Plizio Visual Lab
Al Ahsa Date Farms
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
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.
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Top sights: Mirror Pilars · ALaroos · Qasr al Luwaymi
- Nearby: Al Hofuf (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 36 | 38 | 37 | 34 | 29 | 22 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7 |
📋 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
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)
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.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Saudi Arabia →
Nearby cities
Dammam
The metropolis on the east coast is a major administrative center rich in petroleum industry facilities.
Al Hofuf
The urban center of the Al-Ahsa Oasis is deeply rooted in history and surrounded by millions of date palms.
Al Mubarraz
The twin city of Hofuf within the Al-Ahsa Oasis shares its fertile land irrigation system.
Hafar Al Batin
This desert city in the northeast has served for centuries as a resting place for pilgrims and trade caravans heading to Mecca.
Al Jubail
A former small fishing village that has developed into one of the largest industrial cities in the world.
Al Khobar
A wealthy commercial and coastal city on the Persian Gulf that is closely connected to Bahrain.
Dhahran
As the headquarters of the national oil company Saudi Aramco, the city is the administrative center of the oil industry.
Tarut
One of the oldest inhabited islands in the Persian Gulf, known for its archaeological discoveries and historical castle.
Al Khafji
A border city in the northeast with Kuwait that grew rapidly following the discovery of oil in the neutral zone.
Qatif
One of the oldest settlements in Eastern Arabia with a rich agricultural tradition in date palm cultivation.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Ghawar Oil Field
The Ghawar Oil Field is by far the largest conventional oil field in the world and forms the backbone of Saudi oil production.
Jafurah Gas Field
The Jafurah Gas Field is the largest unconventional natural gas field in Saudi Arabia, playing a key role in the country's energy plans.
🗺️
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK)
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) is a megaproject designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for energy, industry, and technology.
King Fahd Park (Dammam)
A vast recreational park in Dammam featuring artificial lagoons, waterfalls, and many green spaces.
Qatif Castle
The remains of a massive castle in the Qatif oasis.
Tarout Castle
An ancient fortress on Tarout Island built over Phoenician ruins.
King Abdulaziz Port Dammam
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is the largest port on the Arabian Gulf and the gateway to the Eastern Province.
🗺️
Ras Tanura Refinery
Located in the Eastern Province, the Ras Tanura Refinery is the oldest and largest oil refinery in Saudi Arabia.