Best Places to Visit in Eastern Province | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Eastern Province Travel Guide
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- Eastern Province Travel Videos
- Plan Eastern Province Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Eastern Province
- Hotels Map Of Eastern Province
- Tours And Activities In Eastern Province
- Food And Drinks To Try In Eastern Province
- Best Time To Visit Eastern Province
- Flight Calendar For Eastern Province
- Transportation To Eastern Province
Welcome to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, a region known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, this province offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. From the bustling city of Dammam, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling markets, to the serene beaches of Half Moon Bay, there is something for every traveler to explore and enjoy. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the historic town of Al Khobar, where you can wander through traditional souks and sample delicious local cuisine. For nature enthusiasts, the region is home to the mesmerizing Empty Quarter, the largest continuous sand desert in the world, and the picturesque Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into Saudi Arabia's rich heritage, the Eastern Province has it all.
Eastern Province Travel Videos
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Best Places To Visit in Eastern Province
1. Al Khobar : Located in the heart of the Eastern Province, Al Khobar is a bustling city known for its beautiful corniche, shopping malls, and delicious food. The city is home to many expats and offers a diverse range of activities, from water sports to cultural events.
2. Dammam : As the capital of the Eastern Province, Dammam is a hub for business and commerce. However, the city also has a rich history and culture, with several museums and historical sites to explore. The Al Danah Corniche is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
3. Jubail : Known for its industrial sector, Jubail is also a great destination for nature lovers. The city is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Jubail Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can also enjoy the city's beaches and water sports activities.
4. Hofuf : Located in the heart of the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Hofuf is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several ancient sites, including the Qara Mountain and the Al-Qarah Caves. Visitors can also explore the traditional souks and markets, where they can find local handicrafts and souvenirs.
5. Ras Tanura : A small coastal town located on the Arabian Gulf, Ras Tanura is a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The town is home to several beautiful beaches, including the Ras Tanura Beach and the Half Moon Bay.
6. Abqaiq : Known for its oil industry, Abqaiq is also a great destination for history buffs. The city is home to several ancient sites, including the Al-Magar Civilization and the Al-Qarah Caves. Visitors can also explore the traditional souks and markets, where they can find local handicrafts and souvenirs.
7. Qatif : Located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, Qatif is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several ancient sites, including the Tarout Castle and the Al-Awamiyah Fortress. Visitors can also explore the traditional souks and markets, where they can find local handicrafts and souvenirs.
8. Safwa : A small town located in the heart of the Eastern Province, Safwa is a great destination for nature lovers. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Al-Ahsa National Park and the Al-Qarah Mountain.
9. Al Uqair : Located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, Al Uqair is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several ancient sites, including the Al-Uqair Castle and the Al-Ahsa Museum. Visitors can also enjoy the town's beaches and water sports activities.
10. Tarout Island : Located off the coast of Qatif, Tarout Island is a historic island with a rich cultural heritage. The island is home to several ancient sites, including the Tarout Castle and the Tarout Mosque. Visitors can also explore the traditional souks and markets, where they can find local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Hotels Map Of Eastern Province
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Tours And Activities In Eastern Province
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Food & Drinks To Try In Eastern Province
1. Kabsa: Kabsa is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish that is popular in the Eastern Province. It is a flavorful rice dish cooked with a variety of spices, including saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. It is usually served with tender pieces of meat, such as chicken, lamb, or goat, and garnished with nuts and raisins. Kabsa is a must-try dish when visiting the Eastern Province.
2. Mandi: Mandi is another delicious rice dish that is widely enjoyed in Saudi Arabia, including the Eastern Province. It is made by slow-cooking marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, in a tandoor oven. The meat is then served on a bed of fragrant rice, which is cooked with a blend of spices. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
3. Jareesh: Jareesh is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish that is particularly popular in the Eastern Province. It is made from crushed wheat that is cooked with meat, usually chicken or lamb, and a variety of spices. The mixture is then simmered until it reaches a creamy consistency. Jareesh is often enjoyed during special occasions and is known for its rich and comforting flavors.
4. Harees: Harees is a traditional Saudi Arabian dish that is commonly consumed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is made by slow-cooking a mixture of wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb, until it becomes a thick porridge-like consistency. Harees is often flavored with spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, and it is typically served with a drizzle of ghee or clarified butter.
5. Sambousek: Sambousek is a popular appetizer in Saudi Arabia, including the Eastern Province. It is a savory pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, such as minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. The pastry is usually deep-fried until golden and crispy, making it a delicious and satisfying snack.
6. Arabic Coffee: Arabic coffee, also known as "qahwa," is a traditional beverage that is commonly served in Saudi Arabia. It is made from lightly roasted coffee beans that are ground and brewed with cardamom. Arabic coffee is often served in small cups and is enjoyed for its rich and aromatic flavors. It is a customary gesture to offer guests Arabic coffee as a sign of hospitality.
7. Saudia: Saudia is a popular non-alcoholic beverage in Saudi Arabia. It is a refreshing drink made from a blend of fruits, such as mango, pineapple, and guava, mixed with ice and sugar. Saudia is a perfect choice to quench your thirst and enjoy the tropical flavors of the region.
8. Tamarind Juice: Tamarind juice is a tangy and refreshing drink that is commonly found in Saudi Arabia. It is made from the pulp of tamarind fruit, which is mixed with water and sugar to create a sweet and sour beverage. Tamarind juice is a popular choice during hot summer days and is known for its cooling properties.
9. Laban: Laban is a traditional yogurt-based drink that is widely consumed in Saudi Arabia. It is made by fermenting yogurt with water and salt, resulting in a tangy and refreshing beverage. Laban is often enjoyed as a cooling drink during meals or as a healthy snack option.
10. Date Juice: Date juice, also known as "tamr hindi," is a popular drink in Saudi Arabia, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It is made by blending fresh dates with water and straining the mixture to extract the sweet juice. Date juice is rich in natural sugars and is a great source of energy. It is often consumed to break the fast during Ramadan or as a sweet treat throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit Eastern Province
The best time to visit the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia is during the winter months from November to February. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is a great time to explore the region's beautiful beaches, such as Half Moon Bay and Khobar Corniche, and engage in water activities like swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, the winter season is also ideal for visiting the historical sites in the Eastern Province, such as the Dammam Museum and the King Fahd Causeway. It is important to note that the summer months from June to August can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid visiting during this time to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Flight Calendar For Eastern Province
Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Eastern Province.
Transportation To Eastern Province
There are several transportation options to Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.
1. Air Travel: The most convenient way to reach Eastern Province is by flying into King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. This airport is well-connected to major cities in Saudi Arabia and other international destinations.
2. Road Travel: Eastern Province is well-connected to other regions of Saudi Arabia through a network of highways. You can drive to Eastern Province from cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca. The journey time will vary depending on your starting point.
3. Public Transportation: There are bus services available from various cities in Saudi Arabia to Eastern Province. The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates intercity buses that connect different regions of the country.
4. Train Travel: The Saudi Railway Organization operates a train service called the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) that connects Dammam in Eastern Province with other major cities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and Mecca.
5. Ferry: If you are coming from Bahrain, you can take a ferry from Bahrain to Al Khobar in Eastern Province. This is a popular option for travelers who want to avoid air travel.
It is recommended to check the schedules and availability of transportation options before planning your trip to Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.