Abu Loza's Bath

Abu Loza's Bath is an ancient bathhouse featuring mineral sulfur water,[1][2] located in the village of Al-Bahari within the Qatif Governorate of Eastern Saudi Arabia.

[3][4] Currently, Abu Loza's Bath is managed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, which has enclosed the site with a wire fence and assigned a local volunteer for its maintenance.

Despite these efforts, the structure faces several challenges, including the risk of cracking, debris accumulation, and a decline in the water supply, which could lead to its closure to visitors and tourists.

[3][4] Abu Loza's Bath is situated amidst farms and orchards in Seyhat al-Bahari, west of the village of Al-Khabaka, near the palm groves and agricultural lands of the town of Al-Qadih.

It is located along the main road leading to Al-Awamiyah and Safwa, on the outskirts of the former metropolis of Qatif, northwest of the city[6] The bath is supplied with water from Ain Abu Loza, one of many springs in the area.

Further restoration and expansion were carried out in 1281 AH (1864–1865 AD) by Ahmad Mahdi Al Nasrallah, the governor of Qatif appointed by Imam Faisal bin Turki during the Second Saudi State.

The Bath has separate male and female sections, constructed in accordance with Qatifi architectural standards and composed of stone, Clay, Gypsum, and palm trunks.

At the apex of the dome, circular openings facilitate air ventilation and sunlight entry, while also helping to reduce the density of the steam emanating from the spring.The spring chamber is fitted with a drainage channel that was historically used to irrigate the adjacent fields.

Adjacent to the stable, a rectangular building was erected along the outer edge, housing small shops that offered personal care services, including the use of nora (a traditional method for hair removal) and shaving.

[4][5][7] Ain Abu Loza was historically a destination for individuals seeking treatment from its therapeutic waters, renowned for alleviating various skin diseases, joint pains, and back ailments.

The lack of oversight by archaeological specialists, including the collapse of ceilings and the installation of iron skewers in the bath's corridors, which further compromised the integrity of this historic site.