What's on in Dammam
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Business events in Dammam
Dammam anchors Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the heart of the kingdom's oil, gas and petrochemical industry, and its business events follow that economy. The calendar is dominated by industrial trade shows: energy and petrochemicals, manufacturing and machinery, construction and interior design, electrical and power equipment, and the supply chains that serve Saudi Aramco and the Jubail industrial city. The largest gatherings, including Aramco's iktva Forum and Exhibition on local content, take place at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center, known as Dhahran Expo, which sits within the Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran metropolitan area. Smaller conferences use hotel venues such as the Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre. Exhibitions cluster in the cooler months from late autumn to early spring, with a quieter summer. King Fahd International Airport serves the region, the King Fahd Causeway links it by road to Bahrain, and many visitors stay in Al Khobar, a short drive from the exhibition grounds.
Last updated
14–17 Dec · DammamReal Estate & Construction
Frequently asked questions about events in Dammam
- Where are trade shows held in Dammam?
- Most large exhibitions in the Dammam area take place at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center (Dhahran Expo), the Eastern Province's main purpose-built exhibition ground. Smaller conferences, seminars and awards use hotel venues such as the Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre and the hotels along the Al Khobar corniche. Check each listing for the exact hall.
- Which industries do Dammam's events focus on?
- Energy and heavy industry. Expect oil and gas, petrochemicals, plastics and packaging, machinery and tools, electrical and power equipment, construction and interior design, and industrial safety. Many shows target suppliers to Saudi Aramco, SABIC and the Jubail and Ras Al Khair industrial cities, and local content and supply chain localisation are recurring themes.
- How do I get to Dhahran Expo?
- Fly into King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which is roughly an hour by car from the exhibition grounds depending on traffic. Most visitors stay in Al Khobar or Dammam and use taxis or ride-hailing apps. Travellers from Bahrain can drive across the King Fahd Causeway, but allow extra time for border formalities at busy times.
- Do I need a visa to attend a trade show in Saudi Arabia?
- Citizens of GCC countries need no visa. Visitors from many other countries can get the Saudi tourist eVisa online or on arrival, and it covers attending conferences and exhibitions, though not working at them. Exhibitors and speakers usually apply for a business visit visa with an invitation from the organizer or a Saudi company. Eligibility and fees change, so check the official KSA Visa platform before you book flights.
Guides to Dammam
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The 2026–27 business event calendar for Dammam, Al Khobar and Jubail: energy and industrial shows, venues, and travel from Riyadh or Bahrain.
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