The largest oasis in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahsa is an area that extends from the Arabian Gulf to the Dahwa and Oman deserts, and forms the border with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Covering an area of 2,500 kilometers in the southern part of the Eastern Province, it is home to more than 600,000 people, who mainly inhabit Al-Ahsa's four major cities: al-Hofuf, Al-Mobarraz, Al-Oyoun, and Al-Oman. It also contains fifty scattered villages which nestle among its palms. King Faisal University was established in this area in 1974 91494H), and it contains a general hospital, a number of government and private hospitals as well as a sports complex. Its central oasis, Al-Ahsa, boasts two million palm trees. The Ministry of Agriculture has set up a factory to process its rich output of dates, amounting to five tons daily. There is varied agricultural production in this area, including rice, corn, citrus and other fruit. Springs and brooks that abound in the region serve as an ample source of irrigation. There is also heavy livestock activity here, with 200,000 head of sheep, 50,000 head of goats, 12,000 head of cattle and 15,000 head of camels. There are more than 15 extensive poultry farms that produce more than 100 million eggs and 30 million table chickens annually.
Industry in Al-Ahsa
Petroleum is the main industry in the region, absorbing twenty percent of the work force. Factories turn out cement, plastic as well as the long Arab coat, or "mislah." There are various small industries as well. Because of its massive industrial and agricultural development, commerce has thrived here. Employment in markets, hotels and government and private banks absorbs sixty percent of the population.
Archeological riches in Al-Ahsa
In the long history of this region, inhabitants have included the kanoomites, Jun Hermites, Tasmis and Banu Abdul Qais.
An impressive number of historical sites give witness to the area's importance:
1.The Juwana mosque is considered to be the second mosque build under Islam, the first being the mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
2.Al-Aqeer Seaport is situated on the Arabian Gulf in eastern Al-Ahsa. It has lost its focal role as a fishing and transport site, and is now an outing place for people of the region.
3.Al-Kabeer Mosque was built by Imam Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud, the great-grandfather of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was built on the pattern of the Cordova mosque in Southern Spain.
4.Qasr (Castle) Ibrahim was built during Ottoman rule. It is located prominently in Al-Hofuf city.
5.Al-Oyan (springs), like those in Umm Sabaa and Najran (in other parts of the Kingdom), provides curative mineral water at a steady rate.
6.Qarah mountain in the village of the same name offers visitors cool air in the summer months.
7.Samoud Palace was built during Ottoman rule in the city of Al-Mobarraz
