For us living in Doha, Hassa is only one hour away once you enter Saudi border. From Dammam airport it is around 2 hrs drive. There are direct flights now coming to Dammam, if I remember correctly even budget airline like Wizz Air.

Hassa or Al Ahsa is one of those places that takes you by surprise. it's a massive oasis with over two and a half million palm trees, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. I had always imagined Saudi as deserts and cities, but this place is green, calm, and full of life.

You can easily spend a couple of days here and not feel rushed. One of the best things to do is simply walk through the palm groves. The air feels fresh, and it’s peaceful everywhere you go.

Day 1 : you can visit Hassa Oasis, which is a quiet farmland. later you can visit Al Asfar lake  also known as the Yellow Lake,  this lake is surrounded by golden sand dunes, only accessible by 4x4. Another place to see is Al Qarah Mountain. It has caves that stay cool inside, even during summer. You can climb up to the top of the mountain and get a view over the trees.

Day 2 : visit Ibrahim Palace, which is a historical fort from the Ottoman times. The architecture is beautiful, simple but grand in its own way. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time. The markets nearby are also worth a visit. They’re not huge or touristy, but full of character.  Al Ahsa is famous for its dates and you’ll see them being sold everywhere. Some farms also let you walk in and see how dates are picked and processed. It’s a nice hands on experience.