Al-Uqair

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 12:48:24 +0000

The gateway to Al-Ahsa from the Arabian Gulf

Located 70 kilometers from Al-Hofuf in the Al-Ahsa region, the port of Uqair is testimony to the historical importance of the area as a gateway to the Al-Ahsa region from the Arabian Gulf. If the currently visible remains are more than 300 years old and were built during the Ottoman period, the occupation of Al-Uqair Bay as a port dates back at least to the Islamic era.

View on the Arabian Gulf from the rooftop of the Uqair Fort (photo: Florent Egal)

The complex of Al-Uqair is organised in three main ensembles: the port, the fort, and the accommodation. Al-Uqair is also a beach located 25 kilometers north of the fort.

The port and warehouse

The facilities of the port are fenced but still clearly visible. They comprise the buildings that used to host the administration offices and the warehouse where goods were stored before being shipped out or sold to the nearby souq. The main building is finely decorated and is a good example of a mix Saudi and Ottoman architectural features.

Al-Uqair's old port facilities (photo: Florent Egal)

The old fort and souq

The main fortification of Al-Uqair comprises buildings for accommodation and offices and also a large courtyard that is accessible via a gate and a passage that runs through the main building. Once past this gate visitors discover the 120 by 55 meter large courtyard surrounded by the protective walls.

Al-Uqar Fort's courtyard (photo: Florent Egal)

Along the northwestern and northeastern walls are two ranges of columns where the shops of the old souq used to sell their products. The rooftop has today disappeared but dozens of columns still with capitals are create a beautiful gallery that helps the visitor imagine the merchants surrounded by their products, scents and spices of the orient.

Al-Uqair old market (photo: Florent Egal)

The accomodation

Built in the same compound than the fort is a series of rooms and a mosque where the inhabitants of Uqair fort used to live and pray. It is in this part of the complex that we find the most beautifully decorated features, with mouldings of Arabic and Ottoman styles. Some of the doors are even crowned by colourful stained glass that is quite rare in the Arabian Peninsula.

Mosque of the Al-'Uqair Fort (photo: Florent Egal)

Al-Uqair beach

25 kilometers north of the Fort is Al-Uqair beach that presents an usual feature with Colosseum-like modern constructions that were built on the beach just 100 meters from the sea. These structures offer viewpoints and much needed shade when temperatures rise above 40°C. Small concrete fancy structures are also built along the shore in order to provide shade and privacy to the visitors. It is important to remember that as per local regulations strict dressing code is expected, even on a public beach.

Al-Uqair beach (photo: Florent Egal)

How to visit Al-Uqair

The location of Al-Uqair is available on Google Maps under the name Al Uqayr. The access is only by road, mainly from Al-Hofuf and Dhahran.

Guides providing visits to Al-Uqair:

Tour Operators

Horizons Tours

The Horizons Tours "Saudi Desert Wanderers", certified by the Saudi Commission for

Uqair – Saudi Arabia Tourism Guide