Al-Qarah Mountain

Al-Qarah Mountain is a natural and historical landmark in Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province in eastern Saudi Arabia, known for its caves and rock passages that formed over centuries. [1]

Inside the caves, a visitor finds long rock passages and workshops for traditional crafts held in some of them. [1]

Al-Ahsa extends as a vast agricultural oasis surrounded by open desert; the area of its natural oases exceeds 85 square kilometres, and its formations include caves, mountains, plains and springs. [2][3]

In the Al-Ahsa Oasis are millions of palm trees that produce Khalas dates, and it entered the Guinness World Records as the largest palm oasis in the world. It was also inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2018 under reference 1563 and criteria (iii)(iv)(v), with a core area of 8544 hectares and a buffer zone of 21556 hectares; its components include gardens, irrigation channels (aflaj), freshwater springs, wells, Lake Al-Asfar, historic buildings, an urban fabric and archaeological sites. [3][4]

These components stand as evidence of human settlement in the Gulf region from the Neolithic period to the present day. [4]

The caves of the mountain formed over centuries through natural processes that include the dissolution of soluble rock, erosion and earthquake fissures. [1]

The caves feature 28 towering longitudinal passages extending for 1.5 kilometres, among them Nashab Cave, which is known for its moderate temperatures throughout the year. [1]

Among the best known caves of Al-Qarah Mountain are Bu Salih Cave, Al-Eid Cave, Al-Naqa Cave, Al-Mu'azzamah Cave and Al-Mahyub Cave. [1]

Some of these caves are used for workshops of craft makers, alongside the natural value the mountain holds. [1]

Al-Qarah Mountain may be visited daily from eight in the morning until eleven in the evening, and it is classed among the heritage and historical places suited to families and friends. [1]

The location of the mountain is set on the map by the coordinates 25.4114828 north and 49.6928144 east, within Al-Ahsa. [1]

Q: Where is Al-Qarah Mountain located? A: In Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province in eastern Saudi Arabia, at coordinates 25.4114828 north and 49.6928144 east. [1]

Q: What are the best known caves of Al-Qarah Mountain? A: Bu Salih Cave, Al-Eid Cave, Al-Naqa Cave, Al-Mu'azzamah Cave and Al-Mahyub Cave. [1]

Q: What are the visiting hours of the mountain? A: Daily from eight in the morning until eleven in the evening. [1]

Q: How many cave passages are there and how long are they? A: 28 towering longitudinal passages extending for 1.5 kilometres. [1]

Q: Is the mountain suitable for family visits? A: Yes; the mountain is among the heritage and historical places suited to families and friends. [1]