Dammam

This Gulf port lies on the East Coast beside Bahrain. It currently handles cargo only, but is intended to become a passenger facility for Red Sea cruises.

Saudi Arabia has introduced an eVisa for cruise passengers departing from the country or arriving at one of its ports, at about 130 Euro.

Saudi Arabia recently introduced an eVisa for sea passengers: a “transit visa 96 hours” beginning at around 25$ with the lowest mandatory Insurance. It can be requested through

Alcohol and drugs are completely forbidden in the country, where Sharia, or Islamic law, is strictly enforced. Bars open and alcohol is served in restaurants once the ship is 12 nautical miles from the Saudi coastline.

Carry a doctor's prescription for any medication. Men and women should dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees and avoiding tight clothing or clothes bearing profane language or images. Female tourists no longer need to cover their heads while out and about, but must do so in places of worship.

Walking hand in hand or making any public displays of affection is not done.

Homosexual or extra-marital sexual relations, including adultery, are illegal and may attract severe penalties; being transgender is also illegal. Transgender people visiting Saudi Arabia may face major difficulties and risks if authorities discover this. MSC Cruises is deciding its approach but has confirmed that gay cruisers are not banned from entering the Kingdom and sailing.

Do not link an iPhone to a Bluetooth speaker and play it in a public place.

Sharia law bars public observance of religions other than Islam, so check your jewellery. Jewish visitors may enter the Kingdom, but not with an Israeli passport or a stamp from a visit to Israel.

Photographing or filming without permission is prohibited.

• Dammam Corniche is a green strip facing the gulf. On good-weather days it is pleasant to picnic on the green grass. During summers, fish stink usually fills the entire Corniche strip and the humidity remains very high.
• Al Morjan island is a small artificial island with a monument at its centre, located as an extension of the Corniche. It is a good location for an afternoon walk, although that naturally depends on the weather.
• Flagpole: see the kingdom's tallest flagpole and photograph the 60-meter structure, although the flag's presence cannot always be guaranteed.
• Tarout Castle is a historic Portugese fort built between 1515-1520 CE, though its base dates back at least another 2000 years.

Public transport is limited. Taxis and "dubbabs" dominate and are usually used by lower-scale foreign workers. SR.2 is the standard fare from anywhere to anywhere, so hiring a car is the best deal. City taxi trips cost 10–20SR, while taxi travel between Al-khobar and Dammam is usually 25-30SR each way.

• Tarout Castle is a historic Portugese fort built between 1515-1520 CE; its base is at least another 2000 years old. It is about 30 km from port.

Shopping mall hours are Saturday to Tuesday from 10:00 AM until 12:00 AM, and Wednesday & Thursday from 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM.

Saudi Arabia's currency: Saudi riyal (SAR)

Saudi Arabia's official language is Arabic, but English is widely understood.

Internet is available in malls and cafes.