Ahsa

Overview :

Al-Hasa lays in the south of the Kingdom's Eastern region and is bounded by the Al-Dahna and the Al-Daman desert consists of several cities Al-Hofuf and Al-mebraz, Al-Emran, Al-eyon and Salwa.

The Al-Hasa oasis is the largest oasis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the municipality of Al-Hasa constitutes the largest administrative area in the Kingdom. The total area of 536,000 square kilometers or approximately a quarter of the UK and has a population of 900,000 (87% of them were Saudis) according to the 2004.In ancient times, Al-Hasa was at the centre of the trade routes which traders followed between the east of the Arabian Peninsula and India, Persia and the Far East. In 2008 oasis of Hasa has been nominated to compete for the seven nature wonders in the new world title by UNESCO.

Al-Hasa has a dry, tropical climate, with a five month summer and a relatively cold winter. It enjoys the benefit of copious reserves of underground water which has allowed the area to develop its agricultural potential. Nevertheless, Al-Hasa has to deal with tons of sand which the wind carries and deposits over the land. To counter this problem, the Kingdom has planted large barriers of trees to prevent the wind-borne sand from damaging inhabited and agricultural areas.

 

Major Attractions :

Mosque Joatha: Is the second mosque Friday prayers performed on it.  After the Prophet's Holy Mosque, as when the sons of Abdul Qais became Muslims they were about to build this mosque, which is still ruins remaining so far.

Ibrahim palace: An Archaeological site north of al-Kut was the headquarters of the garrison of the Ottoman Empire in Hofuf in Al-Hasa the headquarters of the government. 

Al-Hasa National Park: Opened in 1962 as part of Desertification and after a growth of trees heavily converted into a tourist destination area up to 4500 hectares distributed among parks, swimming pools, children's playgrounds and an Olympic-caliber horses and another for bicycles.

Jebel Garah: Is one of the most prominent natural attractions away from the Ahsa Hofuf about 12 km central oasis of green space and base of 1400 hectares and consists of sedimentary rocks and is natural caves with its distinct climatic. It is not just a unique configuration rocky, but contrary to the prevailing atmosphere of the weather outside this mountain caves, cool in summer and warm winter.

Al-Quisariah Market: One of the oldest Markets known eastern Arabian Peninsula is one of the biggest indications of the status of Al-Hasa prominent commercial, as a link between the GulfCoast and inland through the port of Aqeer, however, it was built in 1862 and the market has some 422 stores. Which is of rows of shops located in the corridors of closed and covered, and resembles the Ottoman-style market building a fire broke out in the market in 2001 and re-new.

Sahod Palace: located in Al-mebraz northern of Al-Hofuf and covers an area about 10000 square meters and 6 meters high walls, one of the highlights of Al-Hasa, characterized by round towers in the four corners, in addition to the three rectangular towers and the main entrance. This palace was under the siege by the troops of Suleiman Pasha for two months and tried to demolish the walls and was not able to open it because of its durability and strength.

Al-Hasa NationalMuseum: was opened in 1983, and contains an overview of the history of Al-Hasa through different historical eras, in addition to pictures of folklore in the region. The museum also contains a library, a room for images.

 

Things To Do:

 

Jebel Garah Caving: The high walls of the caves of Jebel Garah, coupled with the cool limestone walls and gentle breezes, create an unusually soothing atmosphere on a hot day.

 

Al-Hasa Bird Watching: Al-Hofuf means 'whistling wind' and Al-Hasa means 'the wells'. The cool relief of so many trees has been a welcome stopping point for generations of travelers and migratory birds Al-Hasa Lagoons near the towns of Hofuf and Abqaiq is the only large body of fresh water in the EasternProvince. It's caused by the over-flow from the Al-Hasa oasis.

Al-Hasa Date Palms: Al-Hasa, meaning 'the wells' is an extraordinary oasis covering about 20,000 hectares and giving nourishment to three million palm trees in the largest date palm oasis in the world.

Off Road trip in the Sand: Exploring the Empty Quarter requires preparation. The desert's status as a nature reserve also acknowledges that this is a very delicate environment. The animals and vegetation that live here can survive in seemingly impossible conditions on very little.

 

Events :

Al-Hasa celebrates in its nomination seven nature wonders in the new world title by UNESCO.

 

Famous Meals :

 Al-Hasa known with some dishes like Aish Hasawh, majbos and tharied

What To Buy:

Al-Hasa has the best types of dates in the world such as Khalalas, Alrziz, and Barhi and others. This is in addition to the production of Hasawi rice with high quality and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Best Time to Visit:

Al-Hasa has a dry, tropical climate, with a five month summer and a relatively cold winter and the best time (months) of the year to visit Al-Hasa is between October and April

 

Travel Tips :

Muslims and non Muslims are advised to visit this attractive and culture full city of Saudi Arabia.