An oasis city, Qatif is the center of one of the most important fishing and agricultural areas in the Kingdom. Its inhabitants are mainly fishermen, farmers, businessmen and government employees. The Qatif area contains a population of 300,000 people scattered over distinct regions. The villages are inhabited by farmers, and the coastal areas by fishermen. There are vast desert expanses that are sparsely inhabited. The city contains more than thirteen schools for boys and girls, a 300-bed general hospital, health centers and a 40-bed specialist hospital. There is a Health Institute for boys and nursing institute for girls. Fishing is dominant: Qatif is the main supplier of fish to the Eastern Province. The agricultural section produces dates, wheat, barley, vegetables, fruit and poultry. Business and oil also figure into the area's accounts.
