Dammam history

The history of Dammam is a vivid example of a rapid transformation from a small fishing village into a modern metropolis. Although archaeological findings indicate that this area was inhabited thousands of years ago, the modern city is relatively young. Its history is inextricably linked with key events that defined the development of all of Saudi Arabia.

Foundation and First Mentions

In the early 20th century, a modest settlement existed on the site of modern Dammam. Around 1923, the Dawasir tribe settled here with the permission of King Ibn Saud. The life of the first settlers was focused around traditional trades characteristic of the Arabian Gulf coast.

Key Factors of Formation

The turning point in the city's history was the discovery of oil. In March 1938, a fountain of oil gushed from the well known as "Dammam No. 7," forever changing the fate of the region. This event served as a catalyst for rapid growth and development, turning Dammam into the administrative hub of the country's oil industry. Key factors included:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the coast of the Arabian Gulf made the city an ideal place for building a major seaport for exporting oil and importing goods.
• Oil Industry: The city became an operational center for Saudi Aramco (formerly Aramco), which attracted colossal investments and a workforce.
• Infrastructure Development: Oil revenues allowed for the construction of a modern city with a developed road network, residential neighborhoods, and industrial facilities in a short period.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the oil boom, Dammam's economy was quite simple and based on two main pillars: fishing and pearl diving. These traditional occupations provided a livelihood for the local population. The culture was closely tied to the sea and the traditions of the tribes inhabiting the coast. With the advent of the oil era, the city became a melting pot of cultures, attracting migrant workers from various Asian countries and the Arab world, which significantly changed its social and cultural landscape.

Key Dates in the History of Dammam

• 1923 — The Al-Dawasir tribe, with permission from King Ibn Saud, establishes a settlement on the site of the modern city, which was initially a small fishing village.
• 1935 — American geologists begin drilling the first exploratory well, known as "Dammam No. 1," in search of oil.
• 1938 — On March 4, oil gushed from the "Dammam No. 7" well, becoming a turning point in the history of not only the city but all of Saudi Arabia.
• 1939 — The export of the first batch of crude oil took place, marking the beginning of the region's transformation into a major global oil production center.
• 1951 — The first railway line connecting the port of Dammam with the capital, Riyadh, was officially opened for transporting cargo and passengers.
• 1961 — Significant modernization and expansion of the seaport was carried out, which would later be named King Abdulaziz Port, to meet growing export and import volumes.
• 1981 — A new, more modern passenger railway line was launched between Dammam and Riyadh, improving transport connectivity in the country.
• 1986 — On November 25, the grand opening of the King Fahd Causeway took place — a monumental structure connecting Saudi Arabia with Bahrain.
• 1999 — King Fahd International Airport opened for commercial flights, becoming one of the largest in the world by land area.

Major Milestones in Dammam's Development

The transformation of Dammam from a modest settlement into a thriving metropolis is a story of rapid change driven by the discovery of oil and strategic planning. Below are the key stages that defined the modern look of the city.

• Discovery of Oil (1938): The discovery of commercial oil reserves in the "Dammam No. 7" well was a turning point that turned a small fishing village into the epicenter of Saudi Arabia's oil industry. This moment marked the beginning of unprecedented economic and demographic growth.
• Creation of King Abdulaziz Port: The construction of a deep-water port was necessary for exporting oil and importing equipment. Its opening in 1961 turned Dammam into the main maritime gateway on the Arabian Gulf and one of the largest ports in the region, acting as a catalyst for trade and industry.
• Formation of the Urban Agglomeration: Rapid growth led to Dammam merging with neighboring cities — the commercial center of Al Khobar and the Saudi Aramco headquarters in Dhahran. This created a powerful metropolitan area known as the Dammam Metropolitan Area, which became a unified economic and social entity.
• Construction of King Fahd Causeway (1986): The erection of the 25-kilometer bridge connecting Saudi Arabia with Bahrain became a landmark infrastructure achievement. The bridge significantly strengthened economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries, making Dammam an important transit hub.
• Opening of King Fahd International Airport (1999): The emergence of one of the world's largest airports by area cemented Dammam's status as an international transport hub. The airport plays a key role in serving passenger and cargo flows in the Eastern Province, promoting business and tourism development.
• Development of Industrial Zones: To diversify the economy beyond oil extraction, major industrial cities (First and Second Industrial Cities) were created. Hundreds of factories producing various products — from construction materials to consumer goods — are located there, strengthening the region's industrial potential.
• Cultural and Social Development: The opening of facilities such as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran symbolizes the transition to a new stage of development. This futuristic complex has become a center of attraction for art, science, and education, demonstrating the region's commitment to investing in human capital and the creative economy.

From Functionalism to Futurism: The Architectural Look of Dammam

The architecture of Dammam is a visual history of its rapid transformation from a fishing village into a modern metropolis. Unlike ancient cities, you will not find Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque styles here. Its appearance was formed in the 20th and 21st centuries under the influence of the oil boom, global architectural trends, and strategic urban planning.

Era of Rapid Growth: Modernism and Functionality (1940s – 1980s)

After the discovery of oil in 1938, rapid development of the city began. Most of modern Dammam was built after the 1940s. During this period, architecture was primarily utilitarian and functional in nature. The main task was the rapid construction of housing for workers, administrative buildings, and port and industrial infrastructure. Urban development followed a grid layout with wide streets designed for automotive traffic. Buildings from this period are mostly simple concrete structures reflecting the spirit of modernism, where function prevailed over form.

• Style: Early modernism, functionalism.
• Characteristic Features: Simple geometric shapes, lack of excessive decoration, focus on practicality and speed of construction.
• Urban Planning: Formation of basic infrastructure — the port, roads, and the first residential neighborhoods.

Period of Prosperity: Postmodernism and First Skyscrapers (1990s – 2000s)

With rising prosperity, the city's architecture became more ambitious. The first high-rise buildings made of glass and steel, hotels, and large shopping centers appeared. During this period, architects began to experiment with forms, combining modern materials with elements referencing Islamic culture — geometric patterns and arched motifs in a new interpretation. Landmark projects of this era included the development of the Corniche promenade and the construction of King Fahd International Airport, one of the largest in the world by area.

• Style: Postmodernism, international style.
• Landmark Objects: Buildings along the Dammam Corniche, the first office towers, major shopping and entertainment complexes.

Modern Era: Futurism and Landmark Projects (2010s to present)

Today, the architectural landscape of Dammam and its agglomeration is defined by bold futuristic projects that serve as symbols of innovation and cultural development. The brightest example is the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in neighboring Dhahran. Designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, this building resembles a group of time-smoothed stones in its form and is the architectural jewel of the region. Active urban development continues, such as the Adel District project, designed for 50,000 residents, featuring modern infrastructure and green zones. These projects demonstrate the transition from purely functional development to creating a unique, comfortable, and aesthetically expressive urban environment.

• Style: High-tech, deconstructivism, parametric architecture.
• Key Buildings: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).
• Trends: Sustainable "green" construction, creation of multifunctional public spaces and cultural clusters.

Key Figures in the History and Development of Dammam

Although Dammam is a city with a relatively recent history of rapid growth, it is associated with the names of people who played a decisive role in its transformation from a fishing village into a modern metropolis. These personalities represent different eras and fields of activity — from politics and industry to sports.

King Abdulaziz ibn Saud (1875–1953)

Role: Founder and first King of Saudi Arabia.

Significance: It was he who, in 1923, permitted the Al-Dawasir tribe to settle on the site of future Dammam. His farsighted decision to grant American companies a concession for oil exploration in 1933 led to the discovery that forever changed the fate of the city and the entire country.

Max Steineke (1898–1952)

Role: American geologist.

Significance: The chief geologist of the California-Arabian Standard Oil Co. (future Saudi Aramco). Despite numerous setbacks, he insisted on continuing drilling at the "Dammam No. 7" well, where oil was discovered in commercial quantities in 1938. His persistence and professionalism are considered a key factor in the discovery of Saudi Arabia's oil wealth.

Khamis ibn Rimtan (approx. 1900–1959)

Role: Guide and tracker from a Bedouin tribe.

Significance: A legendary guide whose deep knowledge of the desert was invaluable to American geologists, including Max Steineke. He helped them navigate harsh conditions and locate drilling sites. Khamis became a symbol of cooperation and local contribution to the great oil discovery, and his name was immortalized by Aramco.

Ali Al-Naimi (born 1935)

Role: Statesman, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

Significance: His career is the embodiment of the "Saudi Dream." Starting work at Aramco at age 12 in Dhahran (part of the Dammam metropolitan area), he rose to become the first Saudi president of the company (1983) and then led the Ministry of Petroleum for over 20 years. He was one of the most influential figures in the global energy market, and his story is inextricably linked to the development of the Dammam region.

Yasser Al-Qahtani (born 1982)

Role: Footballer, striker.

Significance: One of Saudi Arabia's most famous footballers, born in the Dammam metropolitan area (in the city of Al Khobar). In 2007, he was named Asian Footballer of the Year. His success made him an idol for the youth of the Eastern Province and the entire country.