The oasis is considered one of the largest natural agricultural oases in the world. Named after the region in eastern Saudi Arabia, it is located about 60 km inland from the coast of the Arabian Gulf and has 65 to 70 fresh- and hot-water springs and date palms spread over 10,000 hectares of agricultural land. Experts say the region is dotted with archaeological sites dating to the Neolithic period.
According to the Saudi submission to UNESCO, Al Ahsa “was a commercial centre for the Hajar territory of Bahrain.” Historically, Al-Ahsa was the main city in Al-Bahrain province, hosting most of its population and providing most of its agricultural output. It had geographical and strategic importance to ancient trade routes, and maintained cultural links with civilisations in Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Levant.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, said the ancient region was once a hub for agricultural activities. “Its inhabitants deployed various agricultural techniques and sophisticated irrigation systems extending along the eastern areas of Al Ahsa Oasis,” he said.
Other Saudi sites that have found place on the World Heritage List include the rock-cut monuments of Madâin Sâlih in Madinah Province; At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah in Riyadh; the historic Red-Sea port city of Jeddah, the gate to Makkah; and the rock art of the Hai’l region.
Other Saudi sites that have found place on the World Heritage List include the rock-cut monuments of Madâin Sâlih in Madinah Province; At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah in Riyadh; the historic Red-Sea port city of Jeddah, the gate to Makkah; and the rock art of the Hai’l region.
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| Source: Center for International Communication. Al Ahsa Oasis is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. |