RIYADH: The Al-Ahsa municipality in the Eastern Province is trying to recreate its glorious past as a shopping destination for GCC citizens. Moves are afoot to make Al-Ahsa an attraction among GCC shoppers with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) playing a central role.

The SCTHN, headed by Prince Sultan bin Salman, and its partners have been encouraging investment to develop Al-Ahsa’s historic and natural resources.

The municipality is known for its fertile land and natural resources. Its name has been attached to palms and dates for centuries.

Historian Hamad Al-Jasir said: “Al Ahsa is the most fertile region in Arabian Peninsula in terms of water availability and agricultural production throughout the ages.”

The municipality and the Sharqia Chamber seek to enhance Al-Ahsa’s image as a date producer among the Gulf countries through festivals such as the “Home of Dates” and “O Sweet Dates.” The two festivals showcase various types of dates for which Al-Ahsa is famous — Khalas, Al-Sheshe and Al-Razeez.

In a move to further develop tourism, Al-Ahsa played host to the signing of the articles of incorporation of Al-Ogair Development Company. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of SCTNH President Prince Sultan bin Salman and Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif. Al-Ogair Company is a joint stock company between the public and private sectors. The company’s feasibility study was reviewed and updated by the SCTNH, Public Investment Fund and Al Ahsa municipality in light of tourism markets. In 2011, the Cabinet approved the provision of the required financial support to relevant public departments for the Al-Ogair tourism project at a cost of SR1.4 billion. The project’s total area comprises 100 million square meters stretching along 24 km of the Gulf coast.

In addition, the Souk Al-Qaysaria also proves to be an attraction, having been established in 1918 at the order of King Abdulaziz. It includes Hofuf and major old neighborhoods (Al-Koot, Al-Refa, among others) over an area of about 15,000 square meters.

Souk Al-Qaysaria, according to historian Abdulrahman Al-Mula, is “considered the first company established during the reign of King Abdulaziz.” He added that the land for the souk was offered to investors who built the market and leased the shops to merchants.