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    Scale Al Qarah Mountain

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A gem waiting to be discovered

Saudi Regions: The Eastern Province

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Explore the History of the Eastern Province Region of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province stretches from the shallow shores of the Arabian Gulf through the palm-cloaked hills of Al Ahsa Oasis and deep into the forbidding plains of Rub’ Al Khali. Historically, its position at the crossroads of the great civilizations of the Levant, Mesopotamia and India made it a thriving trade hub. And while Aramco’s oil and gas activities constitute much of the region’s economic activity today, for centuries merchants used it as an inland route, bringing frankincense, incense and other goods from ancient Yemen toward the great empires.
  • Admire Natural Beauty in the Eastern Province

    Admire Natural Beauty in the Eastern Province

    Some of the Gulf region’s first human settlements can be found in Al Ahsa, home to one of the world’s largest oases and the region’s first UNESCO-listed city. Visitors will love Al Ahsa’s natural springs, clustered among more than 3 million date palm trees, and the beautifully preserved archaeological sites that capture the kingdom’s culture and traditions.

    Take time to experience the sublime views from Al Qarah Mountain, or take a guided tour of the maze of caverns and coves that weave through the cliffsides.

  • Discover Culture in the Eastern Province

    Discover Culture in the Eastern Province

    For more of an urban vibe, make a stop in the region’s anchor city, Dammam, or venture out to nearby Al Khobar. Visit the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (Scitech), where kids can take a virtual tour into space, explore the human body or enjoy a 3D IMAX screening. For downtime, stroll along the corniche or dabble in the waters at Half Moon Bay. For those wanting an off-road adventure, take a guided trip into the dramatic dunes of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest continuous sand mass. End your day by watching the sunset over the shimmering plains for a truly magical experience. For even more culture — from street art to vintage museums — check out this guide to six places to visit in the Eastern Province.

    

What to visit

  • Shopping Hofuf and Al Mubarraz

    Souq Al Qaisariya’s hidden gems

    Enjoy souvenir shopping in Al Hofuf’s centuries-old market.

  • Shopping Dammam

    Dive into Dammam’s Love Market

    For souq shopping at its best, take a trip to this colorful traditional market.

  • History Al Qatif

    Discover Tarout Castle

    Just three towers remain of Tarout Castle; a trio of crumbling turrets perched atop a hill in the heart of Tarout Island that were once part of a regional stronghold.

  • Heritage Al Ahsa

    Visit Dougha Handmade Pottery Factory

    This quaint mountainside family business showcases an ancient craft.

  • Culture Al Khobar

    Relive your childhood at Taybeen Museum

    Taybeen Museum, an extraordinary passion-project and wonderfully unexpected trip into a bygone age.

  • Culture Al Khobar

    Science and play collide at SCITECH

    You want to take a tour through the human body or get up close with Arabian sea creatures? SCITECH can make that happen with this interactive family experience.

  • Exploring Eastern Province

    6 Places to Visit in the Eastern Province

    The Eastern Province is one of the most sprawling regions of Saudi Arabia. Uncover Saudi culture by visiting these six hot spots in the Eastern Province.

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Top activities

Cities of the Eastern Province

  • Saudi’s Eastern Province: Exploring Dammam

    Saudi’s Eastern Province: Exploring Dammam

    The capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Dammam has tranquil views and a bustling infrastructure. Learn more about the city of Dammam here!

  • Exploring the Al Ahsa Oasis

    Exploring the Al Ahsa Oasis

    The Al Ahsa Oasis blends Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty with a rich, wonderful history that is completely unique to the region. Learn more about Al Ahsa here!

Browse through the Eastern Province's gallery

    Ithra building, Dhahran
    Ithra building, Dhahran

    Souq Al Qaisariya, Al Hofuf
    Souq Al Qaisariya, Al Hofuf

    Jawatha Mosque, Al-Kilabiyah
    Jawatha Mosque, Al-Kilabiyah

    Khobar seafront
    Khobar seafront

    Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa
    Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa

    Al Qara Mountain
    Al Qara Mountain

  • Ithra building, Dhahran
  • Souq Al Qaisariya, Al Hofuf
  • Jawatha Mosque, Al-Kilabiyah
  • Khobar seafront
  • Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa
  • Al Qara Mountain
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The Eastern Province

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