ThePlace: Khuzam Palace in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa attract lovers of heritage and historical tourism

Photo/SPA
Short Url
Updated 11 September 2021
Follow

ThePlace: Khuzam Palace in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa attract lovers of heritage and historical tourism

  • The Bedouin arrival in the region used to pose a threat to local farmers, especially during peak seasons of the year

Al-Ahsa governorate contains many monuments and palaces that attract lovers of heritage and historical tourism, with the most famous being Khuzam Palace.
The historical building, which tourists, visitors, and historical researchers from inside and outside the Kingdom flock to year-round, showcases the stories and events of the region over the past two centuries.
The palace is located at the edge of Al-Mazruiyah neighborhood west of Al-Hofuf, which was previously a residence quarter for the Bedouin, who used to travel to Al-Ahsa during summers. They spent about two months exchanging goods for their travels onward, such as dates, ghee, textiles, guns and ammunition.
The Bedouin arrival in the region used to pose a threat to local farmers, especially during peak seasons of the year. As a result, the castle was built on the main road that acted as the gateway to Al-Ahsa from the western side.
A large garrison was stationed in the castle to protect Al-Ahsa and deter conflict over important resources between the tribes that settled in the region. Close to the western side of the palace, there is a natural spring that was once considered the main source of water for the Bedouin. A smaller spring is also located inside the palace.
The palace’s area covers about 5,600 square meters and it is surrounded by walls. A main entrance door is located in the middle of the northern wall, with nearby sentry posts for guards.
Towers at the center of the palace are square-shaped and feature three openings to guard the palace from attackers.


Over 17,000 inspections conducted in Madinah ahead of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
Follow

Over 17,000 inspections conducted in Madinah ahead of Ramadan

  • Ongoing operational plan involves more than 5,700 personnel, supported by over 1,230 pieces of equipment and machinery
  • Work is focusing on health and commercial inspection tours - raising compliance levels with regulatory requirements

RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Madinah Regional Municipality, has intensified field and operational preparations to improve service readiness and ensure uninterrupted services for visitors to the holy city during Ramadan, which began Wednesday.

The ongoing operational plan involves more than 5,700 personnel, supported by over 1,230 pieces of equipment and machinery, reflecting the scale of the preparations and the municipality’s capacity to manage the expected crowds and increased activity.

The work is focusing on health and commercial inspection tours, raising compliance levels with regulatory requirements, and boosting oversight of activities related to public health and food safety to ensure a safe and healthy environment, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry has conducted more than 13,000 inspections targeting health-related activities and nearly 4,000 covering commercial activities. 

In addition, 8,000 food and water samples are being collected to verify compliance with approved health standards, as part of an integrated inspection system based on precise performance indicators.

The ministry has enhanced the readiness of emergency teams by implementing 12 alternative plans to ensure rapid response to emergencies and the continued efficient delivery of municipal services during peak times through its executive arm, Madinah Municipality.