Dammam, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#143
26.436782, 50.103999
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dammam is the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and a major city along the Arabian Gulf coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,000,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Service providers include STC, Mobily, and Zain. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include furnished apartments, local hotels, and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental sites are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; budget hotels like Al-Faisaliah Hotel offer affordable rates. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Dammam is a popular coworking space. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Karam offers a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetup groups on platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for Expats in Dammam provide updates on social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Dammam. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not widely available; consider public transport or taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Half Moon Bay is about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) services the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad operate out of Dammam. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected to major highways including Dhahran and Khobar highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dammam Railway Station is the primary hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; primarily taxis or rideshare services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Dammam to nearby cities like Khobar and Dhahran. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | King Fahd Hospital is one of the largest and most advanced in Dammam. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Soul Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold’s Gym have several locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many local laundries available; some offer pickup/drop-off services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Hungerstation. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabsa, a traditional Saudi dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options include Caspian and Veggie Grill. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Dreams Patisserie offers a variety of desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Souq Al Hamra. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and Noon.com for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Abdulrahman Market App provides grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some lounges in the Khobar area are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted; local drinks like Qamar al-Din are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcohol is not publicly sold; private clubs may have options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls offer traditional snacks like Shawarma. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | American and Indian cuisines are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | King Fahd Causeway and Half Moon Bay. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Al-Atheer Museum showcases local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Dammam Heritage Museum. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Rashid Mosque is notable for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Saudi National Day celebrations take place in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Diplomatic Quarter hosts cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Al- Khobar Culture Center for local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al Husseini is popular for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Limited live music but some venues host local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Emerging in areas like King Abdulaziz Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local workshops are offered through community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artistic Alley showcases local artist works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Qasar Al Muazzam is a noteworthy site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrated through festivals and local cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Al-Ahsa Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al-Ahsa National Park offers scenic views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Corniche Al-Dammam has walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Half Moon Bay provides stunning waterfront views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bird Sanctuary near Al Khobar is recommended. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Half Moon Bay allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL are widely used. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Al-Jabr Electronics offer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local gyms may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer Arabic language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Dammam Public Library is a main resource. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Al-Dammam Cultural Center provides various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Select locations in malls have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not allowed in the country. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 9,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 360,000 SAR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 260,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 8,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 510,000 SAR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 360,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 7,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 600,000 SAR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 440,000 SAR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income is not taxed for individuals; VAT is 15%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Regulations exist but not widely enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No direct property transaction tax; legal fees apply. |