Half Moon Beach Saudi Arabia is one of the most loved coastal escapes in the Eastern Province, drawing families, water sports lovers, and sunset chasers to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Known locally as Half Moon Bay, this crescent-shaped stretch of coastline sits between Dammam and Dhahran, near Al Khobar, and has been a go-to recreational spot for generations of residents and visitors.
Whether you’re coming for a quiet morning swim, a family picnic, or a weekend of jet skiing and diving, this guide covers everything you need timings, entry fees, directions, hotels, dress code, and more updated for 2026.
Location and How to Reach Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach sits in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, near Al Khobar and Dhahran, along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. The commonly listed address is 2416 King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Road, Dhahran, and the beach is reached via Route 617, which connects Half Moon Bay to Aziziyah.
By car: From Al Khobar city center, the drive takes about 20–30 minutes and covers roughly 20 kilometers. Head northeast on Corniche Road toward King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Road, then follow signs for Half Moon Beach.
By air: Fly into King Fahd International Airport, which serves both domestic and international routes into the Dammam-Al Khobar area.
By taxi or ride-hailing: A taxi from Al Khobar Corniche to the beach typically costs around 10–15 SAR for the final stretch, or 20–30 SAR for a direct ride from the Corniche, depending on traffic and the exact drop-off point.
By bus: Public buses connect Al Khobar to Dhahran, though they don’t run directly to the beach entrance plan to finish the trip by taxi.
By train: Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) connects Dammam with Riyadh, making it easy to combine a beach trip with travel from the capital.
Timings and Opening Hours
Half Moon Beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with no fixed closing days throughout the year. Most visitors arrive between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds ideal for walking, jogging, and photography.
- Midday to afternoon: Best for swimming and water sports once the sun is fully up.
- Late afternoon to sunset (4:00 PM onward): Golden-hour views over the Arabian Gulf make this the most popular time for photos and relaxed strolls.
Note that private sections, such as the Saudi Aramco-managed beach area, follow separate access hours and are restricted to employees.
Entry Fees and Ticket Prices
Most public sections of Half Moon Beach are free to enter. A few points to keep in mind:
- Public beach areas: Generally free of charge.
- Saudi Aramco Half Moon Beach: A private section reserved for Aramco employees and their families; some reports mention a vehicle toll of around 25 SAR at its entrance gate.
- Resort and private beach areas: Hotels and resorts along the bay (such as Radisson Blu or Tamara Beach Resort) require a room booking or day-pass purchase for access to their private beachfront.
- Parking: Free street parking is available in some spots, while other areas may charge a small fee for designated lots.
Best Time to Visit
The most comfortable months to visit Half Moon Beach are between October and April, when temperatures are milder and better suited to spending long hours outdoors. Summer months (June–August) bring high heat and humidity, so if you visit then, stick to early mornings or evenings. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and the winter season is popular for Kashta (traditional Arabian beach camping).
Accommodation and Hotels Near Half Moon Beach
Several hotels and resorts line the Half Moon Bay coastline, ranging from beachfront luxury stays to family-focused resorts.
Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay
This is the standout property directly facing the beach, offering 137 rooms, a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, sauna, fitness center, and multiple restaurants. Rates typically start in the 86–107 USD per night range.
Half Moon Beach Resort & Villas
A beachfront resort offering private beach access, multiple dining options, swimming pools, and villa-style accommodation, popular with families looking for a self-contained beach getaway.
Tamara Beach Resort
Marketed as a “families only” resort on the Salwa Coastal Road, Tamara Beach Resort features an outdoor pool, private beach area, kids’ club, playground, water slides, and rooms with sea-view terraces. It also offers Italian and international dining with halal options.
Amwaj Resort
A well-reviewed family resort near Half Moon Bay known for its private pools and lake views, offering a quieter, villa-style alternative to the larger beachfront hotels.
Swimming and Water Conditions
Half Moon Beach is known for its shallow, calm entry points and gentle waves, with average water depth reaching around 7 meters further out making it a comfortable spot for both casual swimmers and beginner scuba divers. Water clarity is generally good, and the gentle slope of the shoreline makes it approachable for most skill levels.
Kids-Friendly Facilities
The main public sections of Half Moon Beach are considered family-friendly, and several nearby resorts (Radisson Blu, Tamara Beach Resort) add dedicated children’s amenities such as playgrounds, kids’ clubs, and children’s pools. That said, lifeguard coverage is not guaranteed on the open public beach, so supervise children closely while swimming.
Pet Policy
Pets, including dogs, are generally not allowed on Half Moon Beach. This policy helps maintain hygiene and a family-friendly atmosphere in line with local cultural norms. Service animals for visitors with disabilities may be accommodated with advance arrangement, and pet owners should plan for boarding or pet-sitting elsewhere in Al Khobar during their visit.
Parking Facilities
Parking availability varies by section of the beach. Some stretches offer free street parking near the entrance, while others have designated lots that may charge a small fee. Resorts along the bay typically provide free on-site parking for guests.
Activities and Water Sports
Half Moon Bay is one of the more activity-rich beaches in the Eastern Province, with options for both adrenaline seekers and those after a slower pace.
Water Sports
Jet skiing, paddleboarding, and boat rides are popular along the bay, with rental equipment available on-site so visitors don’t need to bring their own gear. Kitesurfing has also grown in popularity, with dedicated communities offering lessons for beginners and advanced riders alike.
Diving and Snorkeling
The shallow, calm cove makes it a good spot to learn scuba diving, and snorkelers can explore an underwater museum featuring eco-friendly models of Gulf landmarks, including replicas of the Kingdom Centre Tower, Kuwait Towers, and Burj Khalifa.
Land Activities
Onshore, visitors can enjoy volleyball courts, soccer fields, horseback riding, and bike rentals along dedicated trails that run near the coast.
Relaxation Activities
For a slower visit, Half Moon Beach is well suited to sunbathing, fishing, beach walks, and Kashta traditional Arabian camping right on the sand, especially popular in the cooler months.
Half Moon beach Dammam directions
Coming from Dammam, Half Moon Beach is reached by heading south toward Al Khobar and following Route 617 to the Half Moon Bay turnoff. The drive from central Dammam takes roughly 25–35 minutes by car, and taxis or ride-hailing apps are the most convenient option if you don’t have your own vehicle.
Half Moon Beach location
Half Moon Beach is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, on the Arabian Gulf coastline between Dammam and Dhahran, close to Al Khobar. The commonly cited address is along King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Road, Dhahran.
Half moon beach activities
Beyond swimming, the beach offers jet skiing, snorkeling, an underwater museum, horseback riding, volleyball, soccer, bike trails, fishing, and traditional Kashta beach camping making it suitable for both high-energy days and relaxed family outings.
Half moon beach riyadh
Half Moon Beach is not located in Riyadh it sits in the Eastern Province near Al Khobar and Dhahran, roughly a 6–7 hour drive from Riyadh via the highway network. Travelers from Riyadh can also fly into King Fahd International Airport or take the SAR train service connecting Riyadh and Dammam for a faster trip.
Food and Dining Options
Dining directly on the public beach is limited, so many visitors bring their own snacks, water, and picnic supplies, especially since some stretches are far from the city center. Nearby options include Half Moon Restaurant, known for traditional Saudi dishes, and Al Sayad Restaurant, which serves grilled and seafood fare. Resort restaurants such as those at Radisson Blu and Tamara Beach Resort offer international, Italian, and halal menus for guests and visitors who book in.
Dress Code
Modest swimwear and beachwear are expected at Half Moon Beach, in keeping with Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms, and this applies equally to all visitors regardless of nationality. Nude or topless bathing is not permitted, and the beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere throughout its public sections. Bringing a cover-up or light layer for the walk to and from the water is a good idea, particularly outside private resort beach areas.
FAQ’s
Is Half Moon Beach free to visit?
Yes, most public sections of Half Moon Beach are free to enter. The Saudi Aramco-managed portion is restricted to Aramco employees, and resort-front beach areas usually require a room booking or day pass.
What are the timings of Half Moon Beach?
The beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset, year-round, with most visitors arriving between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
How far is Half Moon Beach from Al Khobar?
It’s about 20–30 minutes by car, roughly 20 kilometers from central Al Khobar via Route 617.
How do I get to Half Moon Beach from Dammam?
Head south from Dammam toward Al Khobar and follow Route 617 to the Half Moon Bay turnoff — the drive takes around 25–35 minutes.
Is Half Moon Beach in Riyadh?
No. Half Moon Beach is in the Eastern Province, near Al Khobar and Dhahran, roughly a 6–7 hour drive from Riyadh by highway, or a shorter trip by flight or train.
Are pets allowed at Half Moon Beach?
No, pets are generally not permitted, in order to maintain hygiene and a family-friendly environment.
Is Half Moon Beach good for swimming?
Yes. It has shallow, calm entry points and gentle waves, with water depth reaching around 7 meters further out, making it suitable for swimmers of most skill levels and beginner scuba divers.
What hotels are near Half Moon Beach?
Popular options include Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Beach Resort & Villas, Tamara Beach Resort, and Amwaj Resort.
What activities can I do at Half Moon Beach?
Visitors can enjoy jet skiing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving (including an underwater museum), horseback riding, volleyball, soccer, bike trails, fishing, and traditional Kashta beach camping.
Is there a dress code at Half Moon Beach?
Yes, modest swimwear and beachwear are expected, and nude or topless bathing is not allowed, in keeping with local cultural norms.
What is the best time of year to visit?
October through April offers the most comfortable weather. If visiting in summer, plan for early mornings or evenings to avoid peak heat.
Conclusion
Half Moon Beach remains one of the Eastern Province’s most rewarding coastal destinations — combining free public access, calm swimmable waters, and a genuine range of activities from jet skiing and snorkeling to quiet sunset walks and Kashta camping. Whether you’re basing yourself at a beachfront resort like Radisson Blu or Tamara Beach Resort, or simply driving out from Al Khobar or Dammam for the day, the mix of easy access, family-friendly facilities, and year-round opening hours makes it easy to plan around.
Time your visit between October and April, arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat, and bring your own snacks and swim gear if you’re sticking to the public stretches and you’ll have everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable day at Half Moon Beach in 2026.
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