Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz on Monday inaugurated Global City, a new tourism and entertainment project in Dammam aimed at supporting economic diversification.
Prince Saud said the project will strengthen tourism activity in the region and attract local, regional and international investment. The opening was attended by Eastern Province Secretary Fahad Al-Jubair, officials and investors from Thailand.
Global City covers more than 650,000 square metres, with the first phase occupying about 250,000 square metres. The development includes 15 international pavilions representing countries from the Gulf, Asia, Europe and Africa, bringing the total number of participating countries to 16.
The project features a central artificial lake spanning around 200,000 square metres with a floating restaurant, as well as an open-air theatre with capacity for 7,000 people, expandable to 10,000. It also includes an amusement park, restaurants, cafes, markets and pedestrian walkways.
The first phase focuses on entertainment and festivals, with 16 international pavilions, 11 restaurants and themed areas such as Chinatown and Indian Gully. Attractions include carnival rides, arcade games, live performances, a petting zoo and a Garden of Lights.
A second phase will add new pavilions, stunt areas, restaurants and a water park with slides, wave pools and lazy rivers. The third phase will include a residential neighbourhood to support the project’s long-term sustainability.Global City is expected to attract up to 25,000 visitors a day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.