by Chiara Ciampricotti Coangeli
The walls corroded by the salt air, the wood of the doors smoothed by the wind, and the rusty bolts all refer to the glories that were once celebrated here. These days, it is an incredible hidden gem, which attract locals and tourists alike.
Al-Uqair — About an hour from Dhahran, along a stretch of natural and wild coast, you get to al-Uqair. Fifty miles northeast of the fertile oasis of al-Hasa and its main city of Hofuf, the journey to al-Uqair features beautiful lush scenery with a path full of palm trees that arise misaligned in bushes and throw their branches into transparent and pristine waters. The beach collects the signs of time, bringing a myriad of shells, with thin and rough shells, fans with wide grooves, and transverse strips of various colors to the shore.
Along the road, the signs indicating the location suggest a tourist attraction. But, when you arrive at the middle of the square that houses the parking lot, it in-stead offers the feeling of a somewhat neglected place. Still, sometimes the charm of a place does not lie in what it represents, but in what it evokes.
The walls corroded by the salt air, the wood of the doors smoothed by the wind, and the rusty bolts all refer to the glories that were once celebrated here. These days, it is an incredible hidden gem, which attract locals and tourists alike.
The fort currently consists of a stone rampart topped with mud brick and is 150 feet long on each side with an entrance leading to a large square that once housed the market.
Once a Busy Hub of International Trade
It was the first seaport in the Arabian Gulf. The cargoes moving from al-Uqair to al-Hasa ranged from 250 to 300 shipments of goods such as timber, food, coffee, cardamom, spices, clothing, perfume, incense, and sandalwood, coming from India, China, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Oman. They returned with the most significant products of al-Hasa such as dates, molasses, palm shoots and leaves, wool, and livestock.
Al-Uqair also tends to have ties with ancient Gerrha and Mesopotamia. Some believe it was built by Arabs as a defense. As foreign attacks were predicted, the fort could provide a safe haven, as well as defense.
The fort’s origin is still under question, and its history remains a mystery. When the Kingdom was established, al-Uqair was its economic gateway — the main port through which to access the East and the middle of the country. Its historic position was strengthened due to the political agreements established during the reign of King Abdulaziz.
This historical site was the location of the conference, at which the Uqair Protocol of 1922 was issued, helping establish the borders of modern Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz. The protocol is of great political significance, and to this day still marks the border between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Although the history of those who built al-Uqair remains inconclusive, it stands in quiet testimony to a mysterious and diverse cultural landscape that flourished in its proximity. The beach enhances the scenic beauty of the fort, and preserves this historical asset.
Through the Years, Beauty Perseveres
Although the history of those who built al-Uqair remains inconclusive, it stands in quiet testimony to a mysterious and diverse cultural landscape that flourished in its proximity. The beach enhances the scenic beauty of the fort, and preserves this historical asset.
The fort currently consists of a stone rampart topped with mud brick and is 150 feet long on each side with an entrance leading to a large square that once housed the market. On its sides, there are two beautiful colonnades that look out toward the sea. Still, the most beautiful view is enjoyed from the walkway upstairs.
On a sunny day, the light color of the building is striking against the blue background created by the sky and the breaking of the waters of the sea. The charm of these structures is often linked to what can be glimpsed from the windows — the traditional palm wood ceilings, and the lamps that descend hexagonally with their play of lights and glass. Immediately the imagination is transport-ed to the past.
Juxtaposed to the fort, there are other very well preserved old structures, including the government and customs buildings, and the mosque. Although the area is under military control, there is always a caretaker available to lead visitors on this adventurous discovery.
If you are fond of historical explorations, you will absolutely love wandering in this old iconic city that has withstood the test of time.
On a sunny day, the light color of the building is striking against the blue background created by the sky and the breaking of the waters of the sea.
— The Arabian Sun: July 15, 2020 | Vol. LXXV, No. 28
AXP Editor's Note: For additional information on the Uqair Protocol of 1922, visit these websites:
Uqair Protocol of 1922
Al Uqair Fort, a mysterious fort located in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia