Working in Dammam: Jobs, Salaries & Guide 2026

City Overview: Dammam

Dammam is the capital of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the heart of the kingdom's oil and gas industry and one of the wealthiest regions in the world. With a metropolitan area population of over 1.5 million (expanding to 4.5 million including neighboring Al Khobar and Dhahran in the greater Dammam area), the city serves as the administrative and commercial center for the region that produces the majority of Saudi Arabia's petroleum wealth.

The Eastern Province is home to Saudi Aramco, the world's most valuable company, headquartered in nearby Dhahran. This single fact shapes the entire employment ecosystem of the region. Aramco and its vast network of contractors, service companies, and suppliers create a deep pool of engineering, technical, and professional jobs. Beyond oil, Dammam's economy includes manufacturing, petrochemicals, ports and logistics, and a growing services sector.

For professionals in the energy sector, the Dammam metropolitan area offers some of the most lucrative career opportunities in the world. The city itself is more affordable and quieter than Riyadh or Jeddah, with a strong community feel among its expat population. The nearby cities of Al Khobar and Dhahran complement Dammam with their own character: Al Khobar is the social hub with waterfront dining and a more cosmopolitan feel, while Dhahran is Aramco's company city with a self-contained expat community.

Top Industries Hiring in Dammam

Oil, Gas & Energy

The Eastern Province is the epicenter of Saudi Arabia's hydrocarbon industry. Saudi Aramco's sprawling operations in Dhahran, Ras Tanura, and Abqaiq employ tens of thousands directly, with an extensive ecosystem of service companies including Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Wood, and Jacobs supporting operations. Petroleum engineers, drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, HSE specialists, process engineers, and project managers can earn SAR 25,000-60,000+ monthly. Aramco itself is known for offering exceptional total compensation packages including housing compounds, schooling, and generous end-of-service benefits.

Petrochemicals & Manufacturing

SABIC's industrial facilities, along with Royal Commission industrial cities in Jubail (90 minutes north), produce chemicals, plastics, fertilizers, and metals. Companies like SABIC, Ma'aden, and numerous joint ventures with international firms (Dow, ExxonMobil, Sumitomo) recruit chemical engineers, process technicians, quality analysts, and maintenance specialists. The industrial sector offers stable employment with good benefits.

Construction & Infrastructure

The Eastern Province continues to develop with mega-projects including the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport Dammam, new railway connections, and residential developments. Road construction, utilities expansion, and the broader Vision 2030 infrastructure program keep civil engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors in steady demand.

Ports & Logistics

King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam is the kingdom's largest port on the Arabian Gulf, handling containerized cargo, bulk materials, and industrial equipment. The port authority and logistics companies hire extensively for operations management, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and supply chain roles. The planned new port developments will further expand employment opportunities.

IT & Digital Services

Aramco's digital transformation program is one of the largest in the world, creating demand for IT professionals, data engineers, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts in the region. Numerous IT service companies have established Eastern Province offices to serve the energy sector. Dhahran Techno Valley, a technology park, hosts research centers and tech startups.

Major Employers in Dammam Metropolitan Area

• Saudi Aramco: The world's most valuable company, headquartered in Dhahran. Over 70,000 employees globally with a massive contractor ecosystem.
• SABIC: Major petrochemical company with significant Eastern Province operations.
• Ma'aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company): Growing mining conglomerate with phosphate, aluminum, and gold operations.
• Schlumberger / SLB: Leading oilfield services company with a large Eastern Province presence.
• Baker Hughes: Oilfield technology company supporting Aramco operations.
• Jacobs Engineering: Major contractor for Aramco and petrochemical facilities.
• Wood (formerly Wood Group): Engineering and consulting services for energy sector.
• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM): Prestigious technical university in Dhahran.

Salary Overview

The Dammam area offers some of the highest salaries in the GCC for energy sector professionals, particularly those working directly for Aramco or major service companies.

Typical monthly salary ranges:

• Entry Level (0-2 years): SAR 6,000-14,000
• Mid Level (3-7 years): SAR 14,000-30,000
• Senior Level (8-15 years): SAR 30,000-60,000
• Executive/Director: SAR 60,000-150,000+

Aramco packages are particularly generous, often including company housing in residential compounds (saving SAR 8,000-20,000/month), children's education allowances, comprehensive family medical coverage, annual home leave flights, and end-of-service benefits that can exceed two years' salary for long-serving employees.

Cost of Living in Dammam

The Dammam area is one of the most affordable major cities in the GCC, offering excellent value for professionals.

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• 1-bedroom apartment in Dammam: SAR 2,000-4,000
• 2-bedroom apartment: SAR 3,500-6,000
• 3-bedroom apartment in Al Khobar: SAR 5,000-9,000
• Villa: SAR 6,000-15,000
• Aramco compound housing: Provided free for employees

Transportation

• Taxi / ride-hailing: SAR 10-30 per trip
• Petrol: SAR 2.33 per liter
• Car lease: SAR 1,200-2,500/month

Daily Living

• Groceries for a couple: SAR 1,200-2,000/month
• Dining out (mid-range): SAR 30-70 per person
• Utilities: SAR 250-600/month
• Mobile plan: SAR 150-300/month
• Gym membership: SAR 150-350/month
• International school: SAR 20,000-60,000/year per child

A single professional can live well in Dammam on SAR 7,000-12,000 monthly. The generous housing benefits offered by many energy sector employers further reduce effective living costs.

Neighborhoods and Areas for Expats

• Dhahran (Aramco compound): A self-contained community with Western-style housing, recreation facilities, golf course, schools, and social clubs. Available only to Aramco employees and their families.
• Al Khobar Corniche: The social hub of the metro area. Waterfront apartments, restaurants, cafes, and the causeway to Bahrain. Popular with young professionals and couples.
• Half Moon Bay: Beach area south of Al Khobar. Weekend getaway spot with resort-style living options.
• Dammam City Center: More affordable accommodation with easy access to government offices and commercial areas.
• Al Rakah: Newer residential area in Al Khobar with modern apartments and villas. Good access to shopping and schools.
• Compounds: Several gated residential compounds offer pool, gym, and social facilities. Popular with Western expats who are not in Aramco housing.

Transportation in Dammam

• Personal vehicles: Essential in the Dammam area. The three cities (Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran) are connected by well-maintained highways. Driving is the primary mode of transport.
• Ride-hailing: Careem and Uber operate throughout the metro area.
• King Fahd Causeway: The 25km bridge connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain is a major feature of life in the Eastern Province. Many expats cross to Bahrain on weekends for entertainment and dining.
• SAR Railway: The Saudi Arabian Railway connects Dammam to Riyadh, useful for business travel.
• King Fahd International Airport: Serves the Eastern Province with domestic and international flights.

Job Search Tips for Dammam

1. Target Aramco and its ecosystem: Saudi Aramco's career portal is the starting point. Also apply to major contractors (Jacobs, Wood, SLB, Baker Hughes) who manage Aramco projects. Many positions require security clearance processing.
2. Leverage the Bahrain connection: The King Fahd Causeway links to Bahrain's financial sector. Some professionals work in one country and live in the other.
3. Attend energy sector conferences: Events like the Middle East Oil & Gas Show (MEOS) and local Aramco supplier events provide networking opportunities.
4. Get energy sector certifications: NEBOSH for HSE, SPE membership for petroleum engineers, and relevant technical certifications increase your competitiveness for energy sector roles.
5. Consider contract positions: Many roles in the Eastern Province are contractor positions through staffing companies. These can serve as entry points to permanent positions.
6. Prepare for the lifestyle: The Eastern Province is quieter than Riyadh or Dubai. Social life centers around compound communities, Al Khobar's restaurants, and weekend trips to Bahrain. Ensure you are comfortable with this pace before accepting a role.

Insider Strategies: Maximizing Your Eastern Province Career

Experienced Eastern Province professionals share these insights:

• Build your Aramco network: Even if you do not work directly for Aramco, understanding their procurement processes, IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) requirements, and project pipeline positions you for contractor opportunities.
• Consider the Bahrain dual-base: Some professionals maintain a primary base in Al Khobar with a weekend residence in Bahrain. The 45-minute causeway crossing enables this lifestyle combination.
• Invest in Arabic and Saudi cultural understanding: The Eastern Province has a larger Saudi population ratio than Dubai. Arabic language skills and cultural sensitivity are more important here than in the UAE.
• Plan for compound vs. city living: Compound living offers convenience and social connections but can feel insular. City living in Al Khobar provides more integration with the broader community. Your choice significantly affects your social experience.