In a swift response reflecting its commitment to visitor safety and the quality of the tourism experience, the management of Dammam International City announced a package of immediate organizational and logistical measures. This move came in response to a field report published by Al-Youm newspaper, which highlighted some of the challenges encountered during the launch of the events, specifically regarding traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and the ticketing process.
Context of the event and the Eastern Province's tourism standing
These events come at a time when the Eastern Province is witnessing unprecedented entertainment and tourism activity, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to improve the quality of life and diversify entertainment options for citizens and residents. The "Global City" is one of the ambitious projects that aims to place Dammam on the regional tourism map, making its operational success a top priority for the relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of its appeal as a tourist destination and enhance the region's cultural image.
Urgent solutions to the pedestrian and parking crisis
In response to concerns regarding the safety of families and children crossing surrounding roads, Talal Al-Dahi, the official spokesperson for Global City, confirmed that these concerns were being addressed immediately. The measures included direct coordination with the Eastern Province Municipality to create safe pedestrian crossings connecting the external parking areas to the entrance gates, as well as studying the feasibility of constructing pedestrian bridges to ensure safe passage away from the fast-moving traffic, thus preventing any risks that might arise from haphazard crossing.
Regarding traffic congestion, the administration announced the activation of Gate 2 to alleviate pressure, with Gate 3 expected to open within the next few days. This will create multiple entry and exit routes to ensure smooth traffic flow. Furthermore, the shuttle bus system has been enhanced with dedicated buses to transport visitors from Dammam and Khobar, reducing reliance on private vehicles and easing the burden on parking areas, which have been expanded in cooperation with nearby shopping centers.
The debate over tickets and digital transformation has been settled
Regarding the controversy surrounding tickets, the administration clarified that relying solely on digital booking via the "WeBook" platform is a strategic choice aimed at regulating crowd flow and preventing congestion at the gates, categorically denying the existence of any on-site ticket outlets. They emphasized that limiting operational capacity is not a shortcoming, but rather a deliberate measure to ensure visitor safety and provide a comfortable experience, free from overcrowding that could compromise public safety standards. The rumors circulating about ticket prices (15 riyals) were also refuted, with the administration stressing the importance of obtaining information only from official sources.
