretching 2 km, ideal for walking among sidr (Ziziphus) trees, acacias and tamarisks.
Thousands of seasonal flowers also add changing splashes of color throughout the year.
Entertainment for the whole family
The park is equipped to meet everyone’s needs: active play areas for children across the green spaces, a fountain that brings both vibrancy and calm, and kiosks for drinks and snacks. There is also a lighted garden and dozens of shaded seating areas so you can enjoy family time amid nature.
Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach just outside Dammam, and a favourite destination for swimming, sunbathing and family water activities.
If you want a relaxed day with family or a fun trip with friends, this beach gives you what you need: wide white sands, clear water with moderate temperatures, and a safe area for children to enjoy beach games or swim.
Recommended activities not to miss:
• Boat rentals to cruise the Gulf and enjoy the views.
• Kayaking and diving to see coral reefs (for those interested in diving).
• For adventure fans: quad bike (ATV) tours on the nearby dunes.
Quick tip: visit the beach early in the morning or at sunset — the atmosphere is calmer and the light is better for photos. Book water-activity equipment in advance during peak seasons.
Tarout Castle
When you set foot on Tarout Island in Al-Qatif Governorate, you’re likely to be drawn to the venerable castle standing on a hilltop southwest of the old town. This is Tarout Castle, one of the oldest buildings in the Eastern Province, a witness to centuries of history stretching back to the 16th century and even to much older civilizations dating to around 4300 BC. The castle is only about 30 km from Dammam and is easily accessible via the bridges that connect the island to the mainland.
A glimpse of the past
Cuneiform inscriptions found in the area suggest that the site may date back to the late 3rd millennium BC. Some accounts say the people of Qatif built the castle to resist Portuguese attacks, while others claim the Portuguese themselves built it during their occupation. Ottoman sources mention the castle among the fortifications established by the First Saudi State to repel sea-borne attacks. Each narrative adds another layer to the castle’s story, like open pages from a long book titled “History of the Gulf.”
Castle features
Although its area does not exceed 600 m², its design is striking: from above it resembles a crab, with walls between 4 and 6 metres high that were later raised by an additional metre. Its original width started at 1 metre, later increased by half a metre to reach 1.5 m. Notably, it lacks rooms for housing soldiers or storing supplies and ammunition, which distinguishes it from many traditional castles.
Events that revive heritage
In recent years, the castle’s courtyard has become a stage for culture and arts through the “Bustan Qasr Tarout” festival, held in 2022 and 2023. Imagine visiting the castle to find stalls for local small businesses, handicraft workshops, folk performances, live painting sessions, and evenings that return the island to its authentic heritage atmosphere. Children also enjoy interactive games and workshops, and the place shines with sailors’ and pearl-divers’ shows that transport you straight into the Gulf’s maritime traditions.