Dammam’s Global City Tourism Project Launched to Drive Economic Diversification

A major new tourism and entertainment development in Dammam is set to play a key role in diversifying the economy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, according to Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province.

Prince Saud officially inaugurated the Global City project on Monday, describing it as a strategic initiative to enhance tourism, entertainment, and cultural offerings in the region. The launch ceremony was attended by Eastern Province Secretary Fahad Al-Jubair, along with officials, business leaders, and investors from Thailand, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During an inspection tour of the site, Prince Saud reviewed the project’s facilities and emphasized that Global City will help attract local, regional, and international investors, while creating new opportunities for economic growth beyond traditional sectors.

Fahad Al-Jubair echoed these remarks, noting that Global City aligns with modern urban development strategies and reflects the Kingdom’s goal of greater private sector participation in high-quality tourism and lifestyle projects.

A Large-Scale, Multi-Phase Development-

Global City spans more than 650,000 square meters, with the first phase covering around 250,000 square meters. To date, 15 international pavilions representing countries from the Gulf, Asia, Europe, and Africa have been completed, bringing the total number of participating countries to 16.

At the heart of the project is a 200,000-square-meter artificial lake, featuring a floating restaurant and designed as a central hub for tourism activities and entertainment events.

The development also includes an open-air theater with seating for 7,000 people, expandable to 10,000, as well as an amusement park spanning more than 15,000 square meters. Restaurants, cafés, retail markets, and pedestrian walkways further enhance the visitor experience.

Attractions and Future Expansion-

The first phase focuses on entertainment and festival zones, featuring 16 international pavilions and 11 restaurants serving Arabic, Asian, and international cuisines. Themed areas such as Chinatown, Indian Gully, and a central food street add cultural diversity, alongside carnival rides, arcade games, live shows, a petting zoo, and a Garden of Lights.

The second phase will introduce additional pavilions, stunt performance areas, new restaurants, and a water park with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers designed for visitors of all ages.

According to SPA, the third phase will include the development of a modern residential neighborhood, supporting the project’s long-term sustainability and creating a fully integrated destination.

Strong Visitor Expectations-

Once fully completed, Global City is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors per day, reinforcing Dammam’s position as a growing tourism and entertainment hub and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 objectives for economic diversification and quality of life enhancement.