Located in the east of Saudi Arabia, Al-Hassa is a spectacular oasis and one of the oldest inhabited centers in the region. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its vast palm groves and stunning desert landscapes. Just a few kilometers away, Al-Qarah is famous for its impressive rock formations and natural caves.
A road trip from Riyadh to Al Ahsa
To visit Al Ahsa and Al Qarah, I set off from Riyadh with my colleague, who is also an adventurer. We rented a car for a 3-day weekend with 2 nights in a hotel. As often happens with me, our trip didn’t go entirely as planned, with a few unexpected surprises (involving sand!). Although the road between Riyadh and Al Ahsa isn’t particularly exciting, we made a few stops along the way. One of the great surprises of this trip was discovering Judah’ Thumb and its surroundings, which are truly worth a visit.
Al Ahsa – An Oasis in the Heart of the Desert
The Palm Groves of Al-Ahsa
Al Ahsa is home to more than 2.5 million palm trees, making it the largest oasis in the world. The region is renowned for its date production, particularly the Khalas variety, which is famous throughout Saudi Arabia. These dates have a soft texture and a caramelised flavour, pairing perfectly with Arabic coffee (qahwa). A must-try!
Al’Qaisariah Souk
Al’Qaisariah Souk is a historic market where you can find handmade crafts, spices, and traditional clothing. Unfortunately, during my visit, the souq was closed.
Ibrahim Palace (Qasr Ibrahim)
Located in the Al Hufuf district of Al Kout, the Ibrahim Palace was once the main governance center of the historic Al Ahsa region. This vast complex includes a mosque, a courtyard, and several halls that showcase the region’s history and traditional architecture. Covering approximately 5,600 square meters, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s past. For more information, check out my article on the Ibrahim Palace in Al Ahsa
Mountains and Caves of Al Qarah – An Impressive Geological Site
Al Qarah Caves
The mountains of Al-Qarah are rock formations creating a spectacular landscape. The site is known for its fascinating and unique caves, shaped by erosion and fractures caused by earthquakes. Al-Qarah’s caves were once an ancient human settlement, used as shelters and refuges for centuries. There are 3 types of caves, with tunnels running through the mountains.
Renovations are currently underway to make the caves more accessible to tourists. In 2018, Al Ahsa, including Al-Qarah, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognising its cultural and historical significance. Since then, significant efforts have been made to develop the site into a major tourist destination.
Al’Qarah Giant Holy Quran
Located near the entrance of the mountain, there is a sculpture of an open book: a ‘Giant Quran,’ a symbolic representation of the region’s Islamic heritage.
Mirror Installation
During our visit, there was a mirror installation. Since there were no explanations, I believe it is either a temporary exhibition or an art installation similar to Maraya in Al’Ula.
Al’Qarah Museum: Land of Civilizations
This small museum can be visited before or after exploring Al-Qarah. The exhibitions feature historical artefacts and documents that trace the evolution of civilisation on the Arabian Peninsula.
As mentioned earlier in the article, the dates from Al Ahsa, especially the Khalas variety, are famous throughout the country. At the end of our museum visit, we had a long conversation with one of the staff members, who then invited us to share coffee and dates. We talked about many topics, including our travel experiences in Saudi Arabia.
To conclude this wonderful encounter, he gave us a gift box containing several items: the Quran (I received the French version), a book about Saudi customs, postcards, dates, coffee, and a list of common Arabic vocabulary and phrases.
After the Effort, Comes the Reward
After a day exploring Al Ahsa and Al-Qarah, we headed to the Four Seasons Hotel for a smoothie. The hotel’s interior is truly impressive!
Practical Tips for Visiting Al Ahsa and Al-Qarah
How to Get There?
Al Ahsa is accessible by train or car from Riyadh and Dammam. However, traveling by car is more convenient, as it allows you to explore multiple sites at your own pace.
When to Visit?
The best time to visit is between October and March to avoid the extreme heat. I went in January, and the weather was quite pleasant. I visited over a weekend but encountered very few tourists.
What to Wear?
Light but modest clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. During my visit, I wore a summer abaya to protect myself from the sun.
Sources for this article: STA, UNESCO, Al-Qarah Museum
