Coral Island is the English name locals often use for Al Marjan Island (“marjan” means coral in Arabic), a small man-made island park off the Dammam Corniche in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. This guide looks at it as a family evening out: when to go, what to bring and how to combine it with the rest of the Dammam waterfront.
For the island’s background and landmarks, see our Marjan Island guide.
Not to be confused with Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE).
Plan your visit to Coral Island
- Entry: free
- Best late afternoon and evening, October to April
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
History of Coral Island
Despite some claims online, Coral Island is not a new Vision 2030 project: it opened in 1991 as part of the Dammam Corniche development. It sits at the end of the Corniche’s southern breakwater, is roughly 300 metres across and has about 53,000 square metres of green space around a 30-metre spiral tower.
The name comes from its coral-like shape and the Arabic word for coral, not from coral reefs; it is a city park rather than a diving destination.
Attractions at Coral Island
- Open lawns: plenty of room for kids to run around and for family picnics.
- Seating areas: semi-circular seating spots facing the sea.
- Spiral tower: the island’s landmark, a good meeting point.
- Breakwater walkway: the long pedestrian path out to the island along the Corniche.
Things to Do at Coral Island
- Family picnic: arrive in the late afternoon with a picnic blanket, food and drinks.
- Walk out along the breakwater: a pleasant stroll with views back to the city.
- Watch the sunset: then stay as the Corniche lights come on.
- Make a waterfront evening of it: continue to cafés and restaurants on the Dammam Corniche afterwards.
Coral Island – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: free; no tickets needed.
- Hours: a public park with no published opening hours; it is busiest in the evenings and on weekend evenings (Thursday to Saturday).
- What to bring: water, snacks or a picnic, a blanket.
- Best season: October to April; summer evenings stay hot and humid.
How Long to Spend at Coral Island
- Typical visit: 1–2 hours, or an entire evening with a picnic.
How to Get There
- By car or ride-hailing: drive along the Dammam Corniche to the southern breakwater and over the bridge to the island car park (around 350 spaces, which fill up on weekend evenings). Uber and Careem work in Dammam.
- On foot: walk out along the breakwater path from the Corniche.
- From Al Khobar: a short drive north along the coast.
- From the airport: King Fahd International Airport (DMM); allow roughly 45 minutes or more by car.
Arriving at Dammam Airport (DMM)? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Coral Island
Food options on the island are limited, which is why so many families bring a picnic. The Dammam Corniche has cafés, kiosks, food trucks and restaurants, and the nearby Heritage Village is a popular place for a traditional Saudi meal. Check a map app for current opening hours.
Other Attractions Nearby Coral Island
- Marjan Island: our main Marjan Island guide covers the same island in more depth.
- Heritage Village: a traditional-style museum and restaurant on the Dammam waterfront; see our Heritage Village guide.
- Adventure World: a family amusement park in Dammam; see our Adventure World guide.
- Half Moon Bay: beaches south of Al Khobar; see our Half Moon Bay guide.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Dammam: a Corniche-area hotel puts the island within a short ride.
- Get a Saudi Arabia eSIM on Klook before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Coral Island (Al Marjan Island) is a free, easy-going island park on the Dammam Corniche, best enjoyed as a family picnic and sunset walk on a cool evening. Bring your own food, come early at weekends for parking, and stay as the waterfront lights up.
Read more about the island in our Marjan Island guide, or round off the evening at the Heritage Village.