From the breathtaking summit of Al Qarah Mountain, Arabic translations of the surrounding region’s place names bring new meaning. Al Ahsa, the name of the governorate, means ‘murmuring streams’ and Hofuf, the
name of the main city, translates as ‘whistling wind’. Visitors who scale this limestone mesa will be able to hear the latter while witnessing the lush green impact of the former.
However, the reward for reaching the top is not only a sultry gust but also a stupendous view of the world’s largest oasis, a source of life that has proven integral to the growth of Al Ahsa through the ages.
Views of Al-Ahsa Oasis
From on high you’ll view this emerald oasis among the sand, with over 160km of oasis housing the bulk of Al Ahsa’s estimated three million palm trees. The true miracle of the terrain can be fully appreciated, giving an
understanding of how the villages - branching off the mountain like fronds - have sustained life for millennia.
These palms, their fruits, and the reservoirs of crystalline fresh water running underneath the oasis are the reasons that Al Ahsa was able to house civilizations that pre-dated Islam, with archaeological evidence of some of the oldest settlements in the Arabian Peninsula dating as far back as 5,000 BC.
Museum and facilities
Recent renovations to make the caves more accessible include lighting and paving, while the ‘Land of Civilizations’ museum provides an excellent account of the area’s ancient history. Stories of local legends
include the mountain’s rumored role in the lives of Dilmun kings, Prophet Ibrahim. An accompanying cast of carved structures relating to the story of Adam can be found outside, while in-depth information about Al Ahsa’s feats of farming and irrigation also feature.
Elsewhere on site you’ll also find a mosque, café and gift shop, with wheelchair access is provided in several areas. The complex opens at 8am every morning, closing at 9pm through the week and 10pm at weekends. Entry is SAR50 (about US$13.32).
Visitors should remember to bring sunglasses, for while the temperate caves protect from the sun, there are few areas for shade on the surface. The rock reflects the beaming sun like a gloss, creating a white aura that only adds to the mountain’s mystique.