Al-Dirah Neighborhood in Tarout

Al-Dirah Neighborhood in Tarout is a historic neighborhoodand and one of the architectural heritage sites in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located in Al-Qatif Governorate, at the heart of the urban area of Tarout Island, approximately twenty km from Dammam City. The neighborhood is considered one of the earliest settlements on the Arabian Gulf.

Al-Dirah Neighborhood on Tarout Island served as a commercial hub for the island. Ships laden with goods from Africa, Zanzibar, and India used to dock at the nearby harbor. The neighborhood was surrounded by walls for protection, similar to Al-Qatif Fortress, and was known as a residential area for merchants. Over time, urban expansions began due to economic prosperity following the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Dirah Neighborhood on Tarout Island represents the traditional architectural style of Al-Qatif Governorate and the Arabian Gulf. It includes approximately fifty houses, covering an area of about 120,000 m². Some of these houses are over two hundred years old, with most consisting of two floors. They were owned by wealthy families engaged in trade and pearl diving. The neighborhood also features several narrow alleyways leading to open and uncovered spaces between the buildings.

The neighborhood is surrounded by a wall with two gates: the northern gate, located near the mosque that still retains its original structure, and the southern gate, situated next to Al-Muaibed house.