During the last centuries Tarout Island stood as a historic landmark, bearing witness to all historical events. It wrote its own legacy carved in minds and books, so let’s discover what are the magical features of this island and what makes it special in this article.
About Tarout Island
Tarout Island treasures a legendary and rooted history in Saudi Arabia, according to historical, cultural and heritage importance. Also, it is considered as the second largest island in the Kingdom.
Moving to the deep oceans of history, it dates back to 7000 years ago, which refers to high class and valuable sites that it has. In addition to its trading importance when the carnivals were passing through it back then.
History of Tarout Island

This Island was a valuable gem for many civilizations that settled in the whole region. Its strategic location was the first reason that made the early ancients settle there.
According to these civilizations, some of them date back to 5000-7000 years BCE, as a result, we collected and divided them as the following:
- 5000-7000 BCE: the earlier human settlements like (Dilmun) civilization.
- Ancient and Middle Ages BCE: Multiple ruins were found here that belong to:
- Sumerians
- Akkadians
- Assyrians
- Phoenicians
- Canaanites
- Persian Age: Many old empires impacted the island like the architecture.
- Islamic Ages: During these ages, the island witnessed a wide change in demography.
- Modern Early Ages: The Portuguese and Ottoman empires settled here also.
Climate in Tarout History
The climate is characterized by high humidity during the summer months, particularly over the five month period from May to September. It is when temperatures can reach up to 45°C.
The weather then begins to moderate gradually with the onset of autumn, extending to September, as temperatures range between 8 and 13°C. In addition to noticeable fluctuations between daytime and nighttime.
Also read about: Laheq Island.
What is Tarout Island famous for?
In addition to its archaeological legacy, the island is famous for its pearling and fishing traditions and historic ports such as Darin. Also, a strong local cultural identity is reflected in traditional architecture, crafts and folklore.
Archaeological sites in Tarout Island

With such a historic site like this, there are countless archaeological sites in this island, for example:
Tarout Castle
Tarout Castle is the island’s most iconic archaeological landmark, built atop an ancient settlement mound. Its foundations date back to the pre islamic periods, reflecting the island’s long history as a strategic and defensive center in the Arabian Gulf.
Ancient Settlement Mounds
Several archaeological mounds are secreted across the island, particularly around Tarout town and Darin.
These mounds contain layered remains from different areas, revealing continuous human habitation and cultural development over thousands of years.
Dilmun Civilization Remains
Artifacts and structural remains linked to the Dilmun civilization have been discovered on the island. These findings confirm the island’s role as a major trading hub connecting Mesopotamia with eastern Arabia during the third millennium BCE.
Ultimately, Tarout Island stands as an alive library that keeps Saudi Arabia history. As well as many spots and sites that keep on the same mission in Bayut Blog.