The island in the bay
Tarout lies in the middle of Tarout Bay, about a kilometre off the coast of al-Qatif Governorate, between Ras Tanura to the north and King Abdulaziz Port to the south. It is about 6 km long and 3.5 km wide, covering 20.3 km², and three roads tie it to the mainland.
Some historians date its settlement to before 5000 BCE. The island was one of the main centres of the Dilmun civilisation, and palm farming and fishing have long been its livelihood.
Tarout Castle
The castle stands on a hill among palms south-west of the old town, at the highest point in al-Qatif Governorate. Its plan, no more than 600 m², looks from above like a crab; its walls rise 4 to 6 m and it was built with four conical towers. Who raised it is debated, the people of al-Qatif against Portuguese attack or the Portuguese themselves, but finds beneath it point to occupation between 4300 and 500 BCE. It was restored in 1984.
Darin and what comes next
At the island's southern tip, Darin was a historic port and market known as the Port of Musk and Amber, trading in perfume, spices, textiles and swords, and the pearl hub of al-Qatif. In 2022 HRH the Crown Prince announced a development plan for Darin and Tarout, with an estimated budget of SAR 2.644 billion and a target of 1.36 million tourists by 2030.