An Amazing Weekend in Al-Ahsa, Hofuf, Jawatha, Jabl Qarrah and Uqair

Salaam people.  Been a while! Thought I’d share another weekend’s journey to the Eastern Province.  Much different to the last one.  Alhamdulilah this one was filled with more history and heritage than beaches and corniches ;)  Below are some of the highlights from the trip and the places I visited with Google coordinates for anyone wishing to visit.  As always, all the pics can be found HERE.  Enjoy:


Ibrahim’s Palace / قصر إبراهيم

Located in Al Kout neighbourhood of Hafouf, this was the main governing centre in historical Ahsa.  It was built during the Otomman rule.  It consists of various areas, main one being: Masjid Al-Qubba which was built in 974 Hijri.  Also consists of the barracks, main lunge, commanders’ residence and other areas.

Arabic name: قصر إبراهيم
Google Coordinates: 25.378797,49.586073


Masjid Jawatha /  مسجد جواثا

This Masjid is about 12km from Hofuf.  It was initially built in 7th year of Hijri (628 AD) by the Bani Abdul Qais tribe.  This is believed to be the first Masjid built in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia as well as being the second Masjid in Islam where the Jummah salaah was offered after Masjid An-Nabawi.

It is located in the middle of a park and when I went, it was almost empty with just a handful of people around.  Obviously, renovation work has been carried out over the years to repair the Masjid and also to install lighting etc.  People are allowed to go inside and pray.  I was told that it is open all the time.  However, you can easily mistake the side entrance as the main entrance and walk away thinking it’s locked.  The main entrance is actually on the right hand side where the board with the Masjid’s name and facts is.

Inside, it is carpeted but dark so do leave the doors open.  Lighting is installed inside but it wasn’t working when I went.  There plenty of mushafs inside.

There are steps leading to the roof of the masjid too, however, some are slightly damaged so do be careful if you decide to climb.

Google Coordinates: 25.469769,49.678524


Al-Uqair Castle/Fort/Beach - قلعة العقير

This is an ancient fort of Islamic origin, located in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It is alternatively spelled Al-'Uqair, Uqayr, and Ogair, all Latin transliterations of the same Arabic word.  This was a major trading port for Al-Ahsa and central regions of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Muslim armies which opened India, Persia and reached to the outskirts of China were launched from Uqair beach.

Also, the treaty of Uqair was signed here by King Abdul Aziz in 1333 H.

Google Coordinates: 25.644266,50.2149258


Jabl Qarah / جبل القارة

The Jabl Al-Qarah and caves are located approximately 13KM East of Hofuf.  There’s 2 things to do: 1. Enter the caves.  Be warned though, it gets very very cold inside so do take a jacket with you.  Lighting and stair cases have been installed inside so it’s not as scary as it used to be.  2. Climb the mountain.  Now, you can do this the hard way, or, you can simply go around the back of the caves where the mobile masts are and just take the road to the top of the mountains.  The view from the top is stunning.  Well worth a visit.

Google Coordinates: 25.411406,49.693206


Of course, this wouldn't be complete without a shot of the sunset right?