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Hofuf

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Al-Hofuf is a major urban center located in the Al-Ahsa Governorate. It sits within the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The city is part of a larger populated oasis area. This oasis consists of various towns and villages. The total population of this oasis area is around 600,000 people. The city proper has a population of 150,000. By 2022, the total population reached 729,606.

Hofuf is known globally for its massive date production. It is also famous for its historic palaces and old markets.

The geography of the region is shaped by its position. Hofuf sits inland from the Persian Gulf. It is located southwest of Abqaiq. It is also near the Dhahran–Dammam–Al-Khobar metropolitan area. The city lies on the road south toward Haradh. One notable nearby feature is the Ghawar oil field. This is one of the largest conventional oil fields on land.

Flag of Saudi Arabia
Flag of Saudi Arabia

The climate in Al-Hofuf is classified as a hot desert climate. Scientists use the Köppen climate classification BWh to describe this. This means the region experiences very long and hot summers. The winters are short and mild. This environment supports the growth of the date palm. The city is one of the largest areas for producing dates in the world. Locals grow the khalasi variety of dates. Many people consider these to be among the best dates available.

History has brought many different rulers to Hofuf. In 1871, the Ottoman Empire captured the city. It served as the headquarters for the Ottoman administration. They maintained control until 1913. At that time, members of the Wahhabi movement captured the city. This happened under the leadership of Ibn Saud. In 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially founded. Hofuf has remained a key city within the kingdom ever since.

Flag of Saudi Arabia
Flag of Saudi Arabia

The economy of Hofuf has changed through different eras. Historically, the city was a center for making textiles. Workers used materials like wool, silk, and cotton. By 1920, the city was also known for metalwork. Artisans made coffee pots using silver and brass. Today, the economy is supported by agriculture and education. King Faisal University has several faculties located in the city. Students can study agriculture, veterinary medicine, and animal resources.

Education is a significant part of modern life in Hofuf. The Hofuf campus provides specific facilities for Saudi women. They can study medicine, dentistry, and home economics there. The city also serves as a hub for transportation. It has its own airport called Al-Ahsa International Airport. This airport offers domestic flights and flights to Dubai. During the Gulf War in 1991, it served as an air base for the French Air Force.

Flag of Saudi Arabia
Flag of Saudi Arabia

Connecting to other regions is easy via several methods. A railway station in the city links Hofuf to the capital, Riyadh. It also connects the city to Dammam in the north. All railways in the country are operated by Saudi Arabia Railways. For much larger travel, people use King Fahd International Airport. That airport is located 160 km away in Dammam.

Flag of Saudi Arabia
Flag of Saudi Arabia

Cultural legends also surround the city. Some stories place Hofuf as the burial site for Laila and Majnoon. They are the famous pair from a popular Arab and Muslim love story. Other legends say the Queen of Sheba visited the city. She would have traveled from her kingdom in South Arabia. Even in the early 1900s, the city attracted interest. The German explorer Hermann Burchardt photographed the city in 1904.

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