Dammam, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#143
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dammam is a coastal city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, known for its modern infrastructure and proximity to oil fields. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD; banks include Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobily, STC, and Zain are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted; ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and long-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local rental companies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 540 offers budget options starting at SAR 100 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Corniche area offers scenic views and easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al Khobar is popular for being close to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Mix Co-Working Space, located in Al Khobar, offers packages starting from SAR 300/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bateel offers a pleasant workspace with WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and expat community events frequently hosted through Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Dammam Expats' hold regular meetups and social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is commonly used for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options available; consider bike rentals at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) operates in the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide international connectivity. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include the Dhahran Highway, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dammam Railway Station is the central hub for rail travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Currently, there are no integrated public transport passes; fares are paid per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Dammam to nearby cities like Al Khobar and Dhahran. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Fahd University Hospital is a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Space offers various classes for expatriates. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time is a popular chain with multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services in the Al Khobar area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mandi - a traditional rice and meat dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie House offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | L'eto Café is known for its desserts in Dammam. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Al-Faisaliyah Market offers local food and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Noon.com are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al Khobar has vibrant nightlife options including bars and shisha lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is prohibited; however, non-alcoholic breweries like ASH offer alternatives. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable as alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the Corniche offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Outlets like TGI Friday's and Cheesecake Factory are popular choices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain is a must-visit spot for its views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Heritage Village is a historical museum worth visiting. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Dammam Regional Museum showcases local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al Khozama Mosque is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Dammam Festival is held every spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Corniche District for cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Dammam Cultural Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Dammam Souq is ideal for shopping local handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live traditional music events occur at the cultural center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; primarily around cultural events. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Riyadh Culinary School offers classes, albeit not in Dammam. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Tahlia Art Gallery showcases local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Former British Consulate House reflects historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional craftsmanship is seen in local souqs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Hassa National Park offers natural scenery and trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Dammam Corniche features pathways ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Dammam Corniche provides seaside views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shahran Lake is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Half Moon Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple authorized service providers are available for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sporting clubs in Al Khobar offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various expatriate centers offer Arabic language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Dammam Public Library is a quiet studying location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | International Community Center in Al Khobar offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes provide gaming options; otherwise, gaming centers are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 400,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = SAR 320,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 570,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = SAR 450,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. SAR 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 680,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. SAR 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = SAR 520,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% on net profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; corporate tax is applicable. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A, as there’s no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No stringent CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax on residential properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No transaction tax on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No personal income tax, making it attractive for nomads. |