Top national parks in Saudi Arabia

1. Al Kharrarah National Park – Lake of liquid light

Situated on the outskirts of Riyadh, Al Kharrarah National Park is a beautiful desert valley featuring sweeping sand dunes and craggy rock formations. It is home to the gorgeous Lake Kharrarah, nestled amidst majestic red-hued hills. The lake is also referred to as the ‘Lake of Liquid Light’. In addition to offering breathtaking views of the expanding valley, this remarkable national park in Saudi Arabia provides tourists with an opportunity to engage in various exciting and fun activities. One of the park’s major highlights is the rocky Tuwaiq escarpment, which is also popularly known as ‘The Edge of the World’.

Top activities: Dune bashing, sandboarding, quad bike riding, dune buggy riding, kite flying, camping under stars near the bonfire

Location: Al-Muzahmiya, Riyadh Province

Timings: Open 24 hours, every day

2. Asir National Park – Expanding marine and terrestrial areas

Known for being the first national park in Saudi Arabia, Asir National Park is sprawled across a huge area of 1600 square miles. The park was established in 1981 and extends all the way from the Red Sea coast to the Asir mountains. It features terrestrial and marine areas and is home to rolling foothills, far-reaching plains, deep canyons, and majestic mountain peaks. The park serves as a delight for nature lovers and houses more than 300 species of animals and birds. Boasting some of the country’s most unspoiled and tranquil wilderness, it is also renowned for being home to the Jebel Soudah, the country’s highest mountain.

Top activities: Camping, bird watching, picnics, cable car rides, and hiking

Notable facilities: It features 67 camping sites and offers jeep safaris to help visitors explore all of its attractions.

Location: Abha, Asir Province

Timings: Open 24 hours, every day

3. Saiysad National Park – Beautiful Waterfall and ancient dam

Located in the northeastern region of the city of Taif, Saiysad National Park features rolling valleys, lush greenery, tall mountains, and dense tree cover. The beautiful national park has a serene atmosphere. Serving as one of the country’s most important nature reserves, it is home to a stunning waterfall, hot water springs, and a famous archaeological dam.

Top activities: Picnics, bathing in hot water springs, nature photography, and camping

Notable facilities: This Saudi Arabian park is home to a play area featuring numerous swings and slides, making it very popular amongst kids. It also has football courts, where kids and adults can play together for a great time.

Location: Taif, Makkah Province

Timings: Open 24 hours, every day

Entry fee: Free

4. Al Ahsa National Park – Sprawling wilderness

In close proximity to the majestic Qarah Mountain, Al Ahsa National Park in Saudi Arabia was originally established to prevent desert sands from being blown into the Umran city. Over the years, it has transformed into a lush green national park that serves as an ideal destination for a family outing. It features large green spaces and is an excellent spot for those who love to spend time amidst nature and wilderness.

Top activities: Picnics, strolling along the walking trails, swimming, horse riding, and motorcycle riding

Notable facilities: Al Ahsa National Park has numerous playgrounds, swimming pools, and recreational areas, making it an incredible place for kids and adults.

Location: Al Umran, Eastern Province

Timings: Open from 6 am to 6 pm, every day

Entry fee: SR 50 for every visitor over the age of 12

Top nature parks in Saudi Arabia

5. Salam Park – With bird watching spots

Salam Park is a widely popular Saudi Arabian park spread across a massive area of 25 hectares in Riyadh. It has gained immense fame owing to its scenic beauty and remarkable natural features, welcoming thousands of tourists all year round. Lined with numerous attractions, expansive green spaces, pristine sports fields, thick groves, well-built walkways, and long jogging tracks, it houses a gorgeous lake and magnificent fountain that add to its beauty.

Top attractions and activities: Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque, Al-Musmak Fortress, Qasr Al-Hukm Palace, the illuminated fountain, nature reserves, pony riding, bird watching, picnics, boating, and jogging

Notable facilities: Some of the park’s major facilities include eight free playgrounds equipped with various electric games, train tours, car parking, baby pushchairs, wheelchairs, a mosque, prayer areas, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and 13 kiosks and food stalls.

Location: Salam Street, Salam, Riyadh

Timings: The park opens at 1 pm and closes at midnight from Monday to Saturday and remains closed every Sunday

Entry fee: SR 5.25 for all visitors over the age of 3 and free entry for children below 3 years and those with special needs

6. Ar Ruddaf Park – Lake with dancing fountain

Situated in the vibrant city of Taif, the park is known for its lush green landscapes, prime location, and massive size. The remarkable family park has a stunning lake featuring a synchronized fountain. It is popular for organizing spectacular flower festivals during the spring season, displaying thousands of colorful flowers.

Top attractions and activities: Lake featuring a synchronized fountain with fabulous light shows, picnic spots, kid’s playgrounds equipped with swings, an open gym, two football fields, and a volleyball court

Notable facilities: Some of the major facilities maintained by the park include food stalls with benches nearby, a fresh fruit market, a big on-site mosque, and cart services.

Location: Abu Talib, Al Ruddaf, Taif

Timings: Remain open between 4 pm, and 1 am from Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays

Must Read: Ar Ruddaf Park, Taif: A Beautiful Family Park With Lake And Fountain

7. King Fahd Park – A stunning swan lake

King Fahd Park is renowned for being the largest park in Saudi Arabia. Sprawled across a huge 100 hectares, it is widely popular for its magical scenic beauty. The Saudi Arabian park is a delight for all nature lovers, featuring neatly manicured lawns, shrubs lining the promenade, stunning man-made lakes and lagoons, and gorgeous little waterfalls. It is home to numerous scenic walkways that wrap around the lush green hills and house a dancing fountain. Also, the park reflects the richness of the city’s fauna with hundreds of species of plants, trees, and bushes.

Top attractions and activities: The dancing water fountain, bird watching area, amusement park with 25 different adventure rides, swan lake, jogging tracks, walking trails, and nurseries for plants

Notable facilities: A pedestrian bridge, fast food restaurant, events center, VIP building, shaded seating areas, and benches dotting the walkways

Location: Al Shifa, Dammam

Timings: Open 24 hours, every day

Entry fee: SR 10 for all individuals over the age of 12, SR 5 for children between the ages of 3 and 12, and free entry for children under the age of 3 and those with special needs

8. Al Salam Park – Roller coaster and pony rides

Listed amongst the most popular tourist places in Abha, Al Salam Park has vibrant gardens, colorful flowers, and huge greenhouses. It features numerous traditional amusement rides like roller coasters, carnival games, and slides, making it a particular favorite amongst children. Also, it has a beautiful huge pond offering a serene environment to the entire place.

Top attractions and activities: Roller coasters, carnival games, play areas, boat rides, picnics, walking tours, pony rides, a pond, and a mini zoo

Notable facilities: Restaurants, snack corners, cafes, benches, shaded seating areas, a shopping area, and electric play areas

Location: Al Muruj, Abha

Timings: Open from 4 pm to 1 am, Thursday to Saturday, from 4 pm to 12:45 am on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, and from 1:30 pm to 12:45 am on Tuesdays

Entry fee: SR 5 per person for those over the age of 5 and free entry for children below the age of 5

Top amusement parks in Saudi Arabia

9. Al Hokair Land – Oldest amusement park

Al Hokair Land was opened to the public back in 1987, ranking it among the oldest amusement parks in the kingdom. The park is lined with numerous fun-filled rides. It offers a myriad range of exciting activities for people from all age groups. The park has everything from exciting roller coasters and incredible water slides to amazing video games and food stalls. It has a massive entrance created to resemble a beautiful Arabian castle.

Top attractions: The rollercoaster ride, cancan ride, mini Ferris wheel, video game center, Eiffel Tower replica, and bumping cars.

Notable facilities: Al Hokair Land is home to several food kiosks selling items like burgers, french fries, and cold drinks. It also has various restaurants for a comfortable dining experience.

Location: Eastern Ring Road, Al Hamra, Riyadh

Timings: Open from 4 pm to midnight, every day

Entry fee: SR 90 per person

Must Read: Al Hokair Land: A Wonderful Family Theme Park In Riyadh

10. Al Shallal Theme Park – Ice skating rink

Counted amongst the most popular and frequently visited amusement parks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al Shallal Theme Park has a lively ambiance. The joyful atmosphere draws adults and kids alike to this place. Known for being the largest theme park in Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East region, it is an excellent place to explore with family for a memorable day out. The park features thrilling roller coaster rides, exciting water slides, and other rides.

Top attractions: The skating ice rink, Amazon Forest, bungee jumping, carousel, zero-gravity, and magic carpet rides

Notable facilities: Souvenir kiosks, three on-site restaurants. Also, an enormous amphitheater with a capacity of accommodating up to 16,000 people for large events

Location: Jeddah Corniche, Ash Shati, Jeddah

Timings: Open from 5:30 pm to 2:30 am, every day

Entry fee: SR 75 per person

Saudi Arabia provides access to many incredible parks, offering tourists plenty of opportunities to create memories for a lifetime. One should not miss out on visiting as many of these Saudi Arabian parks on their trip to Saudi Arabia.

Parks In Saudi Arabia FAQs

The post 10 Beautiful Parks In Saudi Arabia For A Splendid Outing appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.

About Dammam City

Dammam is the sixth most populous city in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is home to the primary administrative center of the Saudi oil industry. The city was a fishing settlement and later developed into an urban and modern marvel after the discovery of oil. Most of the area around the city is an arid desert. The Khobar governorate surrounds the city in the southeast and the Persian Gulf in the northeast. With sprawling suburbs, the economy of Dammam gets large support from dairy farming and other modes of agriculture. The city also has some of the best tourist attractions of Saudi Arabia. People from around the world visit the city to see and experience these breathtaking tourist destinations.

Best time to visit Dammam: The port city has a pleasant climate during the onset of the winter season. Therefore, October, November, March and April are the best months to plan a visit to Dammam when the average maximum temperature is around 24°C (approx.) and minimum temperature around 19°C (approx.)

Ideal trip duration: Dammam is among the largest and most advanced cities in Saudi Arabia. It is home to a number of tourist attractions, therefore the ideal duration for a trip to Dammam is 3 to 4 days.

How to reach Dammam: It is efficiently connected with other cities and countries via regular flights catering to King Fahd International Airport. Further, as it is among the top cities in Saudi Arabia, it has an excellent network of public and private conveyance.

Heritage places to visit in Dammam

1. Al Felwah and Al Jowharah Museum

Travelers looking to get acquainted with Saudi Arabia’s culture should definitely visit Al Jowharah Museum. It exhibits a 500-year-old copy of the holy Quran and showcases more than 500,000 specimens of historical artifacts, vintage cars, antique gramophones, carpets and more. The museum also preserves some private possessions of King Abdulaziz, the first monarch of the kingdom.

Address: 8061 8, Al Nuzha, Dammam
Operating days & timings: Opens for public only on Mondays, from 6 pm to 10 pm
Entry fee: SAR 50/ person

2. King Fahd Park

Stretching over 100 hectares, King Fahd Park is one of the renowned places to go in Dammam. The park is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts due to more than 100 species of plants, bushes and trees. The lanes are surrounded with lush greenery allowing tourists to unwind themselves and spend quality time with family and friends. It also has a tourist lake and several shaded seating areas with concrete canopies.

Location: Al Basatin, Dammam

3. Heritage Village Restaurant and Museum

Travelers interested in discovering the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, must visit the heritage village. The village features antique items, artifacts and manuscripts that introduce one to the past civilization of the Kingdom. It also has an on-site restaurant where visitors can relish Saudi cuisine and satiate hunger pangs.

Location: King Abdullah Park
Address: Corniche Walk Way, Ash Shati Al Gharbi
Open: 24 hours

4. Marjan/Murjan Island

Bounded by the mesmerizing beauty of the landscape, the island is one of the foremost places to explore in Dammam. The road from the city leading to the island is surrounded by water on both sides providing an unforgettable experience. Tourists can choose to book a ferry to reach this man-made island. It is a perfect spot for a picnic and features numerous playgrounds for kids.

Location: Cornish Rd, Al-Hamraa, Dammam
How to reach Marjan Island: There are boat ferries available from the Corniche. Another option is to take a cab or private car and take the road route.
What to do at Murjan Island: Fishing, boat trips, zoo-visits

Fun places to visit in Dammam

5. Cobra Entertainment City

Tourists traveling with kids or adventure enthusiasts should make the most out of Cobra Entertainment City. With thrilling roller-coaster rides, the theme park is suitable for spending a fun day in the city. There are many rides but the highlight of the park is the roller coaster named Cobra. The Cobra Roller costs SAR 20/person.

Address: Al Basatin, Dammam
Phone Number: +966 50 130 8121
Timings: 4 pm to 11 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday | 4 pm to 12 am on Mondays
Entry Fee: SAR 150 (redeemable value SAR 100) | Rides for adults, SAR 15 | Rides for kids, SAR 10

6. Adventure World

Adventure world is an indoor theme park featuring  numerous fun rides and activities for adults as well as children. Therefore, tourists often come here to relax and experience the adrenaline rush. Tourists can also enjoy the local cuisine at several nearby restaurants.

Address: Muhammed Ibn Saud, Dammam
Phone: +966 50 586 0736
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 4 pm – 12 am

7. Tick Tock Escape Rooms

The place hosts theme rooms where the captivators are given 60 minutes to solve puzzles and escape happily. The prices lie in the range of SAR 125 to SAR 165 per person. The place is best to discover the hidden Sherlocks within.

Address: Khaleej Rd, Al Jawharah, Suite 202, Thuraya Commercial Center 2 2494, Dammam
Phone: 966 54 777 3877
Timings: Monday to Wednesday, 5 pm – 10 pm | Thursday, 5pm – 11:30pm | Friday 4pm – 12am | Saturday 3:30 – 10pm | Sunday Closed

8. Al Othaim Mall

Al Othaim Mall is one of the best places to visit in Dammam for shopping. In fact, the Othaim chain is quite a name among malls in Saudi Arabia. Othaim Dammam features most of the famous brands worldwide to offer a premium shopping experience to the tourists and locals. The mall also has a food court with quaint coffee shops and fine restaurants. For complete entertainment, there is Saffori Land entertainment park as well.

Address: Near Khan Al Saboun, Abdullah Fuad, Dammam 32236
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm, Saturday to Thursday | 1 pm – 12 am on Fridays

9. Water Island

For People traveling with kids, the park features various fun water rides. The park has changing themes to keep the ambiance of the place fresh. It also offers various eateries for people to remain filled while enjoying the theme park rides.

Address: Al Buhayrah, Dammam
Phone: +966 50 217 5217
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 4 pm – 9:30 pm

10. Mahara Carting Park

This is yet another place that adventure enthusiasts can visit and make their trip memorable. The park’s professional staff helps the tourists to elevate their karting experience. The tracks are safe with no bumps to enhance the overall race quality. The price for 10 laps is only SAR 83.

Address: Go-kart track in Dammam
Phone: +966 59 012 1290
Timing: Monday to Sunday, 5 pm – 12 am

Dammam has gorgeous landscapes and adventure destinations in Saudi Arabia. Featuring modern stay options, the city also has ample restaurants serving authentic Saudi and international cuisines. The city is well-connected via roadways and airways. Intercity travel is also sorted and one can easily reach all of the above-mentioned places to visit in Dammam via cab or a private car.

Places To Visit In Dammam FAQs

The post Top 10 Places To Visit In Dammam: From Heritage Village To Adventure World appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.

The Best Things To Do In Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Dammam offers a wonderful culmination of history and large-scale modern development, allowing visitors to indulge in the best of both worlds. Check out the rundown of fun things to do in Dammam:

1. Visit Marjan Island

Marjan Island is an artificial archipelago made from four coral-shaped islands with hotels, resorts, and beaches. Marjan Island is a charming site for a picnic or family getaway, and thus attracts worldwide visitors. When visiting this island, tourists can go fishing, sunbathing, boating, or play on the pristine beaches. Indulging in a bonfire & barbecue night with family is also a great way to spend time on Marjan Island.

2. Buy souvenirs from Share Al-Hob Souk

Filled with the hustle and bustle, Share Al-Hob Souk, also known as “Love Market”, is the heart of Dammam. Its outer streets are dotted with jewelry stores where you can barter for gold. Most of the souk’s activity takes place down a central street. The market is flooded with heady scents of spices, perfumes, and kiosks selling everything from carpets and furniture to ceramics, incense, and fabrics. Share Al-Hob Souk’s streets come alive after dusk with street performers, live-sketch artists, and musicians, creating an infectious ambiance.

3. Explore Heritage Village Museum

Tourists can get a glimpse of the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia at the Heritage Village. Exploring this place is one of the popular outdoor activities in Dammam. The 5 stories fortress-like structure offers travelers a sneak-peek into the past and present of the Saudi Arabian civilization. It houses some fascinating antiques of the past, including ancient weapons, jewelry, old photos, manuscripts, and numerous other priceless items. Heritage Village also has a restaurant that serves traditional Saudi food along with other cuisines.

4. Unwind at the King Fahd Park

King Fahd Park spans in 100 hectares offering everything from wide natural spaces to thrilling rides. Over 25 rides are available at the amusement park, including the most popular attraction – Cobra Ride. With three islands covered with palm trees and spaces to sit, Swan Lake can be found on the park’s eastern side. A plant nursery comprising shaded bushes and nurseries for plant growth is located in the park’s northeastern section. The park has various artificial lagoons, pools, artificial lakes, waterfalls and fountains. It is also home to over a hundred different tree, shrub, and plant species.

5. Watch the Dolphin Show at Dolphin Village

The sea lion and the dolphin at the dolphin show are trained to execute amazing tricks making it a terrific attraction for both the young and elderly. Spectators can take photographs with the dolphin after the show. The Dolphin Village also includes several sophisticated electric entertainment and water activities. A unique horror cave and an informative wildlife and aquarium museum are also part of the Dolphin Village.

6. Take a tour of the Dammam Regional Museum

Located on the SeaFront, Dammam Regional Museum takes visitors on a journey through the rich archaeological history of the Dammam region. It has remnants from prehistoric times. One can find archaeology professionals all over the museum explaining and guiding through the exhibits.

7. Relax at the Half Moon Beach

Half Moon Beach is a long, gorgeous crescent-shaped beach popular among the locals and international travelers. One can relax on the immaculate white sand, swim in the gulf, sunbathe on the vast beachfront, or ride a beach buggy across the dunes. Plus, there are lounging places and showers in the style of a cabana. The water at Half Moon Beach is clean, shallow, and tranquil throughout the area. The beach experiences low-lying waves, which are perfectly suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.

8. Spend an evening at the Dammam Corniche

With its stunning promenade and a lovely park, relaxing at Dammam Corniche is unquestionably one of the ideal outdoor activities in Dammam. It is heavenly to feel the cold sea wind brushing against the face while standing on the Corniche promenade. Tourists can also enjoy an evening stroll or watch the seagulls dive into the Persian Gulf’s azure seas. The Corniche is ideal for spending quality time in Dammam, with bustling cafes, carnival rides, and a relaxed environment.

Whether you’re traveling to this Saudi Arabian city for business or leisure, Dammam offers an ideal combination of adrenaline-pumping sports, long days at the beach, great cuisine, and bustling souks.

Things To Do In Dammam FAQs

The post 8 Things To Do In Dammam To Make Memories For A Lifetime appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.