Al-Hofuf
The largest oasis in the world
Al-Hofuf is the urban center of the Al-Ahsa region located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It hosts some of the most important typical features of the Eastern Province with the largest oasis in the world, the Jebel Al-Qarah and historical landmarks.
Mystery of the origins
No ancient remains have been discovered in the city itself although it is possible that such remains existed but have been covered by the urbanisation of the oasis. It is believed that Al-Hofuf and the whole region of Al-Ahsa were part of the ancient land of Dilmun that is referred to in Mesopotamian texts. Also, there is speculation about Al-Hofuf being the ancient city-state of Gerrha mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo as having "fancy tools made out of gold and silver, such as the family gold, right triangles, and their drinking glass, let alone their large homes which have their doors, walls, roofs filled with colours, gold, silver, and holy stones". Additionally, some scholars believe that Gerrha is the archeological site of Thaj located 200 kilometers north of Al-Hofuf.
The recent history is clearer as the area came under Ottoman rule in the 18th century and was peacefully returned to Saudi rule by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 1913 CE.
Al-Koot, the historical center
The heart of Al-Hofuf is in the area called Al-Koot where some of the oldest buildings are found, including the Ibrahim Fort and Mosque, the old house of the governor, and the Al-Qaisariah souq.
The Al-Mulla House
The Al-Mulla house was built in 1203 H (1787-88 CE) by the Governor of Al-Ahsa, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Mullah. This house witnessed the advent of the peaceful conquest of Al-Ahsa by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud on 5th May 1913 when the governor of the city pledged allegiance to the new ruler of Arabia. Its style shows an elegant mix of Arabian and Ottoman architectural elements. The house has been restored and some of its original furniture is exhibited today, including the bed where the King Abdulaziz rested during his stay in Al-Hofuf.
Al-Mulla House (photo: Florent Egal)
Ibrahim Palace
The Ibrahim Palace (Qasr Ibrahim) is the most visible landmark in Al-Hofuf as it is the old fortified area of the city. Its 100 meter long walls surround an area of 16,500 square meters that hosts a white mosque whose dome and minaret rise above the walls. It is believed the fortified place was built by Al-Jabreen, a ruler of Al-Ahsa during the 15th century.
Ibrahim mosque and fort (photo: Florent Egal)
Ibrahim mosque (photo: Florent Egal)
Al-Qaisariah Souq
Al-Koot historical center hosts one of the most beautiful souqs of Saudi Arabia, Al-Qaisariah.
Located along King Abdulaziz street it is easily accessible. Its massive gate is one of the most beautiful testimonies of the Othman style in the Arabian Peninsula.
Al-Qasariah Souq (photo: Florent Egal)
Al-Qaisariah Souq (photo: Florent Egal)
In its gallery are displayed the elegant traditional middle-eastern clothes and the air is a mix of the enchanting scents of the orient. The Souq Al-Qaisariah offers visitors one of the most authentic middle-eastern experiences.
Jebel Al-Qarah, Lands of Civilizations
The city of Al-Hofuf hosts a natural landmark, a limestone massif that overlooks the surrounding endless extent of palm trees of the oasis. On the massif's sides are natural limestone pillars that create surreal landscapes where a path was built to ease the way towards the main feature, a deep cave created by the erosion. Inside the air is cool, a ray of sunlight comes from the top of the cave whose narrow corridors reveal the shades of the limestone highlighted by low lights.
Al-Qarah Cave (photo: Florent Egal)
There is a welcome area with facilities including restaurants and an exhibition about the ancient civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle-Esat.
Land of Civilizations (photo: Florent Egal)
How to visit Al-Hofuf
The city of Al-Hofuf appears on Google Maps along with a couple of points of interest.
The city is easily reachable by car (3.5 hours from Riyadh and 1.5 hours from Dammam), by plane thanks to its domestic airport, and even by train from Riyadh and Dammam.
To make the most of a visit to Al-Hofuf we advise you to use a guide who will know the hidden treasures of this area.
