THE OLD PORT OF AL UQAIR

The monuments built around the port of Uqair, and the port itself, date back to the Ottoman period. However, many historians and archaeologists believe that the foundation of the port is much older and could date back to antiquity. Some associate the site of Uqair and its natural bay very protected, with the lost city of Gerrha. This merchant city with its incredible wealth is mentioned in many writings of Greek and Roman authors, such as Eratosthenes or Pliny the Elder. Spices from India were unloaded here and the Gerrahi tribe transported them to Mesopotamia. The port complex includes the port itself, a fort and a mosque. The port is not accessible, as some of the barracks are used to house a detachment of border guards.

The port and the warehouse. From the fence that prevents venturing further, one can still admire the warehouse that was used to store goods sold at the souk or to continue the journey to another destination. The building is an exemplary reflection of an architecture mixing Ottoman and Arab influences.

The fort and the souk. The Uqair fort housed administrative offices, housing for the population and administrative staff, and a mosque. In the large courtyard, rows of colonnades along the north and east walls mark the location of the souk.

Watchtower. From the road to Al-Hofuf, a ruined tower can be seen on the left, which served as a lookout for the surrounding area and may also have served as a lighthouse.