Al Hofuf

Al-Hofuf (or Hofuf) is the main city of one of the world's largest oases, the Al-Ahsa Oasis, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Al-Ahsa Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, with over 2.5 million date palms, is the world's largest self-contained palm grove. Hofuf is an ancient city with a rich history based on its role along trade routes. The city is home to the famous Ibrahim Palace, an Ottoman-era fortress that was the city's military and political center. Another major city attraction is the Souq Al Qaisariya, a 19th-century covered market that is one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in the region. Hofuf and its surroundings have long been known for their handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and the making of the 'bisht' (a traditional men's cloak). The city is also home to King Faisal University. The region's rich water sources allow for extensive agriculture, especially the cultivation of dates, rice, and vegetables.

Nearby cities

Dammam

The metropolis on the east coast is a major administrative center rich in petroleum industry facilities.

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

Ithra Center

An architectural marvel in Dhahran that serves as a leading cultural and educational center in Saudi Arabia.

Nature

Al-Asfar Lake

An expansive wetland lake in the Al-Ahsa Oasis that serves as a sanctuary for thousands of migratory birds.

Arabian Gulf Coast

The flat, sandy eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, historically shaped by the pearl trade and today the center of the country's oil industry.

More places

Al Ahsa Date Farms

The largest oasis in the world, known for its extensive date palm groves and traditional irrigation systems.

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.

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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.