Perched next to the Arabian Gulf in Saudi’s Eastern Province and easily accessed from Riyadh, Dammam is one of the Kingdom’s fastest growing cities, known for its port, a landscaped waterside Corniche and the man-made Marjan Island that’s connected to the city by a bridge. The country’s Red Sea Coast may be in the spotlight right now, but Dammam – known as the pearl city – has long been a beach destination of choice for Saudis.
Its sun-kissed beaches, fringed by palm trees and with views over to Bahrain, are perfect for stretching out on and relaxing – from family-friendly beaches to the ones best suited for swimming and watersports, and a mix of private and public shores. As elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, overseas visitors should make a note of the dress code for Dammam beaches – generally, private beaches have a more relaxed dress code, while public beaches are often separated by gender and with family sections. It’s always worth asking if you’re not sure.
1. Half Moon Bay Beach
Generally regarded as one of the best beaches in Saudi Arabia full stop, this has been drawing Saudis for decades. Once upon a time, it was a trading spot for the region’s salt mines, with wooden dhows landing to fill up with cargo, but now the boats are of the fishing variety, or leisure yachts scudding across the waves.
Its crescent-shaped epic white sands stretch for miles, fringed by dried-up lagoons and dunes that rise up to 20 metres; the bay itself is shallow, making it a popular place for those learning to scuba dive. It’s a great all-rounder beach, very popular with families and with enough activities to keep everyone entertained – from horse riding, volleyball and kite-surfing to bike trails and driving a beach buggy around (great fun for older kids). Look out for sealife, as dolphins are frequent visitors, as is the occasional whale. Many people bring their own picnic, but there are kiosks for snacks, along with permanent shelters for shade, restrooms, showers and parking.
If you have any energy left, take the children to the nearby water park, Loopagoon, with its slides and rides (this is a women-and-kids-only water park; boys over the age of seven are not permitted).
2. Pearl Beach
To be found off the King Fahd Road in the Dammam’s Dhahran district, Pearl Beach is a popular public beach with families and for those wanting a change of scenery from the larger beaches here. Several parks and gardens run alongside the golden sands, and there are restaurants a short walk away, though many families bring their own picnics. Dogs are not allowed, and there are no lifeguards on duty here – so be careful in the water. Rest rooms and parking are available.
3. Sadaf Beach
Sadaf translates in Arabic as ‘shell’, which you can find in the hundreds along the golden sands of this beach – perhaps take one or two back as a souvenir. As with Dammam’s other beaches, people come here to swim, play beach volleyball and indulge in watersports under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards.
Set in the Dhahran district, it’s well-equipped with rest rooms – and those who don’t bring their own picnics can walk to close-by restaurants such as Seashell Café and Al-Nakheel Restaurant for Middle Eastern dishes. If you fancy extending your stay at the beach, check into the nearby Pearl Beach Hotel or the Oasis Resort. There are walking trails just off the beach, good parking and like most beaches in Dammam, dogs are not allowed.
4. Dana Bay Beach
Part of the main Half Moon Beach, Dana Bay is a new development bringing a luxury perspective to Dammam’s beachfront district. When completed, it will include everything from hotels and resorts and private beachfront villas to a waterfront promenade filled with cafés and restaurants, a luxury spa for women and another outpost of the popular water park, Loopagoon, with its slides and rides. The beachfront here is the longest private beach in Dammam.
5. Al Fanateer Beach
Just north of Dammam at Al Jubail, a district known for its petrochemical industry, Al Fanateer Beach offers a little light relief in the form of golden sands and azure waters – along with a landscaped Corniche running along the waterfront promenade. The latter includes bike paths, playgrounds and a variety of recreational facilities, as well as a number of parks and hiking trails for those who don’t want to spend all day on the sand.
Along with regular beach activities, Al Fanateer is also known for its coral reefs, which draw in snorkellers and scuba divers. For lunch, try Brasa de Brazil or family-friendly Taya Restaurant, both just a short distance away. Free parking is plentiful, the beach is equipped with restrooms and it has its own lifeguards.
6. Al Nakheel Beach
Palm trees provide much-needed shade on Al Nakheel Beach, one of several public beaches in Dammam’s northern Al Jubail district – also known as Palm Beach for its distinctive number of trees. If you’re here in spring, make sure to attend the Flower and Garden Festival, when the air is filled with floral fragrance. There’s also a park adjoining the sands and a reflexology walk – a special pathway designed to be walked barefoot, for a natural massage. It’s a popular spot for families, with designated family areas, playgrounds and food stalls for snacks. Changing rooms, parking and life guards are all provided.
7. 180 Beach Club
Opened in 2020, this has become one of the most popular women’s beaches in Dammam, and therefore needs to be booked in advance. Set on Half Moon Bay in the central Khobar district – Dammam’s main beachfront area – 180 Beach Club includes blue sun loungers and umbrellas to hire, adult swings and trampolines, and a children’s playground and beach play area, along with a restaurant offering Arabic and international food. There’s also a DJ at weekends – playing until midnight – and live shows for special events such as Halloween and New Year’s Eve, making this a good option for those who like a little buzz to their beach culture. Dammam’s most glamorous beach club, it’s a lot of fun.
8. Al Hamra Beach
Al Hamra Beach can be found off Dammam’s Corniche Road, looking over to the man-made Marjan Island – a coral-shaped area reclaimed from the sea with running and cycling tracks and several resorts. It’s a little stretch of sand suitable for families and couples, with good facilities and a number of eating options nearby. A useful one to know about if you’re in the area.
