The Best Travel Guide to Qassim (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Qassim

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Overview

Qassim The guide was updated: 2024-08-13

The region of Al-Qassim is a land of palm trees and festivals, the fertile land of plentiful agriculture, particularly dates — the cornerstone of the province's economy and culture. The yearly date festival, which takes place in the autumn, is a sight to behold. No matter the time of year, you are sure to find a festival underway. Rich in nature, heritage and handicrafts, Al-Qassim makes for a wonderful visit, whether you are looking for delicious fruit in the countryside or culture and shopping in the cities.

Facts

Population:	1.3 million (2022 census)
Currency:	1 Saudi riyal (SAR) = 100 halalas
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 999 Fire: 998 Ambulance: 997
Newspapers:	Saudi Gazette: saudigazette.com.sa Al Jazeera
Website:	www.visitsaudi.com/en/see-do/destinations/qassim
Opening hours:	The working week is generally from Sunday to Thursday, with some businesses open Saturday mornings. Government offices: 7:30am–2:30pm. Banks: 9:30am–4:30pm. Private businesses: 8am–noon and 4am–8pm.

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Section in Qassim

The Al-Qassim region is quite unique in Saudi Arabia for green areas and agricultural prowess. The areas around Buraidah and Unaizah have some fascinating places to visit. Explore farms, orchards, palm tree plantations and the world's largest camel market. But the cities and towns themselves also offer travellers plenty of museums, parks and interesting sights, as well as heaps of entertainment in the form of excellent eating and shopping.

Al Qassim Camel Market

Al Qassim Camel Market

The city of Buraidah is home to the largest camel market in the world. Every morning at 6 am thousands of dromedaries, as well as goats and sheep, are bought and sold here, along with saddles and other accessories. The Arabian one-hump camels are traditionally prized in Saudi Arabia as a source of protein (meat and milk), as well as leather. The best specimen are thoroughbred racing animal and are kept to keep up the country's culture camel racing. The market is an integral part of Saudi Arabia, and an excellent way to experience Arabian culture. You'll find many friendly smiles, baby camels, and a lively hectic atmosphere common for all animal markets.

Buraidah Museum

Buraidah Museum

The fascinating history of the city of Buraidah is on display in this museum, designed like a mini Najd fort. It showcases a number of well-preserved artefacts and pieces of art, including a pavilion with collections that once belonged to King Abdul-Aziz himself. Automotive enthusiasts will love the old cars, especially King Abdul-Aziz' white Cadillac.

King Abdullah National Park

King Abdullah National Park

This enormous and beautiful park spans 50,000 square metres and provides an inviting green space for residents and visitors to relax and find respite from the bustle of the city. It has fountains and artificial waterfalls, areas for picnics, children's playgrounds, a cafeteria, and much more. The best time to enjoy this lush area is during sunset, when a cool wind takes away the sweltering heat of the day. The twinkling lights of the city will keep you company.

Al Bassam Heritage House

Al Bassam Heritage House

At the western gate of the Unaizah city, Al Bassam Heritage House is a traditional building, carefully preserved to showcase architectural elements and relics of the past. The mansion has an open area, a dining area, and a majlis ("sitting room"), with a men’s reception section, garden section, family section, and animal pens.

Aloqilat Museum

Aloqilat Museum

The Aloqilat Museum features a plethora of documents and artefacts related to the first man residing in Al-Qassim region. You'll see maps of trade routes, as well as objects from the daily life of the explorers. The museum has a number of exhibits showcasing the history and culture in the region in the pre-Islamic times. Take a seat on the soft carpets and cushions and enjoy some tea with dates during your visit.

Uyun Al-Jiwa

Uyun Al-Jiwa

Uyun Al-Jiwa — literally "the valley’s ponds" — is often referred to as the oasis celebrated by Arab poets for its significance in several poetry collections known as the Suspended Odes (Mu’allaqat). The area is known for the ancient Banu Abs communities that lived here since prehistoric times. Depicting the lifestyle of ancient people, several Thamudic rock paintings can be found in the Al-Jiwa region — particularly in Al Hanadir, 15 km outside the city. Be sure to visit the mud-and-adobe Al Margab Watchtower. Take a walk through the Old Uyun — a collection of houses built of clay and mud. Get souvenirs from the vibrant Old Souq and take a photo of the Antarah Rock. Also known as the Lovers' Rock, this precariously perched boulder is rumoured to be the place where the celebrated poet Antarah bin Shaddad met with his sweetheart Ablah.

Buraidah Water Tower

Buraidah Water Tower

The Buraidah Water Tower is a popular landmark in the city, especially during the summer, when visitors can climb to the top of the tower to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding area. The tower is used as the central point of the water festival in the summer.

Al Shinanah Tower

Al Shinanah Tower

Despite being composed of humble mud and camel hair, Al Shinanah Tower has survived centuries and numerous battles. Reportedly, the 27-metre-tall tower was constructed in 1699, but some historians estimate the building was erected anywhere between the 12th and 19th centuries. A low, narrow door at the base of the structure gives you access to the eight floors and three lookout windows. The tower is located on the edge of Ar Rass town, whose name means "old well". Said well made human settlement possible in the area, and marked the town as one of the most important trade and pilgrimage stops.

Al Bukayriyah City

Al Bukayriyah City

The small city of Al Bukayriyah is considered an up-and-coming tourist destination in Al-Qassim. Take a short trip from Buraidah to discover this hidden gem. You'll encounter lush greenery and a warm, inviting climate, historical sights, a variety of restaurants, shops and cafes. Kids will love the green lawn and the playground at Medhmar Park, while architecture fans should see the square minarets Az Zahraa Grand Mosque and Maqsorat Alrajhi (the ancestral home of the Alrajhi family).

Farms & Orchards

Farms & Orchards

The Al-Qassim region is perhaps the lushest part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, responsible for much of the country's agriculture. The area around Buraidah is rich in farms, orchards and palm trees that are free for tourists to visit and admire. You can also buy produce directly from the farmers.

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