Ancient Eastern Province oasis city on the Gulf, historically tied to pearl diving and Dilmun settlement.
Qatif is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the Eastern Province, with a history of settlement going back several thousand years. It sits on the Arabian Gulf coast north of Khobar and has historically been a centre of pearl diving and trade. The mound on which the old fortifications stood has been inhabited since the Dilmun civilisation, and the city remained a key port through the Portuguese, Ottoman, and Saudi eras.
The city is predominantly Shia Muslim, which makes it culturally distinct from much of the rest of Saudi Arabia — a distinction with a long and sometimes turbulent political history. It is a fairly low-key destination, not much visited by tourists, but worth a stop if you are exploring the Eastern Province. The main sights are Tarout Castle on the nearby island, the old market area in the city centre, and the evening Qatif Corniche along the Arabian Gulf waterfront.
Guide
Books
Arabia Without Sultans by Fred Halliday (1974) — An early political analysis of the Arabian Peninsula that gives context to the sectarian dynamics and the position of the Shia communities of the Eastern Province. Dated in some ways but still a useful framework for understanding Qatif's history of resistance and repression.
The Kingdom by Robert Lacey (1981) — A comprehensive account of Saudi Arabia's history and society that covers the Eastern Province and the oil industry in depth. Essential background for any visitor trying to understand how a place like Qatif fits into the broader Saudi story.
Inside the Kingdom by Robert Lacey (2009) — The updated sequel, bringing the story forward through the tensions of the 2000s. Covers the Shia question and the Eastern Province with more nuance than most Western accounts.