AL-AHSA: Located in the western part of Al-Qara Mountain is a workshop for the pottery industry, molding clay in plastic forms that are given permanency by the use of intense heat. This art form became one of the major attractions in Al-Ahsa Archaeological Oasis.

The Doghat Al-Gharash workshop is owned and managed by Sayied Ali Al-Gharash. Within the cave, Al-Gharash and his family work together to manufacture these pottery pieces and antiques that attract many tourists from inside and outside the Kingdom.

Hassan Ali Shomali, an arts teacher who learned the art of pottery from Al-Gharash more than 20 years ago, works with the Al-Gharash family at night to make pottery.

On the tourist turnout for Dogha Al-Gharash, Shomali said: “There is a big turnout from Saudis from all regions of the Kingdom, as well as Arabs and foreigners from America, Switzerland and Canada, to visit this site, where they listen to an explanation on the pottery industry.”

Regarding the sales of artifacts, Al-Shomali said that Saudis and Gulf tourists are the greatest buyers of their products. “The most important factors that must be met to learn the pottery profession are craft, confidence and patience.”

Speaking on his experience in Doghat Al-Gharash, Sami Al-Ibrahim, from Dammam, said: “I came from Dammam with my family to visit the tourist sites in Al-Ahsa, including this one. We enjoyed our time here and bought some pottery pieces and antiques,” he said, and praised Al-Ahsa people and the efforts exerted by the government to develop this region.

He said that he visits Al-Ahsa attractions from time to time with his wife and children for them to learn of the ancient heritage and crafts. He called on people to visit such heritage sites to learn more about the country’s history.

Expressing his admiration of the site, Ibrahim Al-Muhaiteb said: “This place is wonderful and I visit it every now and then to buy some pottery products such as fumigators and heaters for myself and as gifts for others.”