Dammam Airport, Saudi Arabia

Though it is possibly third or fourth in relative importance in the Persian Gulf region, Saudi Arabia's Ad Dammam is one place (though often ignored by travelers among such high flyers as the UAE's Abu Dhabi and Doha, Qatar) that persistently manages to surprise skeptics of the idea that the most important (allegedly) nation in the Middle East can make room for amusements or anything that can be passed off as a tourist attraction. Ad Dammam's reception as the nation's chief port does not come out of sheer luck or recent good fortunes, however. Instead, one only need look at the city's position in a regional context and the image becomes ever so clear. Closer to just about every major Islamic state than the nation's west-coast cities (Red Sea), Ad Dammam looks to expand its reach in trade and commerce, if only for the sake of besting its neighbors. What does this for the ordinary traveler looking to trek a Persian Gulf port city? For one: diversity. Known to be one of the most strictly Islamic states in the region, rarely do the rules get bent in any significant ways. However, in Ad Dammam, boatloads (pardon the play on words) of foreign influences are bound to alter the public's perceptions, and therefore the civic knowledge base seems far more tolerant than elsewhere in the country. Add to this fairly decent seasons (climatically speaking) - something this Arabian peninsula greatly lacks - and Ad Dammam grows that much more enticing. If you're in no mood to navigate through a compact grid of more than one million residents, save the energy and cease any further reading. If, on the other hand, the exploration of wholesale markets, friendly peoples and fascinatingly uniform architecture sound appealing, book a flight to Ad Damman today.

When to go

Summers in any area of the Middle East are hosts to astronomical temperatures, leaving many discouraged travelers from settting foot in the region. The Persian Gulf is more welcoming in spring and autumn, and though winters are not quite frigid in any part of Saudi Arabia, rain does fall on a fairly frequent basis. Street markets and sights are open year-round, with the exceptions of restaurant closings during daylight in December and Muslim-only entry at mosques.

Getting there and around

Ad Dammam is frequented by a far greater percentage of floating vessels than airborne contraptions, however with increased traffic come an increased number of flights in today's world. Dammam Airport serves locals as well as residents roughly 50-100 westerly miles away. Similar to many industrial Arabian cities, commuters utilize sidewalks far more than public or private transportation vehicles. If the burdening sun is getting you agitated or you're looking to travel somewhat of a long distance by road, you can most definitely find a bus headed to the destination in mind, however, taxis happen to be more prevalent and are cheap; by taking this more private method, you'll be free of a chance encounter with a pickpocket as well.

Attractions

Never desolate, but never too crowded, King Fahd Park is where all of the city's ethnicities merge. There is always something happening here, whether it is an impromptu musical performance or a public official speaking to the masses, and it acts as an ideal center from which to set out for notable sites.