The Best Travel Guide to Hofuf

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Saudi Arabia

Hofuf

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Asia Saudi Arabia Hofuf

Overview

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Hofuf The guide was updated: 2022-10-08

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.

Facts

Population:	150,000 (2014)
Currency:	1 riyal (SAR) = 100 halalas
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency 999
Newspapers:	Saudi Gazette Al Jazeera
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.
Tourist information:	Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage B.O.Box 66680 Riyadh 11586 Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 11 8808855 Tourism Call Center 19988

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Section in Hofuf

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.

Qaisariah Souq

Qaisariah Souq

The Qaisariah Souq is a cultural attraction just as much as a shopping venue - the souq is well-preserved to reflect the spirit of ancient times, Arabic architecture and traditional markets. Vendors sell all manner of things (fabrics, crafts, spices, etc.) in the unique, old-time atmosphere of the souq.

Al Ahsa National Park

Al Ahsa National Park

The National Park is a beautiful green oasis located in the area of Umran, in close proximity to the Qara Mountain. Originally planned to prevent desert sands being blown into the city of Umran, the park has now transformed into a family-friendly green destination. The park welcomes visitors to its green spaces, playgrounds, recreation areas and even swimming pools all through the day.

Uqair Beach

Uqair Beach

An hour long train ride east from the Hofuf railway station is the ancient fort of Uqair and Uqair Beach - a stretch of land perfectly fit for a beach day trip from Hofuf. There is little infrastructure in the area, so prepare everything you may need in advance - including swimming gear and snacks.

Al-Qara Caves

Al-Qara Caves

The extraordinary rock formations and caves of Al-Qara are, perhaps, the most prominent landmark of the region and deserve a day trip of their own. Wandering through the maze is pleasant any time of year - the caves stay cool during summer, warm throughout the winter months and the mountaintop offer unobstructed views of the beautiful palm oasis beneath. The legend has it, these caves is where Judas ended his life after the biblical betrayal.

Ibrahim Palace

Ibrahim Palace

A monument of Ottoman architecture, the palace is an ancient fort with walls built from then-common materials of mud and straw. There is a small museum of Ottoman artifacts and a mosque on its premises, and the palace is open to visitors all days of the week.

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