The oasis is located approximately 60 kilometers from the coast of the Persian Gulf. It is located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered to the north by the province of Abqaiq, to the east by the Gulf, to the west by the desert of Ad-Dahna and to the south by the Rub’ Al-Khali desert. The oasis is distinguished by its important geographical and historical location, which made it a link between ancient civilizations for thousands of years.
The fertility of the region made it an ideal halt spot for traders and caravans as well as a stopping point for pilgrims heading to Makkah. The agricultural lands of the oasis rise from 120 to 160 meters above sea level, with a slight slope from west to east. The oasis is characterized by its naturally flowing springs.
The oasis is not only magnificent natural scenery but holds a great archeological value. Traces of human settlements have been discovered all over the oasis showing that it has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Gardens, caves, mountains, mosques, springs, archeological sites bear witness to all the different treasures held by the oasis. The historic center Al Holuf with its important monuments is an illustration of the city’s political control and commercial role over the centuries. The oasis is an outstanding example of traditional human settlement within a desertic environment which shows the close connection between nature, natural resources and the human efforts of land occupation. The agricultural organization in place is based on the distribution of spring water through a network of open channels. Al-Ahsa Oasis embodies the liveliness and modernity of this specific traditional land occupation and demonstrates its continued relevance locally and regionally.
