Qasr Ibrahim, or Ibrahim Palace, is a historical landmark in Al-Hofuf, in the Al Ahsa region. Th palace was dates from the early 16th century and reflects a blend of Ottoman and Islamic architectural styles. I highly recommend a visit to Ibrahim Palace if you’re visiting Al Ahsa.
Visiting Ibrahim Palace
It was a perfect day to visit the palace, an afternoon in January after visiting the Al-Qarah Mountain. To our surprise, the site was empty. I was travelling with my colleague, a weekend in Al Ahsa to visit sites in the region, such as Judah’s thumb on the way from Riyadh.
The Ibrahim Palace was used as a military base and administrative centre during Ottoman rule, playing an important role in controlling the surrounding areas. Its architecture resulted in a distinct structure, blending Islamic and military styles.
The structure has thick mudbrick walls, domes with the Al-Quba Mosque at its centre. The Mosque has a single dome on top of the entire building, which is unique in Saudi Arabia. It was built in 1556 by the Ottoman governor of the time.
During the visit of Ibrahim Palace, we can explore the courtyard, the mosque, and some rooms. The area is about 5600 square metres. I recommend 30 minutes (if you’re short of time) to an hour for the visit.
A UNESCO site
In 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahsa oasis became the fifth location in the Kingdom to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ibrahim Palace became one of 12 sites designated as world heritage within Al Ahsa. Today, Qasr Ibrahim is a key tourist attraction in Al-Ahsa, offering insight into the area’s rich heritage and its connections to the broader Islamic world.
How to Get to Qasr Ibrahim
Qasr Ibrahim is located in the heart of Al-Hofuf, the largest city in the Al Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. If you’re travelling from Riyadh, it’s about a 3-hour drive by car, or you can take the train to Hofuf Station, which is just a short taxi ride away from the palace. For those coming from Dammam, the drive takes about 90 minutes, making it an easy day trip.
