Dammam Saudi Arabia

Half Moon Beach in Dammam Saudi Arabia 1. Introduction Half Moon Bay beach is located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, halfway between Al-Khobar and Ras Tanura. The term "Half Moon" is derived from the distinctive half-moon shape of the land. The site is also known as Half Moon Bay Beach. This area is slowly becoming a tourist attraction. The local tourists are the primary frequent users of this area. The Half Moon Beach in Dammam, Saudi Arabia presents a very unique environment. The calm, crystal-clear, blue, and clean water is shallow for a long way out and is very suitable for children to enjoy, and for adults to cool off and relax. Although some parts of the year the water is warm, due to the high evaporation rate during the summer, other times the water is quite cool and refreshing. The water is also excellent for free-diving and snorkeling. There are a great number of small, harmless stingray in the area, and also many other types of fish. Various seafood, such as Arabian "fasil" (a type of small fish), is a popular item, and can be easily netted from the shallows. The variety of both plant and animal life in the area makes for an interesting study for nature lovers. In particular, the area is rich in bird life. Noon tides cause the water to become even shallower and make the distant border of the 2km diameter sandbar accessible by wading. Boating and jet-skiing are popular activities, and the calm waters in the evenings with the sun setting make for some incredible scenery. The Half Moon Bay Beach area is full of interesting shells and other items washed ashore by the tide, which collectors will enjoy. Beachside and bayside camping are popular activities for the cool season, when the weather is ideal and the calm sea is inviting. A desert and sabkha environment surrounds the area with fascinating wildlife. Unfortunately, a lack of waste management, maintenance, public education, and excessive four-wheel-driving conduct have caused environmental damage and pollution problems. This area has caused much upset to environmentalists who have labored to restore its beauty, however, recent restrictions have lessened the damage.