Eighty years of urban growth and socioeconomic trends in Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

The Dammam Metropolitan Area of Saudi Arabia gained a leading role on the world stage by establishing itself as a major supplier of energy to the rest of the world. At present, it is the third largest urban center in Saudi Arabia. Little attention has been paid to the environmental and/or developmental aspects of its urban growth in terms of the quality of the urban environment and the potential needs of future generations. The purpose of this study was to examine Dammam's urban growth and socioeconomic trends during the past eight decades to identify present and future challenges. Particular attention was paid to its current and future urban growth and development challenges. The results suggest that Dammam's past and current development is primarily driven by the economic benefits realized by private sector.