Location: Al Hofuf
Top Things to do in Al Hofuf
Countries
What to do and see in Al Hofuf, Eastern Province: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Al-Hofuf (also Hofuf , Hofof' or Hufuf, also known as Al-Hasa and Al-Ahsa) (Arabic: الهفوف al-Hufūf) is the major urban center in the Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is also very well known for being one of the largest date producers in the world, and for its old souks and palaces.
Restaurants in Al Hofuf
1. Qaisariah Souq
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Adnan-Almuslem - Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
A must to visit in Alhassa tour, for shopping and enjoying the traditional-style design for one of the oldest markets in the region, that was built in 1822 AD-1238 AH, and was recently renovated. The Qaisariah souq is one of the most famous historical markets in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rich in historical sites including palaces, towers, mosques and traditional markets. The Qaisariah souq consists of more than 422 shops and is distinguished by its architectural designs of closed corridors and elevated roofing. This offers the visitors good ventilation and natural light while walking in the market, and enables them to have a better grasp of the ancient heritage of the Eastern Province.
2. Jawatha Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By borsais - Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
Jawatha Mosque, romanized: Masjid Jawāthā), also incorrectly spelled Al-Jawan, is located in the village of Al-Kilabiyah, about 12 km (7.5 mi) northeast of Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. It was the earliest known mosque built in eastern Arabia, and most of the original structure is in ruins. Nevertheless, the site is still used for prayer. It was built in the seventh year of the Hijrah (c. 629 CE), or c. 636 CE, at the hands of the Bani Abd al-Qays tribe, which lived there before and early in the Islamic period. This mosque is believed to be the first mosque built in Eastern Province and where the second Friday congregation prayer in Islam was offered, the first being held in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. According to legend, when the Hajr Al-Aswad (Black Stone) was stolen from Mecca by the Qarmatians, it was kept in this mosque for nearly 22 years. Most of the mosque's original structure has been lost and it remains in danger of collapse. Only five small mud-brick arches remain. The visible ruins probably date from around the 9th century AD. The mosque's current structure's design is similar to the design of Masmak fort in Saudi Arabia.
3. Ibrahim Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Adnan-Almuslem - Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
A must to visit in Alhassa tour, even if you miss the chance to enter it, still the scenery from outside is worth the visit. The Ibrahim palace in Al-Hofuf has stood the test of time and efforts are continuous to maintain the structure. This historical palace is an architectural masterpiece that was a Turkish military barracks in eastern Saudi Arabia and the main headquarters of the Ottoman garrison in Alhassa. King Abdulaziz al-Saud (mercy on him) entered the castle to announce the annexation of Alhassa in 1331 Hijri. The center of the palace, which was built in 963 Hijri, is the Al-Qubba mosque. The facilities, the Ottoman prison, the weapons storehouse and the Turkish baths were built around it. The Ibrahim Palace covers an area of 16,500 square meters. It combines both Islamic and military architecture as its huge building and its upper balconies give the effect of typical castles.
