Ad Dammam is the capital city of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest cities in the country. It serves as a major administrative, commercial, and industrial hub. The city is located on the Arabian Gulf and is known for its strategic economic importance due to its proximity to major oil and gas facilities.

Dammam is part of a metropolitan area that includes Dhahran and Al Khobar, forming a major economic centre in the Gulf region. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, with King Abdulaziz Port being one of the largest in the region. The port plays a key role in trade and industrial activities, supporting Saudi Arabia’s oil industry and other commercial operations.

The city is also home to King Fahd International Airport, which is one of the largest airports in the world by area. It connects Dammam to major cities globally and is a crucial transport hub for business and tourism.

Dammam has several educational institutions, including Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, which offers higher education in various fields. The city has a growing healthcare sector, with hospitals and medical facilities serving the region.

The climate in Dammam is arid, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Economic activities in the city are dominated by oil and gas, manufacturing, and trade. Industrial areas such as the Second Industrial City and Jubail Industrial City, located nearby, contribute to the region’s economic development.

Dammam also has commercial centres, markets, and shopping malls, making it a key area for business and retail. The city continues to grow with ongoing infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives, playing a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s economic progress.

• Geographical Location: Ad-Dammam is situated east of Riyadh, approximately 400 km away, at coordinates 26°26N latitude and 50°07E longitude.
• Area: The city covers an area of approximately 933.6 square kilometres.
• Population: As of 2025, Ad-Dammam's population is estimated at 1,376,000 residents.
• King Fahd International Airport: Opened in 1999, this airport is one of the largest globally by land area, covering about 780 square kilometres.
• King Abdul Aziz Seaport: Serving as a major seaport on the Arabian Gulf, it features 43 fully serviced and equipped berths, with an annual handling capacity of up to 105 million tonnes of goods and containers.
• Economic Significance: Ad-Dammam is a central hub for the oil and gas industry, with numerous administrative offices and industrial complexes. The city also hosts various manufacturing and commercial enterprises, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia's economy.
• Educational Institutions: The city is home to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
• Climate: Ad-Dammam experiences an arid climate, characterized by extremely hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, and mild winters with occasional rainfall.
• Transportation Infrastructure: The city boasts a well-developed transportation network, including highways connecting it to other major cities and regions. Public transport services are also available, facilitating intra-city travel.
• Urban Development: Recent years have seen significant urban development projects in Ad-Dammam, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, residential areas, and public amenities to accommodate the growing population and economic activities.
• Cultural and Recreational Facilities: The city offers various cultural centres, parks, and recreational facilities, providing residents and visitors with diverse leisure and cultural experiences.
• Healthcare Services: Ad-Dammam has a robust healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics equipped to provide comprehensive medical services to the community.
• Strategic Importance: Due to its strategic location in the Arabian Gulf and its role in the oil industry, Ad-Dammam plays a vital role in both regional and international trade and commerce.

Ad-Dammam serves as the administrative capital of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The city is governed by the Eastern Province Municipality, which oversees urban planning, infrastructure, and public services.

As of February 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is led by Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who assumed the role of Prime Minister in September 2022.

The Eastern Province, with Ad-Dammam as its capital, is governed by Prince Saud bin Nayef, who has held the position since 2013. The deputy governor is Prince Ahmed bin Fahd.

This governance structure reflects the administrative organization of Saudi Arabia, where regional leadership is appointed to oversee the development and management of the provinces, ensuring alignment with national policies and objectives.

Ad-Dammam is a major economic centre in Saudi Arabia, primarily driven by the oil and gas sector. It is home to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, which oversees petroleum and natural gas production in the region. The majority of the city’s workforce is employed in the oil industry, making it the backbone of Ad-Dammam’s economy.

The city has a well-developed industrial sector, with industrial cities such as the Dammam Second Industrial City and the nearby Jubail Industrial City. These zones accommodate petrochemical, manufacturing, and construction industries. The presence of several multinational companies has strengthened Ad-Dammam’s role in industrial and commercial activities.

King Abdul Aziz Port, one of the largest seaports on the Arabian Gulf, facilitates trade and commerce by handling imports and exports. The port plays a key role in transporting oil, industrial equipment, and consumer goods. Additionally, King Fahd International Airport supports economic growth by improving regional and international connectivity.

The service sector, including banking, retail, and real estate, has been expanding alongside industrial activities. The city hosts several shopping malls, business centres, and financial institutions, contributing to the overall economic growth. Infrastructure projects, such as road expansions and urban development, further support the city’s economic progress.

Ad-Dammam’s economy also benefits from the government’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the country’s revenue sources beyond oil. Investments in renewable energy, logistics, and tourism are expected to create more opportunities in the coming years.

Ad-Dammam has a well-developed infrastructure that supports its role as a major economic and industrial hub in Saudi Arabia. The city has an extensive network of roads, ports, airports, and utilities that facilitate trade, business, and daily life.

The road network in Ad-Dammam is well-planned, connecting it to major cities such as Riyadh, Al-Khobar, and Jubail. The Dammam-Riyadh Highway is one of the most important routes, enabling efficient transport of goods and people. The city also has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and taxis, and is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing railway expansion projects.

King Abdul Aziz Port is one of the largest seaports on the Arabian Gulf and serves as a critical gateway for imports and exports. It has modern cargo handling facilities and plays a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s oil and industrial sectors. The port helps in the transportation of petroleum products, raw materials, and consumer goods.

King Fahd International Airport is located in Ad-Dammam and is one of the world’s largest airports by land area. It connects the city to domestic and international destinations, supporting trade, tourism, and business travel. The airport has modern passenger terminals, cargo facilities, and logistics services.

The city also has an advanced utilities network, including electricity, water, and telecommunication services. Power supply is managed by the Saudi Electricity Company, while the National Water Company ensures water distribution. The expansion of digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet and 5G networks, supports business and communication needs.