ONE of the most famous and largest oases in the world, Al-Ahsa Oasis in eastern Saudi Arabia was inscribed a cultural heritage site in 2018. Spread over 10,000 hectares, it has over 3 million palm trees producing some of the world’s finest dates, including the famous alkhalasah date. The agricultural land here also produces a number of vegetables, fruits and rice. The oasis features a network of wells, springs and canals which bubble water into the surrounding farmland. In fact, Al-Ahsa means the sound of water underground. It is one of the richest sources of groundwater in the region and the reason behind its lush greenery.

Al-Ahsa is of great historical importance it was one of the first human settlements in the Arabian peninsula and it had strong links with ancient civilisations in the Levant. Egypt and Mesopotamia. The irrigation canals that extend along the eastern areas date back to 5000 B.C. There are ancient fortresses and mosques and several archaeological landmarks, some going back to the Neolithic period. Al-Ahsa was also a hub for traders and caravans crossing the ancient trade routes of the region. Early pilgrims en route to Mecca would stop and take shelter here. Today, Saudi Arabia’s fifth world heritage site continues to hold on to its rich historical past, with its distinct culture being passed from generation to generation for centuries.