[2025 Dhahran Attraction] Travel Guide for Ithra Library (Updated Apr)

I was traveling in Saudi Arabia some time ago, and because I had to cross the border to Bahrain, I chose to start from Dammam. I discovered that compared to Riyadh, which is filled with yellow sand, Dammam, the pearl city of the Persian Gulf, is really not too chill. Who said Daman isn’t fun? It’s obviously quite interesting! ▫️ 👉Dammam is the largest port city on the Persian Gulf and the third largest city in Saudi Arabia. Because it is close to the Gulf, compared to the drought in Riyadh, Dammam has a humid climate, and its natural scenery has changed from a continuous desert to a beautiful seaside. 👉From Riyadh to Dammam, you can choose to drive yourself or take a train. We took the train. The bus to Dammam is at Riyadh Dammam Railway Station SAR. There are a total of 2 train stations in Riyadh. Don’t go to the wrong place! 👉Daman and Bahrain are only separated by a cross-sea bridge, and the climate is more similar. November to February is usually the most suitable season for travel, and it is relatively cooler. ▫️ 1️⃣Ithra Library: Aramco’s gift to the Saudi King. It looks like a special-shaped building in the dunes and looks very cool. The building itself is a library. It’s very big and easy to walk around and take pictures of. There are restaurants, cafes, and cinemas. If you come to visit, don’t forget to take away a refrigerator magnet inspired by Ithra. I feel like this is somewhere else. What you can’t buy is more special. 2️⃣Corniche Seaside Park: The sea here in Dammam is very blue, and the Persian Gulf is truly well-deserved. In addition, because it is close to the equator, the sun looks very big. Watching the sunset on the beach will feel romantic and shocking. 3️⃣Heritage Village Folk Village: Originally, I thought this folk village was a bit worth it (because it requires admission, so it’s not cheap), but if you want to dine inside, it feels pretty good. It reminds me of a restaurant in Muscat, Oman, which is also very local style and full of exotic flavor. The entire folk village has restaurants on the 1st to 3rd floors, and a museum on the 4th floor. If you want to see the sea view, you can also sit in its rooftop cafe. ▫️ 🍽️Restaurant: 1️⃣Shajarat Al-durr: This kebab restaurant serves Egyptian cuisine. I found that when I traveled to the Middle East, almost all of my favorite restaurants had Egyptian cuisine. Its roast chicken and roast beef are both delicious, especially the roast chicken, which can be said to be tender and juicy. The per capita price is 50 to 70 SAR, and you can also enjoy the sea view, which is actually quite cost-effective. 2️⃣Masmakat Al Fareej: This restaurant is located far away from the seaside of Dammam, but the environment is very good and the seafood platter tastes very good. You can add rice and spices according to your needs.

1. Dammam is the largest port city on the Persian Gulf and the third largest city in Saudi Arabia. Because it is close to the bay, compared to the aridity of Riyadh, Dammam has a more humid climate, and the natural scenery changes from continuous deserts to beautiful coastlines. 2. To get to Dammam from Riyadh, you can choose to charter a car or take the train. The train to Dammam departs from Riyadh Dammam Railway Station SAR. There are two train stations in Riyadh, so don't go to the wrong place! 3. Dammam and Bahrain are separated by only one cross-sea bridge, and the climates are also more similar. Usually, November to February each year is the most suitable season for travel, as it will be relatively cooler. 4. Ithra Library: A gift from Aramco to the King of Saudi Arabia, it looks like an alien building in the dunes, and the exterior is very cool. The building itself is a library, which is very large, fun to visit, and great for taking photos. There are restaurants, cafes, and cinemas. If you come to visit, don't forget to take an Ithra-inspired fridge magnet as a souvenir. I don't think you can buy this anywhere else; it's quite special. 5. Corniche Waterfront Park: The sea here in Dammam is very blue; the Persian Gulf really lives up to its name. In addition, because it is close to the equator, the sun looks particularly large. Watching the sunset by the sea is both romantic and stunning. The scenery is also very good. Walking by the sea is exceptionally pleasant.

Located in Dammam, the third largest city in Saudi Arabia, the Ithra Cultural Center is the most famous landmark in the area. From a distance, it looks like a building made of several huge cobblestones, costing three billion dollars. Inside, it combines a library, a museum, and an energy exhibition hall. Parking at the cultural center is free, and the guides inside are also free. The staff are very enthusiastic and happy to explain things to you. Only the museum requires a fee. Going inside to escape the heat in the hot weather is a good choice, and the interior architectural design is also very photogenic.

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