Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa region, Mubaraz is a city that often flies under the radar—yet its history is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of the Arabian Peninsula. Long before the discovery of oil transformed Saudi Arabia into a global economic powerhouse, Mubaraz was a vital hub for trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Mubaraz was part of the ancient Dilmun civilization, a trading network that connected Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley. The region’s natural springs and fertile land made it an oasis of life in an otherwise harsh desert landscape. Caravans carrying spices, incense, and precious metals would stop here, leaving behind traces of diverse influences—from Babylonian to Persian.
With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Mubaraz became a strategic point for early Muslim armies. The city’s proximity to the eastern trade routes meant it played a role in spreading Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula. Local legends even speak of companions of the Prophet Muhammad passing through Mubaraz, though historical records remain scarce.
By the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire had extended its reach into the Arabian Peninsula, and Mubaraz fell under its sway. The Ottomans left behind architectural remnants, including fortresses and irrigation systems, some of which still stand today. However, their control was often nominal, and local tribes maintained significant autonomy.
The 18th century saw the emergence of the First Saudi State, led by Muhammad ibn Saud. Mubaraz, like much of the Najd region, became a battleground between the Saudis and the Ottomans. The city’s strategic location made it a prize for both powers. By the early 20th century, Abdulaziz Ibn Saud—the founder of modern Saudi Arabia—consolidated control over Mubaraz, integrating it into the newly unified kingdom.
The mid-20th century brought seismic changes to Mubaraz. The discovery of vast oil reserves in the Eastern Province transformed Saudi Arabia—and Mubaraz was no exception. While not as oil-rich as nearby Dhahran or Abqaiq, the city benefited from the economic boom, with new infrastructure and job opportunities drawing people from across the region.
Today, Mubaraz is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader energy strategy. The country’s Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the economy, but oil remains central. As global debates rage over climate change and renewable energy, cities like Mubaraz find themselves at a crossroads. Will they adapt to a post-oil future, or will they cling to the fossil fuel economy that built them?
One of Mubaraz’s most striking landmarks is Al-Qarah Mountain, a site of historical and geological significance. The mountain’s caves were once used as shelters and even as hiding places during times of conflict. Today, they attract tourists and researchers alike, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Mubaraz has long been known for its handicrafts, particularly pottery and weaving. However, globalization and urbanization threaten these traditions. Younger generations are more drawn to jobs in oil or tech than to the painstaking work of their ancestors. Efforts to preserve these crafts exist, but their future remains uncertain.
Like much of Saudi Arabia, Mubaraz has a young population with high unemployment rates. The government’s Vision 2030 promises new opportunities, but many locals remain skeptical. Can Mubaraz transition from an oil-dependent economy to one driven by tourism, tech, or manufacturing?
Saudi Arabia’s recent social reforms—such as allowing women to drive—have had ripple effects in cities like Mubaraz. More women are entering the workforce, but cultural barriers persist. The tension between tradition and progress is palpable here, as it is across the kingdom.
Mubaraz’s location in the Eastern Province places it near some of the world’s most volatile regions. The ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as the war in Yemen, have indirect but real impacts on daily life. Security is tight, and the government is keen to prevent any unrest in this strategically important area.
As Saudi Arabia navigates its place in a rapidly changing world, Mubaraz serves as a microcosm of the kingdom’s broader struggles and aspirations. Will it become a model of sustainable development, or will it remain tethered to the oil economy? The answers may well determine not just the fate of this overlooked city, but of Saudi Arabia itself.