لخّصلي

Al-Ahsa has enriched the national cultural scene due to its ancient
heritage, which allowed the UNESCO to declare 'Al-Ahsa Oasis' among the World heritage
sites, and to its people, who interacted with civilizations, cultures and sciences since 6000 BC.
Al-Ahsa is open to other cultures due to its location in the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Al-Ahsa
is the largest natural palm oasis, connects with the ancient world civilizations in Mesopotamia,
the Levant and the Indian subcontinent and bridges the Arabian Gulf states. More than
3,000,000 palm trees in Al-Ahsa Oasis cast shadow over intellectuals and knowledge centers,
supporting the cultural movement in the Governorate while the Saudi Vision 2030 strengthens
integration among talent investment institutions and establishes cultural projects. As Al-Ahsa
witnessed chapters of history, this allowed Al-Ahsa to be on the list of UNESCO World Human
Heritage 2018, and the capital of Arab tourism in 2019. People settled in Al-Ahsa 6000 BC. The
first people lived there was the Canaanites, who displaced from the central Arabian Peninsula
after being attracted by the fresh water springs. Among their descendants were the
Phoenician, who were known with agriculture, irrigation, adventure, sailing and trade. The
immigrant Chaldeans from Babylon lived in Al-Ahsa and founded a city near Al-Uqair named
Al-Jahra, which was an important business center. There are several heritage sites in Al-Ahsa
Governorate, including Jawatha settlement, Jawatha mosque (which is one of the first
mosques in Islam), Doughat al-Gharash site (which is more than 600 years old), Ibrahim
archaeological palace, Sahoud, Mahiris, Abu Jalal, Al-Hazm palace, Al-Uqair port, Al-Qarah
mountain, Al-Qaysariya market, and the old neighborhoods such as Al-Mubarraz. The heritage
sites also includes Al-Amiriya School (which was built in 1360H), and Bayt Al-Mulla (in which
the people of Al-Ahsa pledged allegiance to King Abdulaziz in 1331H, and is considered one of
the most famous landmarks that witnessed the most prominent events before and during the
unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Throughout history, Al-Ahsa has maintained its
cultural climate. Perhaps one of its most important intellectual traditions is the 'Houses of
Literature and Cultural Councils'. Its programs have played active roles in spreading culture
and hosting literary and intellectuals. During this year 2019, Al-Ahsa witnessed a cultural
movement whose activities were distributed through packages of literary and artistic
programs. "Al-Ahsa Literary, Summer Time and Culture" Under this theme, Al-Ahsa Literary
Club has developed 30 programs within its cultural, literary and community activities, in line
with institutional efforts towards inclusiveness and diversity in order to promote intellectual
mobility in the Governorate, and to meet the wishes of the community. The programs varied
in their target audience of both sexes, and addressed the heads of thought and literature
according to a specialized method, while the space was larger for the youth category and
focused on values and positive behavior towards the exploitation of time and the safe use of
technical means as well as the engagement in volunteering work. "Family &Children" is a
prominent theme in the club's programs as the Club recognizes the importance of safe family
environment, as well as the right guidance for children. The theater, cinema, visual arts, and
music were the identity of the activities of the "Cultural Nights" last March, which were
organized by the General Authority for Culture at King Abdullah Environmental Park. On the
stage, two plays entitled "Transit" and "One Thousand and a Half Night (for Children)" were
held, while a number of Saudi films were presented. In another location on the activities
ground, the harmony between colors and brushes were obvious with 50 art works. The Culture
Authority devoted 17 art training courses during "Cultural Nights" event. The content of the
event was characterized by cognitive enrichment as well as artistic and intellectual diversity.
The event highlighted the chapters of Al-Ahsa Oasis culture and heritage. Group of poets from
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States delivered poems at Ibrahim Palace as part of
"Poetry Nights" organized by King Abdulaziz International Cultural Center. The "Land of

Civilizations" project in Jabal Qarah (12 kilometers from the administrative capital of Al-Ahsa,
Hofuf, with a maximum height of about 1,000 meters) has added diversity to the nature of the
historical place. The site, which includes a museum and theaters, hosted weekly cultural
events. Al-Ahsa celebrated in May its choice of the Arab tourism capital for 2019. As many as
15 children were enrolled in the art programs which began last July. The children were trained
on theatric skills and self-confidence while facing the audience. Al-Ahsa Museum of Antiquities
plays a major role in activating the tourist and cultural movement. On an area of 40,000 square
meters, the Museum hosts about 1400 artifacts that tell the history of the Oasis. The museum
opened in 1984 is responsible for the maintenance and protection of important historical sites,
in addition to facilitating the process of recording and surveying these sites. It is worth
mentioning that the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in Al-Ahsa is working

on the establishment of Al-Ahsa Regional Museum with a cost of more than SR44,000,000. Al-
Ahsa has 28 public and private museums, including the Allegiance Museum and the Museum

of Arabs and Caliph