Recently had the honor and privilege to be named Businesswoman of the Year by the Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. When I visited the area, I was happy and surprised to see the changes made since 2000, the last time I visited Al-Ahsa.
Many things have changed, especially for the benefit of the area’s women. Al-Ahsa has had people living there since 4000 BC.
Historians tell us that Al-Ahsa is so called for the abundance of ground water and uyoon (streams). In history, the area is well-known for dates which have different names and tastes, according to the origin of the trees. Some famous kinds of dates are Al-Khlas, Al-Shishy and Al-Hilaly.
Al-Ahsa is also known for the men’s luxurious black cloaks called bisht, which are mostly made by hand with golden threads in the embroidery. The cloaks are worn over thobes on many occasions.
Many important Gulf families are regular customers of the bisht-makers of Al-Ahsa. The prices range from SR1,000 to SR30,000.
***
Dear Nadia
I live in Bahrain where my children are in school. My husband, however, works in Saudi Arabia. For the last 10 years or so, I have been busy with the children and their education. Now that they are older and in high school, I have some time for my hobby which is collecting antiques and handicrafts. I am thinking of visiting Al-Ahsa as my first destination in the Kingdom. Can you suggest where I should go and what I should buy? Thanks — Rima, Bahrain
Dear Rima,
The best places to visit are: Thursday Market in Al-Ahsa, Al-Qaysariah market. Al-Hofuf specializes in bishts; Al-Mubarraz with agricultural tools, Al-Qarrah with porcelain, Al-Haliliyah with cages, Al-Jubail with palm frond products, Al-Munazal Village with mansaf, and Al-Kalabiyah village with tawaque.
Nadia