Qatif to Become an Integrated Coastal Oasis

The Eastern Province Development Authority’s Board of Directors has authorized plans to turn Qatif into an integrated coastal oasis. The move aims to support the region’s continuous growth and wealth to cement its position as a developed urban area.

The Qatif plan: A comprehensive renaissance

According to the authority’s CEO, Engineer Omar Al-Abdullatif, this comprehensive plan was formed after they complied with all regulatory procedures. A Saudi Press Agency report shares Al-Abdullatif’s gratitude to Prince Saud bin Naif for his direction in finalizing the plan. Prince Saud bin Naif is the emir of the Eastern Province Development Authority and the chairman of its board.

In addition, Al-Abdullatif noted how important it is for the Qatif governorate to complete the plan. The plan is the first approved by the authority’s Board of Directors. Next will be the approval of a comprehensive plan for the Hafar Al-Batin Governorate and the Al-Bayda Governorate. In line with this is the preparation for regional and local plans that cover all of the region’s governorates.

“This reflects the authority’s commitment to achieving its roles in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” Al-Abdullatif remarked. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia invests in major infrastructural projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.

Promoting a better quality of life

He also spoke about the broader goals of the initiative. “The comprehensive plan for Qatif aims to achieve a comprehensive renaissance by enhancing economic development, improving community cohesion, and reviving the urban environment.”

“This will be through preserving unique heritage sites, and benefiting from the governorate’s comparative advantages such as coastal areas, agriculture, heritage assets, and mangrove forests,” he added.

Apart from promoting Qatif’s advancement, the comprehensive plan will also establish development policies and identify development priorities. The undertaking will also ensure that government agencies work together and distribute responsibilities.

“The plan includes preparing comprehensive plans and studies for urban, population, economic, and social fields, in addition to developing the infrastructure and environment, which contributes to providing the governorate’s needs for services and public facilities and raising the quality of life,” Al-Abdullatif noted.

About Qatif

Qatif is a coastal oasis region in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, particularly along the Persian Gulf’s western shore. It spans Ras Tanura and Jubail in the north to Dammam in the south. From east to west, on the other hand, it spans the Persian Gulf to the King Fahd International Airport.

The region is famous for its beautiful beaches, marine life, and archaeological sites. Tourists also visit Qatif for its traditional markets and Qatif project, which produces up to 800,000 barrels of oil daily.

Qatif is also popular for its tourist attractions such as the Abdul Wahhab Pasha Palace or Dareen Palace. Pearl trader and exporter Muhammad bin Abdulwahab Al Faihani built the palace in 1884.

Another tourist attraction in Qatif is the Tarut Castle, which is the oldest castle in the Persian Gulf.

Photo: AhmadElq, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons