Exploring Saudi’s Qassim Region

About Qassim Region

One of the kingdom’s 13 provinces, the Qassim region is known for its wheat, which it exports heavily, and its dates, which are popular throughout the country. Perhaps this is why Qassim is also called the “food basket” of the country. The area is actually relatively rich in water and has soil and a climate that is suitable for growing most crops, including grapes, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, mandarin oranges, pomegranates and many vegetables. The main market in Buraydah, the province’s capital city (which is inhabited by approximately 60 percent of the region’s total population), offers a variety of dates year-round. If you’re visiting at the end of the summer, you might catch the annual Buraydah Date Festival, a 35-day event, which draws farmers and tourists from neighboring regions and countries every year to sell dates and date by-products, like date syrup. Qassim has a desert climate, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters, and there’s little precipitation, so it’s a great place to get out and explore

Museums in Buraydah

For museum-goers, there’s the Buraydah Museum and the Aloqilat Museum. The former offers a glimpse into the history of the middle region of Saudi Arabia in general, as well as into local culture. (Among other artifacts, you’ll find the big, white Cadillac used by King Abdulaziz on his visit to the city.) The latter features more than 10,000 rare documents related to the first people who lived in the region, as well as the tools and commercial maps used to navigate the surrounding area and beyond

King Khalid Park and Garden

Open to visitors every day, this park, not far from the Buraydah Museum, offers visitors a green space to stroll, picturesque flower beds, a swimming pool, and countless places to have a family picnic. It is popular among people who live in Buraydah, so you can get a taste of local culture

Buraydah Water Tower

The Buraydah Water Tower is a popular landmark in the city and is open for visitors during the summer, free of charge. The water tower has an open floor at the top, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. If you visit during summer, keep an eye out for the Water Festival. The tower is used as the central base for the festivities, which offer fun activities for the entire family

END