8 Fun Facts About The Al-Ahsa Oasis
Visiting Saudi Arabia is like opening a treasure chest and finding hidden gems in the form of gorgeous locations, one of the many destinations Saudi has to offer is the Al-Ahsa Oasis.
Here are 8 facts you may or may not have known about the Al-Ahsa Oasis, to inspire you to add it to your travel plans this year.
1. Largest Oasis Playground:
Al-Ahsa Oasis claims the title of “the world’s largest oasis” with an area of around 85.4 square kilometers (33.0 square miles).
A big chunk of the oasis is located in Empty Quarter, known as Rub’ al Khali in Arabic, this vast expanse covers nearly three-quarters of the oasis’s land, with residential areas making up 18%.
2. Date Palms Haven:
Al-Ahsa is also home to the largest date palm oasis in the world, with over 3 million trees spread across 30,000 acres.
These date palms also contribute significantly to global date production.
3. UNESCO’s Seal of Approval:
In 2018, Al-Ahsa Oasis earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, making it a globally recognized treasure that stands out for its cultural and natural significance.
This addition to the World Heritage list highlights the commitment to preserving and honoring the rare blend of historical, cultural, and natural elements that make up Al-Ahsa.
4. Crossroad of Civilisations:
Al-Ahsa is a living testament to Saudi’s ancient past, with historical roots dating back centuries, with evidence of human habitants found in archaeological sites all over the oasis.
Al-Ahsa stands witness to the rise and fall of civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks, contributing to its cultural diversity.
5. Ottoman Empire:
If you, like me, are guilty of jumping on the bandwagon of Turkish historical dramas taking over the world a few years ago, this part will interest you the most.
In the early 16th century, Al-Ahsa came under Ottoman control, acting as a strategic geographical position, it was placed along crucial trade routes.
It served as a significant stop for caravans traveling between the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant, proving to be a vital part of the empire’s broader expansion in the Arabian Peninsula.
The administrative structure was reorganized, under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans recognized the agricultural potential of Al-Ahsa’s oasis.
The fertile lands were cultivated with crops and, notably, the cultivation of date palms, which has been a staple in the region for centuries, and thus the land enjoyed economic success, particularly in agriculture and trade.
6. Palm Groves and Irrigation Systems:
The Al-Ahsa oasis is characterized by sophisticated agricultural practices unfolding with the complex network of falaj, efficiently designed and strategically placed to distribute water to the extensive palm groves.
This intricate system exhibits the historical resourcefulness of Al-Ahsa’s residents, and how well they understood sustainable water management and advanced agricultural techniques.
The falaj maintains the fertile lands of the oasis, in addition to that, it also mirrors the lasting heritage of age-old wisdom in nurturing the vibrant green landscape that defines Al-Ahsa.
7. Dancing Sands at Al-Khobar:
The desert’s hidden melody can be found at Al-Khobar; the dunes that encase Al-Ahsa. As the grains shift beneath your feet, they sing a symphony of melodic sounds, a natural phenomenon that mesmerizes all those who venture near.
Walk through, nature’s very own orchestra, where the dunes seemingly come alive and enchant visitors with their songs of the mystical “singing sand dunes”.
8. A Biodiversity Haven:
Al-Ahsa is more than just iconic palms, it is home to a diverse wildlife that paints a vivid tapestry of life.
From native flora adding gorgeous color to the landscape to the subtle rustling of leaves, the oasis creates a habitat for an array of species.
This living sanctuary where the dance of butterflies and the melodies of songbirds further enrich the intricate web of life, tells you that Al-Ahsa is not just a cultural gem but a flourishing haven for nature’s wonders.
Why Should You Visit Al-Ahsa?
A visit to Al Ahsa Oasis is every traveler and photographer’s dream. This picturesque world offers sweeping greenery, sand-toned hamlets, vibrant markets, a network of artesian springs, and evocative historical sites.
We, at 365 Adventures, offer the best possible experiences through the gems of Saudi Arabia.
Read this guide on Saudi Arabia if you are visiting for the first time.
Write to us at info@365adventures.me and start your dream tour of Saudi today!
