Alahsa

AlAhsa, also spelled Al-Hasa or Al-Ahsa, is a historical oasis district located in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, within the Najran Province. Known for its fertile land and the extensive date palm plantations, AlAhsa has been a center of agriculture and trade since ancient times. The area is bordered by the Arabian Desert to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east, and lies approximately 260 kilometres (160 miles) southeast of the capital Riyadh.

The town’s origins trace back to the pre-Islamic era, with archaeological evidence indicating settlements as early as 2000 BC. Throughout history, AlAhsa was part of the Hafsid, Himyarite, and later the Abbasid domains. It gained prominence under the rule of the Rashidi and Al Saud families, and was a key site during the early expansions of Islam. In the 18th and 19th centuries, AlAhsa served as a strategic trading post for caravans traveling between the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian Ocean, linking it to merchants from Persia, India, and East Africa.

Today, AlAhsa remains an agricultural hub, famous for producing the sweet "Bureen" and "Halwa" dates. It is also recognized for the Alahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which showcases the region’s unique climatic, ecological, and cultural heritage. The local economy combines agriculture, tourism, and light industry, while educational institutions continue to attract students from across the Gulf. The area maintains its traditional customs, including unique folk music and henna art, while modern infrastructure supports its growing population.