Is Ad Dammam Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Safety Index:
67
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
40
* Rated 40 / 100 based on 1 user reviews.

Ad Dammam is the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Here located the judicial and administrative bodies of the province, plus several government departments.

Ad Dammam is the largest city in the Eastern Province and the sixth-largest in Saudi.

Beautiful sightseeing travelers could see are: Dammam Corniche is basically a green park facing the gulf; Al Morjan island is a small artificial island with a monument in the center, it is located as an extension to the Corniche; Flagpole – is the tallest flagpole in the kingdom.

Here you can take a picture next to the 60-meter-high flagpole.

Warnings & Dangers in Ad Dammam

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Ad Dammam is mainly safe but you should respect local rules. Disrespecting their moral codes will be followed by severe punishments.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is not good enough. Taxis and "dubbabs" dominate the market, and are usually used by the lower scale foreign workers.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are especially active during pilgrimages and in touristic places. Avoid wear on yourself too much jewelry and keep your money in a hidden place, not easily accessible by pickpockets.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Sandstorms and thunderstorms are very common here. You also should be aware of high temperatures in the summer months. It is a strong recommendation to have a bottle of water with you every time.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Usually, robbery and kidnapping are not common in the region, however, on the outskirts of the city and especially if you are a woman you need to be careful.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

This region not very safe of terrorism due to the proximity of ISIL/Daesh. Terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in Ad Dammam. Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There is practically no fraud, but be careful with credit cards at ATM, there is a slight chance of scam.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling to Ad Dammam should be very cautioned, wear an abaya at all times or very modest clothes, that is cover all the body. Not recommended being alone in most places.

So... How Safe Is Ad Dammam Really?

Saudi Arabia was one of the most closed countries for foreigners in the world.

Until recently.

Now the country opens for travelers.

But you should know:
Many of the Saudis in Ad Dammam do not like foreigners, especially Westerners.

So, in order to avoid conflict, present yourself in a good way.

If you rent a car and drive here – always be respectful of other drivers.

You should also be aware of what you talk about around locals.

There are many taboo issues, so do not talk about liquor, drugs, or sex, even to fellow tourists.

Also, do not talk about your wives or daughters.

Women are not viewed highly in the culture, so, you shouldn’t talk about women here.

And, of course, try to avoid engaging in political conversations, religious conversations, or any criticism of the Saudi culture.

Always try to be diplomatic about what you discuss.

It is dangerous to be critical of Saudi Arabia, especially when talking to locals in Ad Dammam.

Ad Dammam is a very strict city in a very strict country.

But you can still enjoy your time in Ad Dammam if you are polite and do not violate the cultural rules.

How Does Ad Dammam Compare?

CitySafety Index
Ad Dammam67
Riyadh52
Mecca51
Jeddah68
Manama (Bahrain)54
Tianjin (China)67
Brussels (Belgium)60
Shanghai (China)66
Belize City (Belize)37
La Paz (Bolivia)52

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

On September 27, 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced an e-visa program, allowing people from 49 countries to visit, by applying for a visa ahead of their trip or on arrival. Single entry visa allows a full month stay, while multiple-entry visas allow staying for up to three months. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

Currency

The Saudi riyal is the currency of Saudi Arabia. It is abbreviated SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal). It is subdivided into 100 halalas.

Weather

Weather

The best times to visit Saudi Arabia for ideal weather are from mid-November till April. In Ad Dammam, The average temperatures vary drastically. The weather feels hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a very low chance of precipitation throughout the year.

Airports

Airports

King Fahd International Airport is an airport in Ad Dammam, located 20 km from the city. The airport is the third major hub for Saudia.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Ad Dammam Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 16° C
Feb 17° C
Mar 21° C
Apr 26° C
May 32° C
Jun 35° C
Jul 37° C
Aug 36° C
Sep 33° C
Oct 29° C
Nov 23° C
Dec 18° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
212327333942444341362923
Low
°C
101115192427292825221712
High
°F
70738191102108111109106978473
Low
°F
505259667581848277726354

Saudi Arabia - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Ad Dammam67
Jeddah68
Mecca51
Riyadh52

Where to Next?

1 Review on Ad Dammam

  1. Can't recommend it

    Where there are aspects I love about Dammam, having gone twice now I can’t recommend going here unless you are native to the area or have family that lives here. As an outsider, I didn’t feel comfortable for most of my trip. I guess this is to be expected in certain areas of the world. I stuck out like a sore thumb which did not help.

Ad Dammam Rated 2 / 5 based on 1 user reviews.

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