Hofuf

Hofuf, Saudi Arabia

Nestled within the lush Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, the city of Al Hofuf (also known as Al-Ahsa or Al-Hasa) sprawls over the palm-tree covered lands inhabited since prehistoric times. Al Hofuf is packed with historic sites, architectural monuments, and natural wonders, from forts and palaces to the whimsical Qara Mountain Caves and natural springs.

Population:

150,000 (2014)

Currency:

1 riyal (SAR) = 100 halalas

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency 999

Opening Hours:

The working week is generally from Sun-Thu with some businesses open Saturday mornings. Government Offices: 7:30am–2:30pm. Banks: 9:30am–4:30pm. Private Businesses: 8am–noon and 4–8pm. Some shops close several times a day for half hour prayers, and often work "split days" closing for a few hours between noon and 4pm.

Newspapers:

Saudi Gazette
Al Jazeera

The City

Al-Ahsa Oasis containing the city of Hofuf boasts a staggering estimate of one and a half million date palm trees, which has turned Hofuf into a leading producer of dates worldwide. The abundance of this sweet fruit isn't its only pride - Al-Ahsa has been inhabited from time immemorial due to its relatively favorable climate and abundance of natural water springs (Al-Jawhariah, Al-Khodoud and Um Sabah, as well as the Al-Harah hot springs), and traces of ancient life can still be seen in the archaeological sites scattered throughout the oasis.

Some of the area's main attractions include the mysterious mountain caves of Qara, Ibrahim Palace (the province's main administrative center and architectural monument), the historic Al-Qaisariyah Market (one of the finest souks in the Kingdom) and Al-Ahsa National Park. Hofuf is located only an hour-long train ride away from the coastal town of Uqair known for its pristine beach, which makes for a perfect weekend seaside getaway.

Do & See

The Al-Ahsa Oasis (Asia's largest) is an attraction of its own - the area has recently been nominated to officially become one of the Seven Wonders of the World due to its unique position at the crossroads of historic trade routes and natural diversity. A great way to get a bird's eye view of the oasis is to climb the Qara Mountain (do not miss the famous Qara Caves en route), from where the incredible sight of hundreds of thousands of date palms unfolds. In Hofuf, the must-dos are the authentic, well-preserved Qaisariah Souq, Ibrahim Palace and (for history buffs) the Al-Ahsa Museum for Antiquities and Heritage.

Dining

Grains such as wheat or rice and meats, such as chicken or lamb constitute the bulk of Saudi cuisine--pork is not normally served in the country, as its consumption is forbidden by Islam. Yoghurt is often used in local cooking, and dates constitute a dessert staple. A "Kabsa" dish made up of rice, fish, and shrimp is typical of the area. There is no shortage of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines in Hofuf; most have separate designated areas for families and singles.

Cafes

Dates reign king in foods typical of the Eastern Province, and dishes served at Hofuf's cafes are no exception. Molasses extracted from dates are used for preparing porridge (a local diet staple). Menus of most establishments (from small locales to international chains) feature date-based desserts. Much as elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, fruit juices and smoothies are also very popular.