Date: July 2018
Category: Destinations
The next morning, my host pulled up, ready to show me another side of Al-Ahsa—one rooted in tradition, flavor, and heart. We spent the day visiting several date farms across the area, each one more impressive than the last. One standout was Al Ameen, a farm that’s not only known for its dates but also for producing high-quality date sugar.
The owners were incredibly welcoming. They took the time to walk me through their entire process—from harvesting to sorting to packaging. As someone who genuinely loves dates (maybe a little too much), it was such a treat to see the behind-the-scenes of something so deeply tied to the region’s culture and economy. I couldn’t help but think about the untapped potential and possibilities for international partnerships with Saudi date farms—there’s something really special happening here.
To end the day (and the trip), my host took me to Al Sayyid’s Café, a traditional spot where we relaxed over kabsa, shisha, and endless cups of tea. We laughed, lingered, and soaked in the last moments of a journey that had become more personal and meaningful than I ever expected.
Finally, he dropped me off at the train station with a wave and a smile, like we were old friends saying goodbye. As the train pulled away, I looked out the window feeling something I don’t often feel when traveling—a deep sense of connection.
This kind of experience stays with you. It’s rare, especially coming from the States, to be welcomed so openly by someone you’ve never met. He didn’t just show me his city—he invited me into his world, shared his favorite spots, introduced me to his friends, and made sure I felt like I belonged. It was a reminder of how full life can feel when people lead with kindness and live generously.
Al-Ahsa gave me more than memories—it gave me something real, something lasting.
As I sat on the train, the desert slowly fading into the distance, I thought about how stories are born. Maybe that’s why one of the tales from One Thousand and One Nights is said to have been inspired by this very place—because Al-Ahsa doesn’t just give you moments, it gives you stories. And this one, I’ll carry with me always.