Dammam metropolitan, Saudi Arabia
Dammam, a major city in Saudi Arabia, is a vital economic, industrial and cultural hub on the Arabian Gulf. The oil and gas industry is the dominant economic force in Dammam. As the country’s main maritime gateway, Dammam holds a significant position in international trade, attracting a large number of investors and tourists.
The Sustainable Development Strategy for Dammam aims for comprehensive sustainability in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The plan focuses on enhancing quality of life, environmental protection, and resource sustainability, and promoting sustainable development opportunities for all.
The main objectives involve: infrastructure construction, public transport enhancement, green space development, urban humanization, environmental management, and urban and rural economic and social development.
Specific actions already planned include improving water resources and sanitation infrastructure, developing stormwater discharge networks, optimizing transport networks and promoting public transport projects. A series of indicators are set in the strategy, such as public bus counts, bike lane length, urban park development, waste recycling rates, and local industry influence, the number of cultural and social initiatives and housing units for orphans and underprivileged families.
Through the Public Green Spaces Development Program (2016-2023), Dammam is committed to expanding and improving public green space through development and renovation of old parks and creation of new parks and recreational areas, to improve community environment and the quality of life of its residents, thus promoting the physical and mental health and well-being of its residents, as well as boosting the city's appeal for residents and tourists.
The Sustainable Infrastructure Development for Water, Sewage, Stormwater, and Transportation (2018-2023) was developed to create a sustainable treatment system for water, sewage, stormwater and transportation, and an advanced and healthy urban environment for the residents.
Dammam aims to transition from an economy relying on oil exports to a diversified and sustainable economy based on innovation, technology and knowledge.
It is committed to enhancing urban security and resilience to address natural challenges and other risks. Dammam empowers its inhabitants and ensures that all strata of society are included.
Dammam attaches great importance to the protection of environment and natural resources, and focuses on comprehensive waste recycling management, converting waste into valuable resources by implementing comprehensive municipal waste disposal solutions, recycling recyclable materials and converting non-biodegradable waste into energy.
With a Long-term Development Strategy, Dammam has adopted a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to address the challenges of climate change and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the protection, management and effective use of resources, such as enhancing the use of clean renewable energy, the protection and management of water resources, and expanding the stormwater discharge system to reduce floods. Consistent with the vision of the SDGs and the New City Agenda (NUA), it advocates responsible consumption and production.
Adhering to the “people-first” principle, Dammam focuses on the well-being and inclusiveness of residents. The city works with the private sector and individuals to increase green space and plant trees to promote public health and improve the quality of life of its residents.
Dammam works with private entities and governments such as Saudi Aramco to establish strong funding and investment mechanisms to support sustainable projects and seize investment opportunities in the circular economy.
Dammam has focused on investments in sustainable projects and institutional capacity building, such as the Crisis and Disaster Management Center, highlighting its commitment to resilience.
