Eastern Province

(DAMMAM AL KHOBAR DHAHRAN AL AHSA)

© Dr. Hans-F. Loth

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia or just want to get an impression of the country? Then you should not miss Jeddah. The metropolis on the Red Sea is lively and has much to be discovered. Jeddah offers an exciting mix of ancient history and modern attractions.

Whether you prefer culture or whether you want to focus on attractions & activities, Jeddah is a city for everyone.

From exploring the bustling souks to enjoying the local cuisine to admiring the stunning architecture, there is much to experience in this city. I have made myself a picture and show you the most beautiful Jeddah sights and highlights. The city is a mix of historic and contemporary, open-air art sculptures, cafes, shopping districts, and the largest waterfront stretch filled with restaurants and resorts.

Geography

Largest administrative region within Saudi Arabia in the north-east covering coastal areas, huge deserts and the largest oasis in the Kingdom. And, above all, vast oil and gas fields

Climate

Arid climate with extreme hot and humid summer temperatures

Language

Arabic and English in urban environments

Transport

Cars, Taxis and Ride-on-Demand services, Trains, Bus

Airport

King Fahd Int’l Airport, KFIA, north-west of Dammam withe domestic and international connections

Religious life
In some areas, especially in Qatif and Al Ahsa, the percentage of Shi’ite Muslims is relatively high compared to the national average with Sunni Muslime as majority.

accommodation

Be welcome and feel at home in the Eastern province. In the metropolitan region of Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran there is a large number of high quality hotels. Especially the newly built hotels offer in all categories services often above average. Room service around the clock is no exception.

Food & Drink

The inhabitants of the highly industrial Dammam-Al Khobar-Dhahran region are a mixture of different ethnicities and nationalities who all have brought their traditional cooking with them.

Activities & Attractions

Al Ahsa – Mount Qarah and Cave of Ibrahim

Al Ahsa – Mount Qarah and Cave of Ibrahim

Al Ahsa can be proud of a number of mountains, the most prominent mountain being Jabal Al-Qarah, (Mount Qarah), which is a worthwhile excursion destination. ...
Read More →
Al Ahsa – Prince's School (Al Amiriah School)

Al Ahsa – Prince’s School (Al Amiriah School)

Overlooking the old market of Al Ahsa, the Prince’s School is a historic building in the Al Hofuf neighbourhood. This beautiful two-storey square building with ...
Read More →
Al Ahsa – Al Qaisariyah Souq

Al Ahsa – Al Qaisariyah Souq

The Al Qaisariyah market is one of the most important attractions in town. The souq (bazaar) runs parallel to King Abdulaziz Rd. It is stated ...
Read More →
arout Island

Qatif – Tarout Castle and Surroundings

This fortress, built in the 16th century, is considered the main sight on the island. Located on a mound in the center of the island ...
Read More →
Tarout Island

Qatif – Tarout Island

The governorate of Qatif – north to Dammam and the only one in Saudi Arabia – is predominantly inhabited by people who follow the Shi’ite ...
Read More →
Al Khobar – Water Tower

Al Khobar – Water Tower & Jawza Al Qahtani Mosque

From Adjan Walk, you can then continue along the northern part of the Corniche to Water Tower, or jog along the red-paved running track as ...
Read More →
Al Khobar Adjan Walk

Al Khobar – Adjan Walk and Corniche Sea Front

A suitable destination is the Adjan complex, which became completed at the end of 2022, with its ultra-modern buildings directly on the seafront. It’s about ...
Read More →
Al Khobar – King Fahd Grand Mosque

Al Khobar – King Fahd Grand Mosque

If you want to make a detour to the King Fahd Grand Mosque (which is worth it, in my opinion), it is a good idea ...
Read More →
Al Khobar – Salem Bin Laden Mosque

Al Khobar – Salem Bin Laden Mosque

After about 3.2 km (2.0 mi) of walking, measured from the southern U-turn of main road 617 (King Fahd Rd) at Obayyah Roundabout into Corniche ...
Read More →
Al Khobar Corniche

Al Khobar – Corniche

Khobar (usually: Al Khobar or Al Khubar is located southeast of Dammam. Although it is not (yet) a “classic” tourist destination, it is worth visiting ...
Read More →

Dammam – Souq Al Hob & Parks

There is hardly a better way to feel the pulse of an Arab city than to visit its souq (bazaar). The Al Hob Souq is ...
Read More →
Dammam – Heritage Village

Dammam – Heritage Village

The Heritage Village is one of the most important visitor attractions in the city. It’s more like a (former) fortress, “palace, fort” and a tourist ...
Read More →
Dammam

Dammam – King Abdullah Park

Adjacent to the northeastern end of Dammam Corniche, although not yet connected, is the quite attractively landscaped and designed King Abdullah Park, which runs along ...
Read More →

Dammam – Corniche

The wide and relatively newly constructed Dammam Corniche runs along the protected Dammam Bay at its in-town end. Describing roughly a three-quarter circle, it extends ...
Read More →
Dammam Marjan Island

Dammam – Marjan Island

Passing the Dolphin Village, a typical amusement park with a large aquarium, sea lion and dolphin pools, you will reach Marjan Island, which is a ...
Read More →

Dammam – Sights around the Bay

Dammam is the largest city in the Eastern Province and the fifth largest in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah (Mecca), and Madinah (Medina), with ...
Read More →
ITHRA

What kind of activities in the Eastern Province?

Well, the kind of activities primarily depends on your personal preferences. The Eastern Province offers many ways to explore its beauty and sights. If you ...
Read More →

Activities & Attractions

Al Ahsa – Ibrahim Palace

Al Ahsa – Ibrahim Palace

Located in the city center and within walking distance from Al Qaisariyah market, Qasr Ibrāhīm or Ibrahim Palace (Qasr) is a fortress built during the ...
Read More →
Al Ahsa – Old Koot – Al Mullah House

Al Ahsa – Old Koot – Al Mullah House

The Al Koot al Naathis is Hofuf’s old centre. The overall condition of the neighbourhood is more due to its age and gives an insight ...
Read More →
Dhahran – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (ITHRA)

Dhahran – King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (ITHRA)

Dhahran, Arabic Al Ẓahrān, was founded exclusively for the employees of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (SAUDI ARAMCO). The company’s employees – many of whom ...
Read More →
Al Khobar – Scitech Museum

Al Khobar – Scitech Museum

You can now continue north along the Corniche and after about 1.5 km (4,800 ft) you will reach the Scitech Museum, which is located vis-à-vis ...
Read More →
Mural Al Khobar

Al Khobar – Alfan Sharoy Graffiti

If you feel like a cultural contrast project after visiting the mosque and don’t want to go back the same way to the Corniche, you ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top