Places to Visit in Eastern Province

Eastern Province is the largest province of Saudi Arabia. It makes up around 36% of the total land area of the country. This easternmost part of Saudi Arabia used to be home to the ancient Dilmun civilization in pre-Arab times. Today, it is one of the most economically important regions of Saudi Arabia. The largest oil field in the world, the Ghawar oil field is located in this region. Around a third of all oil produced by the country comes from this oil field.

The entire east coast of Saudi Arabia is encompassed in the eastern province. Pristine beaches on the Arabian Gulf make this region a popular tourist hot spot. It shares borders with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman. Bahrain is also linked to the province by the 25 km long King Fahd Causeway. The capital of this province is the city of Dammam. It is the sixth most populous city in the kingdom.  

A large part of the Eastern Province is covered by desert. This vast arid region with distinct reddish-orange sand is known popularly as the Rub’ al Khali or ‘The Empty Quarter’. Even though most of the empty quarter is classified as having a hyper-arid climate, there are a few notable oases in the region like the Al-Ahsa Oasis.  

Al-Ahsa is the world’s biggest oasis, having over 2.5 million palm trees that are spread over an area of 85.4 km2. It has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the Gulf region’s first human settlements can be found in Al Ahsa, home to one of the world’s largest oases and the region’s first UNESCO-listed city. Visitors will love Al Ahsa’s natural springs, clustered among more than 3 million date palm trees, and the beautifully preserved archaeological sites that capture the kingdom’s culture and traditions. Take time to experience the sublime views from Al Qarah Mountain, or take a guided tour of the maze of caverns and coves that weave through the cliff sides.

For more of an urban vibe, make a stop in the region’s anchor city, Dammam, or venture out to nearby Al Khobar. Visit the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (SciTech), where kids can take a virtual tour into space, explore the human body or enjoy a 3D IMAX screening. For downtime, stroll along the corniche or dabble in the waters at Half Moon Bay. For those wanting an off-road adventure, take a guided trip into the dramatic dunes of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest continuous sand mass. End your day by watching the sunset over the shimmering plains for a truly magical experience. The eastern province offers everything from street art to vintage museums.