There are lots of things to do in Saudi Arabia, Dhahran, from thrilling coasters at the Loopagoon Water Park to learning about oil drilling techniques at the Energy Exhibit. We promise that you will never be dissatisfied with the top attractions here! The Saudi Aramco-built King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is a symbol of transformation and a gateway to Dhahran tourism in the city.

The Powerful Tourism at Dhahran

Dhahran is a part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area, which is situated in the Saudi Arabian Emirate of the Eastern Province together with the neighboring cities of Dammam and Khobar. For the past 80 years, it has served as the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company in the world with the greatest quantity of oil reserves.

Dhahran is a wonderful tourist destination and a hub of top attractions in Saudi Arabia, even though it may not be as popular as other Saudi Arabian towns. It features a range of happy things that lure tourists from within and outside of Saudi Arabia, enhancing the country's tourism industry.

The Best Time to Visit Dhahran

The winter season is the most enjoyable and comfortable time of the year to visit. In general, Dhahran experiences long, hot, muggy summers that are desert-like; windy, dry, chilly winters; and normally clear weather all year long.

The best time of year to visit Dhahran is from mid-October to mid-February. During this season, Dhahran has temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C. So, keep in mind the right time to visit the city to enjoy all the best things to do in Saudi Arabia, Dhahran.

The Location of Dhahran

Dhahran is a popular and significant city in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. It is a part of the Dammam Metropolitan Area, which also includes Dammam and Khobar. Dhahran is only 34 kilometers from the Dammam city core and is encircled by the Persian Gulf on its eastern side.

Cabs make it simple to visit the majority of tourist attractions in the city. Intercity travel is also favorably regarded with taxis. The nearest airport for travelers arriving from a distance or another country is King Fahd International Airport, which is a real relief to many people.

Options for lodging are numerous and varied, with budget-friendly and luxury facilities. You can choose from all budgets, from modest lodging to expansive resorts, but you will never be dissatisfied!

All-Time Fun Things to Do in Dhahran

  1. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture

    The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is a gateway to Dhahran tourism as well as a sign of transformation and is recognized as one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. The facility was created by Saudi Aramco Oil Company to promote cultural development in Saudi Arabia.

    Some of the facilities at this location that provide exciting and novel experiences include the Knowledge Tower, Ithra Theater, Energy Exhibit, Idea Lab, Ithra Museum, The Great Hall, Cinema, Archives, Library, and Children's Museum - the best-ever experience and things to do in Saudi Arabia, Dhahran, King Abdulaziz Center.

    The library in Dhahran is a major educational facility, with more than 2 lakh books. On the other side, the archival facilities and museum link the vibrant cultural activities of the center to the past and to the basic tenets of the civilization it emerged from. The center was ranked among the top 100 locations in the world to visit by Time magazine, and it was a great recognition. As a result, in 2019, the city recorded one million visitors.

  2. Loopagoon Water Park

    Loopagoon Water Park is known as the first women's water park, one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia, which is situated on Dana Bay. It has 11 different cutting-edge slides, coasters, and attractions, as well as a selection of dining and retail options for visitors.

    Riders on the 14-meter-wide Tornado experience zero gravity as they almost fall to the ground. For those who enjoy speed, the ride is superb and one of the best and most interesting things to do in Saudi Arabia.

    The 10-meter-wide FlowRider is a continuously flowing sheet of water at Loopagoon Water Park that permits thrilling bodyboarding. Tall, elegant walls enclose the area, guaranteeing complete seclusion for female visitors. In addition, the architecture, nature, and wonderful Mediterranean themes at Loopagoon Water Park all help to provide tourists with a very immersive experience.

    So, you shouldn’t miss the best and top attractions in Saudi Arabia, which are in Dhahran. Loopagoon Water Park admission is free for children under the age of three, SAR 125 ($33.32) for children aged four to twelve, and SAR 230 ($61.31) for children aged thirteen and up.

  3. Mall of Dhahran

    The shopping Mall of Dhahran has only one floor, but a pack of infinite entertainment and excitement with a recognition of one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia malls. More than 400 retail shops with both domestic and international names can be found in the Dhahran Mall.

    Over 60 cafes and restaurants are up for business, ready to serve your favorite pastries, burgers, cold drinks, pizza, and soda to coffee. In addition, the mall offers a wide range of entertainment options, which are among the best things to do in Saudi Arabia, including Sparky's and Billy Beez. Children must visit Billy Beez, one of the biggest indoor playgrounds in Saudi Arabia.

    Sparky's is the ideal family-friendly recreation area, where visitors may take advantage of a huge soft play area, arcade games, superb rides, an indoor ice rink, and much more. Overall, the Mall of Dhahran is a great place to spend time with friends and family while exploring fantastic entertainment, delectable dining, and upscale shopping. The Dhahran Mall is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

  4. Movie Time at Dhahran Mall

    The opulent international retailers and entertainment venues of the Mall of Dhahran are not their only claim to fame. The Dhahran Mall cinema has in its franchise the Muvi Cinema chain, which features 13 theaters that screen films from around the globe. A total of 2,300 people can be accommodated in the halls.

    The movie theaters at Dhahran Mall include Dolby Cinemas, Samsung Onyx, Screen X, and Muvi Suites, each of which offers a distinctive time. These halls are outfitted with modern technology and sound systems to elevate the experience to new heights. Visitors can also purchase snacks at the concession stand close to the halls during the breaks in the movies.

  5. Energy Exhibit

    The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture complex has a fascinating center in the Energy Exhibit, one of the top attractions in Saudi Arabia. In order to learn about the world of petroleum, its technology, energy, and science, the exhibit offers a hands-on, fascinating, and memorable experience. The 25,000-square-foot exhibit depicts Saudi Aramco's endeavors, from exploration and drilling to production to refining and transportation.

    Visitors are taken on an interesting and educational journey by the show. They are taught how to gather renewable energy sources and natural resources. The exhibit's three main attractions are a 3D theater, workshops, and interactive exhibitions. The goal of the display is to spark young people's interest in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

  6. Chilling Moment

    A great fine-dining moment with an amazing and unique context and relaxing music in the background is a great gift from Chillin' Moment, to make your tour days an unforgettable one in Saudi Arabia. It is the most popular restaurant in Dhahran and a tiny hidden gem for visitors and people already living there, with a mouthwatering food menu.

    Some of the restaurant's most popular dishes are the Chilling Pasta, Tarragon Chicken, Mozzarella Sticks, Chilling Steak, Balsamic Quinoa Salad, Tiramisu, Cheesy Mushroom, and Pepper Chicken. We promise that a trip to Dhahran and a visit to the Chillin' Moment will never dissatisfy you, one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia, Dhahran city.

    Let’s plan a weekend here to refresh your busy life with family and friends. This spot offers the ideal fusion of science exhibits, excitement and entertainment, cultural exhibits, and great cuisine. Plan a trip to Dhahran based on your tour package, and it will be one you never forget.

Things to Remember in Dhahran

  1. King Fahd International Airport, which is located in Dhahran, is the most popular in Saudi Arabia. It has three terminals and two 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) long runways. King Fahd International Airport is mostly served by well-known airlines, including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa.

  2. Men and women must both follow specific clothing codes when in public places in Dhahran. Men are not allowed to wear shorts or sleeveless attire but are expected to wear headscarves and abayas.

  3. Top dining spots include Marrakesh Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse, Al-Sanbok Seafood Restaurant, Brasa, Applebee Dhahran, and SteakHouse.

  4. While there are few options for public transportation, taxi services are becoming more and more convenient for people because they are both reasonably priced and widely accessible.

  5. The Dammam Metropolitan Area added the triplet cities of Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam.