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Exploring Saudi’s 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.

Markets, mosques and more

Day trips in the Qassim region

The Qassim region boasts historic attractions and quaint cities. Learn about the wonders of the Qassim region and what to visit when you’re there.

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When in Qassim, go and see

Museum in Buraydah

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.

Travel tips

Where to stay
Opt for cozy comfort at the Brand Al Qassim Hotel, which offers visitors a continental or à la carte breakfast, or choose the ultramodern Towers Hotel. The Ewaa Express Hotel lets guests use free bikes.
Where to eat
Try Pickles and Falafel for delicious Mediterranean foods, the Al-Nakheel Restaurant in the Mövenpick Hotel Qassim for local Arabic cuisine as well as international fare, or if you’re in need of a strong cup of qahwa and perhaps some kleicha (a popular cookie, often filled with dates), go to Bash Coffee.
Rent a car
There are car rental companies across Qassim, including Budget, Hanco and Avis.
- Budget
- Hanco
- Avis
Where to have fun
For those traveling with children—or perhaps looking to buy an oud fragrance—the Al Nakheel Mall offers a large play area for kids, a variety of restaurants and a variety of boutiques. Also fun for children is King Abdullah National Park, which features fountains and artificial waterfalls, picnic areas, children's playgrounds, a cafeteria and more.
- Al Nakheel Mall

Exploring Saudi’s Qassim Region

What to see, do and eat

Markets, mosques and more

Day trips in the Qassim region

When in Qassim, go and see

Museums in Buraydah

King Khalid Park and Garden

Buraydah Water Tower

Travel tips

Where to stay

Where to eat

Rent a car

Where to have fun

Explore other cities in Saudi

Explore the Arabian winter