Ahsa derives its name from the Al-Ahsa Oasis, one of the largest oasis on earth. Nestled in the heart of the desert, it is home to an impressive three million date palm trees. From the summit of Al Qarah Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view, offering a stunning panorama of the vast, lush expanse of the Al-Ahsa Oasis.
Al Ahsa takes its name from one of the largest and most remarkable oasis on earth: the Al-Ahsa Oasis. It’s not a mirage - nor are you experiencing sunstroke. In the heart of the desert, spanning an area the size of a city, stand up to three million date palm trees. The lush greenery contrasts vividly with the sandy hues of Ash-Sharqiyah, the country’s easternmost and largest province. It’s a sight you have to see to believe it.
Unlike many other Saudi mega-projects, which feature bright green lawns and extravagant fountains, the Al-Ahsa Oasis is naturally irrigated. In classical Arabic, ahsa means "the sound of underground water." For millennia, both people and plants in this region have thrived on fresh water from underground springs. Over the centuries, numerous settlements have flourished in the oasis, including Al Hofuf, the largest city and commercial hub of the region. Al Hofuf is also commonly referred to as Al Ahsa.
Since 2018, part of the Al Ahsa Oasis has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The harmonious relationship between humans and their environment is still evident today. You can wander along beautifully restored wells, canals, and gardens, and explore historic forts once built to protect this precious water source.
The scale and beauty of the Al Ahsa Oasis truly reveal themselves when viewed from above. A climb to the summit of the 75-meter-high Al Qarah Mountain rewards you with a stunning 360-degree panorama. Everywhere you look, lush greenery stretches endlessly, contrasted by the vast desert on the horizon.
Go up independently or enlist a guide. Also worth exploring are the narrow gorges and illuminated caves that run like veins through Al Qarah Mountain. The whole thing has been renamed the Land of Civilizations park. If you want to go up, you must first buy a ticket at the museum.
The ingenuity of the former inhabitants of the Al-Ahsa Oasis is evident in the Jawatha Mosque. Built in the 7th century by the Bani Abd Al Qays tribe, it is regarded as the oldest mosque in eastern Arabia and one of the first to emerge within the Islamic world. According to tradition, it hosted the second Friday prayer in history, following the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.
Unfortunately, only five mud brick arches remain of the original structure, as time has taken its toll. The design of the current mosque is inspired by the Masmak Fortress in Riyadh and has a distinctive, sandcastle-like appearance. Today, the mosque continues to hold Friday prayers, maintaining its historical significance.
If you love shopping, your prayers will be answered at Souq Al Qaisariy in Al Hofuf. For an adventure and a souvenir, visit Souq Al Qaisariya. The souq, or market, is a favorite both among locals and people from outside. Al Qaysariya is an open-air market with multiple walkways and stalls, offering everything from dried fruits and spices to brightly colored prayer beads and traditional clothing. Al Ahsa is known for producing handmade bishts, black or brown cloaks worn by men on formal occasions over white thobes, a traditional white garment. Expertly finished with gold thread, bishts and other traditional garments can be purchased at the souq.
In the evening, the streets surrounding the souk come alive with street vendors, offering the perfect opportunity to dive into the rich cuisine of Al-Ahsa. A local favorite is Hesawi, a red-grain rice, along with other specialties like thareed, a savory bread soup, marqooq, a tender lamb stew, and majboos, a fragrant rice dish infused with saffron. It's a chance to savor the authentic flavors of the region and experience its culinary traditions. Get to know the taste of Saudi Arabia.
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