Al Ahsa: A guide to the world’s biggest oasis

What is the Al Ahsa Oasis and how was it formed?

An oasis is fertile land found in an empty desert. The oasis of Al Ahsa is located in Rub Al Khali (Arabic for 'the Empty Quarter') and is true to the definition with fertile land fed by crystal-clear springs. The Al Ahsa Oasis is located at the centre of the Eastern Province of Saudi, a territory hugged by the glistening Arabian gulf. A trip to the region will leave you mesmerised by the golden mountains, blue waters, and lush greenery.

Strong ancient winds carved out the region into its current mountainous state, creating the landmark mountain of Jabal Al Qarah and uncovering concealed water sources which were once buried deep beneath the desert grounds. The rich land and unique climate, consisting of desert heat, light winds in the elevated mountainous region, and shades of the palm, create optimal conditions for the agricultural practices in the area. Once a territory of the Ottoman empire dating from the 16th Century, settlers would flock to Al Ahsa to use the freshwater and farm everything from dates to rice to the popular Hasawi lime.

Al Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World heritage Site

Owing to its unique composition of wind-carved limestone mountains, natural springs and endless palm groves, Al Ahsa Oasis was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2018. The historic landmarks, such as the Ottoman fortresses, mosques and Islamic artefacts throughout the region also contributed to Al Ahsa’s UNESCO status. Categorised alongside Jabal Al Qarah, Al Ahsa’s landmark mountain, the oasis is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Saudi.

Cultural highlights to visit

Surrounded by the breathtaking views of the sweeping mountains and shade of the emerald palms throughout lie the major cities of Hofuf and Mubaraz. In the 16th Century, Al Ahsa’s cities of Hofuf and Mubaraz along with smaller townships such as Qarah all came under the control of the Ottoman Caliphate. Its strategic location in the Eastern Province and abundant water springs led many structures to be built in the region for both agricultural and military purposes. Remnants of Ottoman rule can be found throughout and can be noted by the distinctly grand and curve-adorned architecture. Head down to Ibrahim Palace, an expansive 16,500 sq. m. palace in Hofuf embellished with large Islamic-style domes and pillars made of limestone from the nearby caves. For a deeper dive into how the oasis made its way from the Ottomans to the current Saudi state, along with a look at archaeological artifacts and Islamic manuscripts, be sure to visit the Al Ahsa National Museum.

For an adventure and a souvenir to remember Al Ahsa’s rich culture by, head down to Souq Al Qaisariya. The souq or market is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Al Qaysariya is an outdoor market filled with multiple walkways and vendor stalls, featuring everything from dried fruits and spices to brightly coloured prayer beads and traditional clothing. Al Ahsa is known for the production of handmade bishts, black or brown cloaks worn by men for formal occasions over white thobes, a traditional white dress. Expertly lined with gold threading, bishts and other traditional clothing can be purchased from the souq.

Activities to enjoy in nature

No trip to Al Ahsa would be complete without a visit to the mountain caves of Jabal Al Qarah. The mountain has distinctive curvature, the result of millennia of gushing water springs and desert winds, and large limestone caves once used by locals as refuge from the harsh Saudi summers. The inside of the mountain sits at a stable 20°C year-round and can be visited at any time. Jabal Al Qarah earned its UNESCO World Heritage site status under the entire oasis of Al Ahsa due to its physical significance and local reliance on the structure for both raw materials such as limestone and protection from strong weather. Be sure to take a guided tour to see the top of the mountain for a view of the lush date palms that surround you and to embrace the scenic vista of the oasis.

For a vibrant nature walk outside of the mountainous terrain, head over to Al Ward Farm. Al Ward Farm is the largest rose flower farm in the Eastern Province (‘Ward’ is the Arabic word for rose) and is a captivating sight of rosy pinks and ruby petals. The flowers, known as Hasawi flowers (meaning ‘of Al Ahsa’) are harvested for ten months throughout the year. The glowing petals harvested from the farm are used to flavour teas, water, accompany desserts, and as an accessory or adornment for women. Make sure to request picking a small floral arrangement for yourself when going on a tour at the farm.

What to eat in Al Ahsa

After a day of exploring Al Ahsa’s springs and mountains, make sure to fill up on the local cuisine. The fertile land allows Al Ahsa to grow a cornucopia of produce, from dates to citrus fruits to grains. These are the tasty wonders that await:

Dates

The date palms of Al Ahsa are the area’s true treasure. Local farmers have been growing dates on the fertile land of the oasis for centuries. As one of the top date exporters in the world, Al Ahsa’s oasis boasts dozens of varieties of dates. During the summer, the dates are picked earlier at a half-ripened stage. The summer dates, called rutab, have a distinctive sunny yellow hue and are often paired with a yogurt drink called laban. The rest of the year, the dates are harvested across the region fully ripe in their uniquely sticky state. Try the sticky sweet fruit alongside a cup of Saudi coffee, a cardamom-infused coffee served in small ornate cups. 

The fruit can be eaten on its own for a boost of energy and dose of fiber or alongside savoury meals such as kabsa, a rice dish. From date sugar, to spreads and syrups, make sure to explore the city’s abundant date farms and retailers for a taste. For a more filling traditional dessert, head over to Souq Al Qaisariya in Hofuf where you can enjoy a plate of luqaiymat, warm fried balls of dough glazed with date molasses.

Red rice

Red rice or Hasawi rice is a prized grain. Its labour-intensive agricultural process and characteristic maroon color make it a beloved ingredient. The rice seedlings are planted and left to soak in water sourced from the springs for over a month. They are then transferred to a separate plot of land and left to grow under the Saudi sun. The rice can only grow in a warm and wet climate, making the oasis conditions of Al Ahsa the perfect terrain for the hearty grain. The rice is more filling than your usual white Basmati rice and is often served alongside lamb for a comforting classic.

Thareed

During the winter and summertime alike, stew-based dishes in Al Ahsa reign supreme. For a filling and balanced meal, try thareed. Thareed consists of a vegetable and lamb stew cooked with dried black limes poured atop torn pieces of Arabic bread (pita bread). The bread is then left to sit for a few minutes before serving. The result is a hearty and warm meal of flavour-filled bread, savoury lamb, and a broth like no other. Be sure to take a piece of the black lime and press it down to get the citrus juices out to complement the rich stew.

Kabsa

If you are looking for a Saudi classic, look no further than a plate of kabsa. The dish consists of rice that is cooked in a spice-filled chicken or lamb broth. Every region of Saudi serves kabsa in a particular fashion but the dish remains a staple meal for most and is colloquially thought of as the national dish. Hasawi kabsa is notably orange due to the bright flavours of turmeric the rice is cooked in and is served with dried black limes sourced from the nearby farms.

Marqooq

Bowls of lamb stew will never fail to make their way to you in Al Ahsa. For a classic rendition of the stew, try marqooq. The word marqooq is Arabic for ‘pressed’ or ‘thinned out’. The dish consists of thin marqooq dough dropped in a boiling lamb stew. The silky pieces of torn dough cook in the stew and are served hot alongside pieces of lamb. The characteristic orange and red from the stew is a result of the rich spice mixture of turmeric, cinnamon and cloves.