Ibrahim's Palace is a historic fort in the Al-Kut neighborhood of Hofuf, Saudi Arabia. Also called Qasr Ibrahim, it brings together Islamic and military architecture and forms part of the Al-Ahsa Oasis World Heritage site.
- Location: Al-Kut, central Hofuf
- Usual hours: Open Saturday to Thursday; closed Friday
- Entry: free
- Suggested visit time: one to two hours
Why Ibrahim's Palace matters in Hofuf
Ibrahim's Palace is a historic fort whose architecture and role connect Hofuf with the wider history of Al-Ahsa. Saudipedia dates its construction to 1555 and gives its area as 16,900 square metres. The palace is component 1563-004 of the Al-Ahsa Oasis World Heritage site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2018.
The complex combines Islamic and military architectural styles. Its features include a mosque, barracks, towers, stables, officers’ quarters, an ammunition depot and a central courtyard. The walls use mud mixed with straw, while palm trunks, timber and stones support the roofs.
The mosque is distinguished by a large central dome and smaller surrounding domes, along with decorated gypsum windows and a stone spiral staircase in its minaret. The palace is also known as Al-Kut Palace and Qasr al-Qubba. Saudi Arabia’s official tourism site describes it as a 16th-century structure that later served as an Ottoman military base.
How do you find Ibrahim's Palace?
Ibrahim's Palace is in Al-Kut, in central Hofuf. The International Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture records its location at 25°22′43.80″N, 49°35′12.90″E.
The palace is about 13 minutes by car or 50 minutes on foot from Lily Al Hofuf Serviced Apartments Economy.
If you’re planning to spend time in the centre, a city-centre visit can help you shape the rest of your trip.
What should you check before you go?
Entry is free, and a visit takes one to two hours. Hours may change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00–16:00
- Friday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
For a broader outing, this guide to what to see in Hofuf city centre can help you plan around the palace’s opening period. Choose your arrival time carefully, especially on Saturday, when visiting hours are split into two periods.
What can you pair with a palace visit?
The House of Allegiance, or Bayt Al Bay’ah, is across the street from Ibrahim Palace. For another central Hofuf visit, Al Qaisariya Souq offers a different setting; this visitor guide to Al Qaisariya Souq covers the historic market.
Because the palace is in central Hofuf, you can build a city-centre outing around it. Choose the palace’s opening period first, then decide whether to add the House of Allegiance or time at the souq.
FAQs
What is Ibrahim's Palace also called?
It is also known as Qasr Ibrahim, Ibrahim Palace, Al-Kut Palace and Qasr al-Qubba.
Is entry to Ibrahim's Palace free?
Yes, entry is free. Its usual visiting hours may change, so check the official site before you go.
How long should you allow for a visit?
Allow one to two hours for a visit.
What is across the street from Ibrahim's Palace?
The House of Allegiance, also called Bayt Al Bay’ah, is across the street from the palace.