Dammam Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers

STC, Mobily, and Zain are major providers. Purchase SIM cards at King Fahd International Airport or official telecom stores. Passport and visa are necessary for registration.

Internet and Wi-Fi

Widespread internet access in hotels, cafes, malls.
Reliable and affordable mobile data with local SIM. (Airalo) (Solis Wi-Fi)
Saudi Post (SPL) for mail; international couriers for urgent parcels.

Language Barriers and Translation

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in business, hospitality, and by many younger Saudis. Road signs are often bilingual.

Translation Resources

Download Google Translate with offline capabilities. (Rosetta Stone)
Learning basic Arabic phrases aids interactions.
Many younger Saudis speak English.

Greetings and Basics

Common and polite Arabic phrases for daily communication.

Essential Phrases

"Salam Alaikum" (sah-LAAHM ah-LAI-koom) - Peace be upon you.
"Shukran" (SHUK-ran) - Thank you.
"Afwan" (AF-wan) - You're welcome.

Common Questions and Courtesy

Basic inquiries and polite requests in Arabic.

Helpful Phrases

"Kaif Halak?" (male) / "Kaif Halik?" (female) - How's it going?
"Min Fadlak" (male) / "Min Fadlik" (female) - Please.
"Na'am" / "La" - Yes / No.

Postal Services

Saudi Post SPL

Saudi Post (now known as SPL) operates domestic and international mail services.
Tourists do not commonly use postal services for daily needs.
Major international courier services are available for urgent documents or packages.
Look for well-known international couriers for reliability.

Offline Capabilities

Download offline language packs for translation apps.
Offline maps (e.g., Google Maps) are also invaluable.
Conserve battery life by minimizing online usage.
Consider emergency contacts stored locally.

Connectivity Tip

An eSIM from Airalo or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi delivers seamless internet access during your travels.

Business Hours & Schedules

Business hours vary, with considerations for prayer times and public holidays.

Retail Shops

Generally operate in two shifts: 9 AM - 12 PM, then reopen from 4 PM - 10 PM (or later). Many shops close during afternoon prayer times.

Malls

Typically open from 10 AM - 10 PM on weekdays and often apply to 11 PM or midnight on weekends (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings). Malls often remain open during prayer times.

Restaurants

Lunch service usually runs from NOON - 3 PM. Dinner service starts later, typically from 7 PM - 11 PM (or later, especially on weekends).

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally open from 9 AM - 4:30 PM, Sunday to Thursday. They are closed on Friday and Saturday.

ATM Access

Automated Teller Machines are widely available 24/7 throughout the city.
Located at banks, malls, and supermarkets.
Easy getting money across the city.

Government Offices

Government offices operate Sunday to Thursday, usually from 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

Holiday Closures

Friday and Saturday constitute the weekend.
Eid Al-Fitr & Eid Al-Adha: Major Islamic holidays, limited hours/closures.
Saudi National Day (September 23rd): A public holiday.

Ramadan Schedule Impacts

Altered Business Hours

Many venues open later in the day.
Frequently open after Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) until after midnight.
Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours are prohibited for everyone.

No Widespread Seasonal Closures

Dammam does not experience widespread seasonal closures, outside Ramadan/Eid.
Some smaller businesses might close for summer.
Always confirm hours directly before your visit.

Planning Your Visit

Always confirm specific business hours, especially during Ramadan and Eid holidays, as schedules change significantly.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural sensitivity shapes your visit. Adhere to local customs for respectful interactions.

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are common between men. Men and women generally do not shake hands unless the woman initiates it. A polite nod or a hand over the heart is an appropriate alternative.

Photography Guidelines

Ask for explicit permission before photographing people, especially women and children.
Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or sensitive infrastructure.
Observe and respect any "photography forbidden" signs.

Attire and Dining

Modest dress is the standard in public. Cover shoulders and knees. Women should wear loose-fitting clothing. At religious sites, women must cover their hair, arms, and legs.

Dining Practices

Eat and pass products with your right hand.
Tipping is not mandatory but receives appreciation for good service.
Public consumption or possession of alcohol and pork is strictly illegal.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Topics to Avoid

Refrain from discussing politics or religion critically.
Avoid anything perceived as disrespectful to culture, royal family, or local traditions.
Public displays of affection are not appropriate and should be avoided.

Gender and LGBTQ+ Considerations

Gender segregation may appear in some public areas; respect these local customs.
Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by law.
Travelers should exercise extreme discretion and adhere to local laws.

Important Travel Restrictions

Restricted Items

Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Pork products are not permitted.
Public smoking during Ramadan fasting hours.

Photography and Conduct

No photography of government or military sites.
No public displays of affection.
Always show respect for area laws and customs.

Cultural Sensitivity

A respectful demeanor and adherence to local customs ensure positive interactions during your visit.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges is a developing area in Dammam.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Newer malls, hotels, and attractions often incorporate ramps, elevators, plus accessible bathrooms. Older areas and public transport could have restricted access. Organize your trip with accessibility in mind.

Accessible Attractions and Transportation

Modern attractions (Ithra, large malls) design for accessibility.
Ride-sharing services accommodate specific needs with advance notice (e.g., requesting a larger vehicle).
Private transfers with companies that supply wheelchair-accessible vehicles are a reliable option.

Services for Visual or Hearing Impairments

Publicly advertised specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Assistance Guidance

It is advisable to travel with a companion for assistance.
Arrange for assistance in advance if required.
Contact individual establishments directly for their specific features.

Resources and Organizations

Specific official resources for detailed accessibility information for visitors in Dammam are limited. The best approach is to contact individual establishments (hotels, attractions) directly before your visit to inquire about their specific accessibility features.

Direct Inquiry

Reach out to hotels and attractions for specific accessibility features.

Travel Companions

Consider traveling with a companion for ease of navigation and support.

Pre-trip Planning

Advance planning for transportation and lodging helps secure suitable options.

Direct Inquiry Strategy

Contact hotels and attractions directly to inquire about their specific accessibility features. This helps confirm suitability for your travel needs.

Dammam Travel Tips