Gone are the days when Saudi Arabia was only known for Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid Al-Nabawi. The country has been remarkably making progress in the tourism sector, and it's not holding back. With hosting some marvellous events across the country, Saudi Arabia is swiftly becoming a favourite tourist destination. While Riyadh and Jeddah are famous for hosting football matches, the mesmerizing beauty of the Eastern Province cannot be overlooked. The province of three cities, Dammam, Dhahran, and Khobar, has some magnificent geological formations, a stunning desert and the largest oil field - Its Eastern Province, the largest province by land mass. 

The eastern region of Saudi Arabia begins with the shallow Arabian Gulf and stretches through the desert to the Al Ahsa Oasis and onwards to the plains of the Rub Al Khali. This blog post is designed to highlight the importance of exploring the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. 

Top Places to Visit in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia makes up around 36% of the total land. The province is popular for housing the largest oil industry. Only a few know that this province was once the home of the ancient Dilmun civilizations. Most of the top places to visit in Easter Province are located on the coast, while a few of them are situated 15 minutes away. 

Dammam: Beautiful Destination in Eastern Province

Dammam is the provincial capital and beautiful coastal city that draws tourists with its captivating blend of modernity and rich Islamic tradition. Dammam is popular for its scarcity, originality and wealth; these qualities made the city the pearl of the Arabian desert. Covering an area of about 800 square kilometres and a population of about 750,000, Dammam is a vital part of a triplet City metropolitan area. 

One of the best places to visit in Dammam is its breathtaking Corniche, which begins at Aziziah Beach and ends at Tarot Island. The beautiful Corniche is adorned with lush greenery, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and for those who want to spend time in tranquillity. A coastline featuring a crescent shape, known as Half Moon Bay, is among the top tourist destinations of Saudi Arabia. Other famous attractions in Dammam include Al Marjan Island, which is popular for its luxurious restaurants and recreational activities for water sports lovers and camping enthusiasts. Visiting the Al Khobar-Dammam Bridge is a must when exploring Dammam city and experiencing the mesmerizing connection these two cities make through this bridge. 

Dhahran: Mixture of Rich Culture and Modernity

Dhahran is a city in the Eastern Province responsible for managing the Saudi Oil Industry. Located near the major cities of Dammam and Khobar, It is part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area. Dharan gained popularity due to its lush greenery, rich culture and historical sites. Dhahran is home to clean beaches, historic museums, King Fahd Park, King Fahd University, heritage villages, vibrant markets and malls. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dammam is considered the cultural hub hosting various art exhibitions and live theatre performances, as well as a grand library. The city is very well connected to other cities; visitors can reach the city through King Fahd International Airport. The best time to visit Dhahran is from mid-October to mid-February. Some of the best attractions to visit in Dhahran are Half Moon Beach, Dhahran Hills Park, King Abdulaziz Center of the World, and Heritage Mall. 

Khobar: A Tranquil Seaside Town

A breathtaking city housing Khobar Corniche, a tranquil seaside paved walking path, parks, cafes, and breathtaking sunset views. The recreational hub of the Eastern Province is a perfect escape from mundane city life. The dazzling city sits on the eastern coastline of the Persian Gulf, offering a blend of rich culture and entertainment. If you move towards the north, the beautiful parks and gardens adorn the city, giving life to ironic skyscrapers. In the south of the city, stunning beaches offer pulsating experiences for enthusiastic divers, picnickers, and entertainment lovers. 

Among the best places to visit Khobar is Half Moon Bay to engage in water sports activities. Al Rashid Mall, featuring worldwide brands, is a shopper's paradise. Other places to visit in Al Khobar are the Corniche, King Fahad Causeway, Khobar Sea Front, Khobar Water Tower, and Al Rashid Mall. 

Jubail: Coastal Industrial City

Jubail is one of the most beautiful cities, with classical architecture and stunning lanes for evening walks, and is waiting to be explored. Jubail is a rapidly growing city that has emerged from the desert sand. Over the years, it has experienced significant development due to the surge of industrialization in the region, making it a major contributor to Saudi Arabia's economy by contributing around 7% of the total GDP. Jubail is perfectly connected to other cities through major highways. Jubail Highway and Abu Hadriyah Highway are the two major highways connecting Jubail to various cities. 

The city was once home to the ancient Dilmun civilization. The industrial city, strategically located on the Arabian Gulf, was established in 1975. 

What To Do in the Easter Region

Eastern Province offers various recreational activities to its explorers. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or shopping freak, Eastern Province has something for everyone. Visit Heritage Village to get a peek into Saudi Civilization, both past and present. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and creativity of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. 

Final Note

Discovering Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia is an adventure that leads to exploring many hidden gems in the Eastern Province. Whether you are in search of a tranquil beach or cultural enrichment, this vibrant region has it all. Plan your spiritual journey ahead by booking Umrah Packages 2024 and immersing yourself in spiritual experiences while exploring the eastern region. Every site in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is worth visiting. The province provides a diverse and exciting cultural experience for every visitor. The beautiful Eastern Province offers everything from awestruck street art to museums that offer insights into the past of Saudi Arabia.