Date: July 2018
Category: Culture & Connection
There are some meals that stay with you—not just because of the food, but because of the people and the love behind it. In 2018, while working in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, I struck up a conversation with a colleague from Al-Ahsa. I shared how fascinated I was with dates—especially date sugar—and mentioned that I had even thought about bringing the idea back to the U.S. as a passion project.
He smiled and said something simple, but powerful: “You should come to Al-Ahsa for Friday lunch. My family would love to meet you.”
That’s how one train ride turned into a memory I’ll carry with me forever.
The journey from Riyadh to Al-Ahsa was smooth and relaxing. If you haven’t taken the train in Saudi yet—do it. It’s spacious, peaceful, and a great way to see the landscape change. When I arrived, someone from his family was already waiting to take me to their home.
As we pulled into the driveway, I noticed a crowd gathered—about 15 people, smiling and waiting. It hit me all at once: this wasn’t just lunch. This was a family celebration… and I was the guest of honor.
Inside, the house was filled with warmth—both in hospitality and in aroma. We gathered around a generous spread that reminded me of Thanksgiving back home in the South. But this time, it was Saudi-style:
- Fresh lamb, slow-cooked to perfection
- Famous Al-Ahsa red rice
- A delicious, flaky fish dish
- And of course, plenty of dates and Saudi coffee
Everyone made me feel like I belonged—from the grandparents to the little kids running around. We laughed, shared stories, and ended up talking about everything from family to food—and even date sugar! I mentioned my curiosity about it, and they not only encouraged the idea—they suggested a few local factories I could visit if I wanted to learn more about the process. That’s just the kind of people they were—generous with their time, knowledge, and kindness.
In Southern culture, we pride ourselves on making people feel at home. That day, the people of Al-Ahsa made me feel like family.
🧭 Travel Tips: Visiting Al-Ahsa
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking about visiting this warm and welcoming city:
📌 Table of Contents
📍 Where is Al-Ahsa?
Al-Ahsa is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It’s one of the oldest inhabited regions of the Arabian Peninsula and home to some of the largest and lushest date palm oases in the world.
🚆 How to Get There
- By Train: The train from Riyadh to Al-Ahsa is fast, comfortable, and scenic. It takes about 3–3.5 hours and is a great way to relax and enjoy the changing landscape. Tickets are easy to book.
- By Car: If you’re driving, the journey from Riyadh to Al-Ahsa takes roughly 4–5 hours depending on traffic.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Somewhere Bliss Hotel – A boutique hotel with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful design. My personal favorite for a weekend trip.
- InterContinental Al Ahsa – A luxury hotel located near many of the city’s main attractions with spacious rooms and great service.
☀️ Best Time to Visit
Al-Ahsa can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable months are between October and March, when temperatures are cooler and ideal for walking tours and park visits.
🌄 More Things to Do
In addition to enjoying a traditional Friday family lunch (if you’re lucky enough to be invited!), be sure to check out:
- Jawatha Park – A relaxing place to experience local life.
- The Al-Ahsa Caves – Stunning natural rock formations that feel like a hidden gem. (More on this in Part 2!)
- Local Date Farms – Tour the farms, taste fresh dates, and learn about the process behind Saudi Arabia’s most iconic fruit.
Coming up in Part 2: My tour of Al-Ahsa’s natural beauty—caves, palm trees, and the unmatched kindness of strangers.