Sun, sea and sand in Sharqiya

Year after year, many Saudi families leave the country for Eid holidays looking for a fun vacation away from home. However, one needs to look no further than the country’s Eastern Province for some of the most spectacular beach retreats, historical landmarks, and contemporary shopping destinations. And if you live in Al-Sharqiya, then all you need to do is pack your picnic baskets and head to one of these exquisite locales on a weekend to enjoy an exciting day out with your family and friends.

Marjan Island
Coral Island Beach or Marjan Island located off the shores of Dammam is a great place to unwind at. White sand, green meadows and a cool breeze welcome you away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
A 15-minute boat ride from the corniche and Dammam City Center takes you to this secluded island.
It is a perfect spot for a picnic, offering a 360 degree view of the sea.
The man-made island is popular for a couple of things, namely, fishing, its lighthouse, boating and the Dolphin Village.
Do not go in expecting a deep sea fishing experience, although there is enough game in the waters to thrill any fishing enthusiast. And if you are lucky, you would emerge with a big catch that you can grill for your dinner.
The illuminated Corniche views and the sparkling lights of the city in the evening make for spectacular sights, which can especially be enjoyed from the island’s lighthouse, called the Fanar Tower. The climb up the lighthouse is totally enjoyable. It is windy at the top and makes for an excellent spot for photography. Once on the ground, there is plenty to do there too. There are private huts made for families who prefer having a quiet time. You can de-stress gazing at the sea while enjoying the cool breeze or watch the kids play with sand. Another attraction is the boat trip, with sea ferries going to and fro between the island and the corniche. There’s also a restaurant for those who would like to dine onboard.
Game for a selfie with dolphins? The island’s amusement park, the Dolphin Village, is located near the entrance and houses a small zoo with monkeys, ostriches, rabbits, in addition to sea lions, dolphins and a modest aquarium. The theme park offers daily dolphin and sea lion shows, exciting rides for children of all ages and much more. The entry fee is SR10 per person and it is SR30 for the 30-minute dolphin show. There’s an additional cost for taking selfies with the dolphins.

Jubail
At a little over an hour’s drive from Alkhobar/Dammam, this city is swarmed by a plethora of gorgeous beaches, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and offering a relaxed ambiance.
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Jubail’s beaches boast unspoiled blue waters, powdery white sands, vast green spaces, various children’s activities, mosques, cafes and restaurants, and an overall chilled holiday feel. So, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway and still don’t have a destination in mind, odds are you’ll find something you like in Jubail.
The picturesque beaches are frequented by a large number of visitors and tourists all year round, especially once the summers cool down.
What’s more, the absence of strong sea currents makes the beaches suitable for swimming and other water sports such as, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing and fishing. All of the beaches and parks are well-maintained, equipped with lifeguards and patrols along the shores, making the beaches safe for swimming, and to monitor any irregularities, respectively.
Apart from its gorgeous beaches, Jubail is also known for its gardens and parks, where you can spend quality time with your family and friends.
Fanateer Beach has something for everyone. It is one of the most prominent beaches of Jubail, located in the Hijaz district. The beach can best be explored on foot.
One of the recent additions to the city, Fanateer is also the hub of all leisure activities in Jubail. Various water skiing, fishing, boating and other water sports competitions in addition to seasonal festivals are held here.
Nakheel Beach’s pristine waters and its unspoiled shorelines are like no other. The calm and clean water makes it a dream beach for swimmers. Located on Road 6, Jubail Industrial City, Nakheel beach is also an excellent spot for your afternoon siesta and barbecue.
Also located on Road 6, Palm Beach is another attractive site. The lush greenery, sparkling white sand, endless sun and the sea make this place standout from the rest. There is plenty of sand for building castles too. It is equipped with clean toilets, changing rooms and other necessary services. Darren Beach is an ideal spot for families looking for a fun and relaxing time by the seaside.
Darren is famous for its sunsets and the children’s playing area, which makes it especially popular among families in the city and outside. The best times to visit are evenings, to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset as well as to avoid the sweltering heat.

Al-Ahsa
“Nights of Al-Ahsa and Days of Istanbul” is a famous saying denoting the wonderful weather of Al-Ahsa, especially its winter nights, when the temperature drops to 10 C.
Located about 150 km from Dammam, Al-Hassa is an oasis blessed with extensive greenery, interspersed with rich springs.
Al-Ahsa is a wonderfully diverse place to visit. A tourist may choose from a whole list of unusual places where greenery, water and a lot of fun can be found. One of its must visit places, the Jawatha Mosque is the first mosque, following the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Mosque in Madinah, where Friday group prayers were offered behind the Prophet (PBUH). Located in a park, the landmark explains the importance of Al-Ahsa and the great role it played during the first Islamic era. Today, the ruins stand testimony to the long Islamic age in the region. A number of other mosques such as the Jabri Mosque, Al-Jama Mosque and Bin Abi Jomhour Mosque also throw light on the birth and spread of Islam in the region and the approach of its people toward faith since antiquity.
Al-Ogair is one of the most important coastal sites in the region. Its pristine nature, immaculate surroundings and its clear waters make it one of the most beautiful coasts of Saudi Arabia.
A number of different historical places are worth visiting in Al-Ogair, such as the Customs Building, Port Dock, the Castle, Emirate Palace and the old mosque. The Al-Ogair coast has shallow sandy beaches, diversity of geographical features and a large number of warheads and islands – an ideal concoction for a great fishing and diving experience.
Along with palm trees and natural water springs, Al-Ahsa is also known for its mountains, the most famous ones being Gara, Sho’ba, Boraiqa, Abu Dalasis and Abu Husais. The Gara Mountain is one of the most enthralling tourist destinations in Al-Ahsa. It is about 12 km to the East of Hofuf and lies in the middle of a green oasis. The structure’s beautifully layered sedimentary rock formation is clearly visible to the naked eye and natural rock formations like these are any photographer’s delight.
At the famous Al-Ahsa Museum, located in Hofuf, on display are many antique pieces, collector coins and historic documents. A visitor can learn about the regional heritage through traditional and documentary shows.
Al-Hukair Luna Park, Toy Town, and Sindbad City in Mubarraz and Saffori Land in Al-Othaim Mall in Hofuf offer fascinating rides for both children and adults.

Half Moon Beach
It is the Eastern Province’s most popular site for scuba divers, swimmers and beach-goers.
This white sand beach offering jet skis, fishing, sailing, water skiing, swimming and sun bathing is an ideal retreat for visitors. The name “Half Moon” comes from the bay’s semi-circular shape. One look at the beach and you know that great care is taken by the local authorities to maintain it and keeping it clean. One of its attractions is an artificial reef constructed off the shore for divers to explore. There is little if any coral growth, and the vehicles are covered in barnacles, but it remains an interesting dive.
It is located about 5 km south of the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Amusement Park in an open coast area. This location sports a growing number of fish species and many small shells. Every Friday there are groups of divers that explore it. The waters here boast plentiful marine life. For parents of small children, the amusement park is an excellent way to keep their little ones entertained while they indulge in some recreation activities themselves. There are plenty of activities and water sports that can be enjoyed at Half Moon beach. From walking along the shore to surfing, diving and boating, visitors simply love spending time here. Occasional sightings of dolphins and wild ducks have been reported at the beach.

Ras Tanurah
At about 66 km from Dammam, a 44 min ride via Dhahran Jubail Expy takes you to Ras Tanurah, the city by the beach. It is one of the most spectacular beach getaways in the country. A weekend trip to Ras Tanurah can be both refreshing and relaxing. There are plenty of water fountains, benches for seating and playground facilities for children. Showers located on the beach at various points to spray off the ocean water and sand are helpful for swimmers. Picnic tables are equipped with a grill and garbage cans. You can grill your dinner by the sea or eat at nearby restaurants. Later, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach. A wonderful place to enjoy the water, sun and sand!