Plizio Visual Lab

Al Ahsa Date Farms

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
—°8
Al Ahsa Date Farms (Saudi Arabia)

Weather…

Al Ahsa Date Farms in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province are part of one of the world's largest oases. Al Ahsa is famous for date cultivation, especially the Khlas variety. The oasis contains over 2.5 million date palms across about 20,000 hectares. Date production is a key economic activity, with over 100,000 tons produced annually. The region has been cultivated for millennia. Irrigation relies on natural springs and modern systems. The date farms are part of the cultural heritage and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018. Visitors can explore the palm groves and taste fresh dates. The landscape features date palms and green fields. Al Ahsa is also known for its traditional date processing facilities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141722273336383734292216
Rain mm553400000177

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Al Ahsa date farms are part of the world's largest oasis, known for its extensive date palm groves and traditional irrigation systems. They play a central role in Saudi agriculture, supplying dates across the region.
🚪
Visiting
The date farms are largely accessible to the public, as the oasis is a populated area. Visitors can walk through the palm groves and see the traditional irrigation canals, though some areas are private.
👀
Where to view it
The best views of the vast date plantations are from the elevated roads and viewpoints along the oasis. From here, a sea of green palms stretches to the horizon, interrupted by traditional villages.
🧺
Local products
The oasis is famous for its high-quality date varieties, especially the Khalas variety, sold in local markets and shops. Seasonal products include fresh dates during harvest time, as well as date syrup and paste.
📆
Active season
The main harvest season for dates is late summer and autumn, when the fruits ripen and the oasis is at its most spirited. Local festivals and markets also take place during this time, celebrating the harvest.
Nearby
Combine a visit to the date farms with exploring the historic Al Ahsa oasis, including the Qaisariya souqs and archaeological sites. The nearby salt lakes and hot springs are also worth seeing.

Geography

Coordinates
25.40500, 49.60500

Facts

  • The oasis covers 20,000 hectares.
  • There are over 2.5 million date palms.
  • Annual production exceeds 100,000 tons.
  • Al Ahsa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018.
  • Irrigation comes from 280 natural springs.
  • The region has a population of about 1 million.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Al Ahsa Date Farms (8)

Mirror Pilars📍 landmark

Modern artistic installations in the Al-Ahsa oasis that reflect light amidst the extensive date palm groves.

ALaroos🏰 castle

A historic fortress in the Al-Ahsa oasis that once served to protect the surrounding date palm groves.

Qasr al Luwaymi🏰 castle

A traditional fortified palace in Al-Ahsa, representing the region's typical mud-brick architecture.

Qasr al Wajjaj🏺 historical

The remnants of a historic fortress providing insight into the defensive strategies of Al-Ahsa's ancient oasis towns.

Qasr Muhayris🏺 historical

A circular fortress ruin atop a hill, used for monitoring caravan routes in the Mubarraz region.

Qasr al Hazm🏰 castle

A historic castle in the oasis, known for its massive walls and strategic location for defense.

Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque📍 landmark

A Muslim place of worship in the Al-Ahsa oasis, noted for its decorated minarets and peaceful prayer atmosphere.

Abdullah Naeem Mosque📍 landmark

A local mosque near the date groves, serving as an important spiritual meeting point for the Al-Ahsa community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see the date harvest in Al-Ahsa?
The harvest season is usually in late summer, around August to September.
Can you visit the date farms freely?
Many farms require prior appointment or are part of a guided tour.
What is special about Al-Ahsa dates?
Al-Ahsa is worldwide known for the variety and high quality of its date types.
Are there opportunities to buy fresh dates directly at the farm?
Yes, most farms have small shops where you can buy fresh produce.
Is visiting the oasis family-friendly?
Yes, it is an educational experience where children can get hands-on with agriculture.
Al Ahsa Date Farms: where is it located?
Al Ahsa Date Farms is located in Saudi Arabia.
Al Ahsa Date Farms: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirror Pilars, ALaroos, Qasr al Luwaymi.
Al Ahsa Date Farms: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Al Ahsa Date Farms: why is it worth visiting?
Al Ahsa Date Farms in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province are part of one of the world's largest oases.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Saudi Arabia →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places