In a swift move reflecting concern for the safety of visitors and the quality of entertainment services, the management of the "Global City" in Dammam reacted immediately to the logistical observations noted by Al-Youm newspaper and circulated by social media users, announcing a package of urgent organizational measures aimed at addressing the challenges of overcrowding and entry mechanisms.
Context of the event and the Eastern Province's tourism standing
These developments come at a time when the Eastern Province is witnessing unprecedented tourism and entertainment activity, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the entertainment sector and quality of life. The "Global City" in Dammam is one of the modern destinations the region is relying on to attract visitors from within the Kingdom and neighboring Gulf countries, which explains the overwhelming public turnout that exceeded initial expectations and placed significant pressure on the surrounding infrastructure during the first few days of operation.
Field response and solutions for pedestrians and traffic
In response to the field report that revealed the dangers pedestrians face crossing highways to reach the event, the official spokesperson for Global City, Talal Al-Dahi, confirmed the commencement of implementing comprehensive solutions in cooperation with the Eastern Province Municipality. These solutions include creating safe pedestrian crossings to connect external parking areas and neighboring districts to the entrance gates, as well as studying the feasibility of constructing pedestrian bridges to ensure the safety of families and children and prevent a recurrence of the haphazard crossings captured on camera.
To alleviate the traffic congestion that plagued residents of neighboring districts, the administration announced the immediate opening of Gate 2, with Gate 3 soon to open, creating multiple entry and exit routes that will reduce pressure on the main entrance. Shuttle bus routes from Dammam and Khobar have also been activated as a sustainable solution to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
The debate over tickets and digital transformation has been settled
Regarding the controversy surrounding tickets, the management clarified the situation, emphasizing its full commitment to its digital transformation strategy. They explained that tickets are sold exclusively through the WeBook platform, with no physical ticket outlets on-site. Al-Dahi noted that limiting operational capacity and releasing tickets gradually is a strategic decision aimed at preventing overcrowding within the city, which could negatively impact public safety and the overall experience.
The administration also denied the rumors circulating about ticket prices (such as the 15 riyal rumor), calling on the public to obtain information only from official sources.
Future outlook
The administration concluded by affirming that the current opening phase is a flexible start that allows for monitoring and addressing feedback as it arises, stressing that the ultimate goal is to consolidate the position of “Global City” as a leading entertainment destination, offering a safe and enjoyable experience befitting visitors to the Eastern Province.
