leisure: Dammam
Dammam
CORNICHE
Stretching from Al Azziziah beach to the Tarot Islands, the Corniche in Dammam is one of the city's most popular recreational areas. It is positioned in the middle of a wide semi-circular bay where Al-Murjan has been built. Work on extending the original long palmlined promenade has been carried out in recent years to introduce restaurants, fast food outlets and amusement parks. The Saudi's love of talented works has been encapsulated in the modern art installations lining the Corniche, which reflect their respective maker's flair and creativity. Browsing the art displays makes for a pleasant afternoon, but there are also more active past-times to partake in. Games and sports facilities are available at a spacious spot between Dammam and Al Khobar. A curving causeway connects the northern part of the bay to Al Murjan Island, where revellers will find perfect picnic spots and coloured shelters that provide respite from the sun. The area is usually populated by just fishermen in the mornings, so it's best to visit any time after lunch.
Ideal for: An afternoon stroll
Group size: Two to 50
Open all day but best visited late afternoon to avoid the heat
Prepare for a long walk and bring sun lotion
HALF-MOON BAY
With so many diving spots to choose from, picking somewhere to indulge in the water sport is never easy. But one of the most popular along the Arabian Sea coastline has to be the Half-Moon Bay, which can be found south of Al Khobar. The site's name comes from its man-made semi-circular shape, which comes courtesy of a diver group lowering old cars and trucks near the shoreline to create an artificial reef. While the waters boast plentiful fish, the man-made bay offers little coral growth for divers to appreciate. But with most of the vehicles covered in barnacles, there is at least something to admire along with the sea-life. Half-Moon Bay is in an open coastal area just beyond a private marina located about five km south of the Prince Mohammed
Ideal for: Full morning activity
Group size: Two to 50
Go early to avoid crowds
Ensure everyone can swim
MUSEUMS AND HERITAGE
On the fourth floor of the public library is where visitors will find the Dammam National Museum, a centre rich with Saudi culture and heritage. Relics and remnants of handicrafts are on display, offering an insight into how inhabitants once lived. In the Heritage Centre, aspects of regional history are brought to life through various collections of Bedouin crafts, costumes, poetry and Stone Age tools. The Kingdom's oil history can be explored at the Saudi Aramco Exhibition Centre in Dhahran, where visitors will find a comprehensive guide to how oil is exploited, processed and exported. The museum also has a section on Islamic history and the arts.
Ideal for: Part of full-day city tour
Group size: Two to 50
Timings: Both museums open Saturday through Thursday, 10am till 3pm
Take a tour guide
KING FAHD PARK
A modern leisure space spread over 67-acres, the King Fahd Park is the largest in the Kingdom. Visitors will find various cafeterias, pools, lagoons, fountains and an amusement centre for children at the park, which is located on the Dhahran- Dammam expressway between Dammam and Al Khobar. The park is surrounded by thousands of trees and bushes and ornamental pools that offer families a refuge amid the bustling city. A leisurely stroll or the train ride provided by the Saudi Amusement Centre is the best way to view the scenery.
Ideal for: Relaxing after a conference
Group size: Two to 50
Timings: Open all day but best to visit late afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat
Avoid the long walk and take the park train
