Book flights to Qassim (ELQ)

Book your visit to Qassim

The region of Qassim is Saudi Arabia’s agricultural heartland, a fertile area, rich in heritage and traditional Saudi culture. This is where the finest dates come from - making it one of the country’s most important regions. Buraydah, its capital, is a bustling city that has struck a fascinating balance between preserving its traditions and embracing the modern world.

Choose Buraydah as your base to explore the Qassim Province. There, you’ll find time-honoured mud-brick architecture sitting alongside the city’s ultra-modern structures. As you travel around the province, you’ll notice how this compelling juxtaposition of old and new moulds the region’s unique character. Its warm hospitality makes it a wonderful place to encounter Saudi culture and lifestyle.

Things to do in Qassim

In August, Qassim hosts one of the world’s largest date festivals in honour of the Middle East’s favourite sweet, fruity treat. The number of date varieties on offer will surprise you and the celebrations are great fun for everyone.

If you want a glimpse into traditional Saudi life, a visit to the Al Qassim Camel market is a must. It’s bustling, incredibly lively and blends cultural heritage with a busy market ambience. Follow this with a trip to the Al Qassim Regional Museum to delve into the storied history of this fascinating locale.

The King Abdullah Garden is a gorgeous, peaceful urban oasis with beautifully maintained paths, water features, and children’s play areas. Look out for the fountain shows that include light and music for a dazzling display.

Activities in Qassim

The desert region of Qassim offers the perfect opportunity to go deeper into the wilderness with dune bashing and 4x4 tours. Camel tours offer a more sedate pace of travel, followed by a night camping under the clear desert skies for a fabulous stargazing experience. These sandy adventures give you a chance to embrace the unique outdoor lifestyle of Saudi Arabia.

Farming is at the core of Qassim life, and many of the region’s date and citrus farms have opened their doors to visitors. A tour of some will reveal more than just date palms, with deer and ostriches roaming freely among the trees. Snap a memorable Instagram photo while you’re there and – of course – try the produce.

The parks of Buraydah offer plenty of cycling and walking trails, surrounded by greenery and with cafés and stalls serving drinks and snacks.

Food in Qassim

The most common food you’ll find in Qassim is, of course, dates. Tuck into the province’s signature dish, “al-klija”. This is a sweet and spicy bread flavoured with sugar, anise, ginger and cardamon and served with dates. Another traditional delicacy to try is “matazeez”, a combination of a dough made from wheat flour and a broth made from lamb and vegetables. The dough is added in small pieces to the stew, turning it into a thick, hearty and filling dish.

If you prefer to dine on international cuisine, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants in Buraydah serving a wide selection of food from around the world. For on-the-go snacks, look out for stalls selling deep-fried spicy “sambousas” and “shawarma”, as well as dates and oranges fresh from the trees.

Shopping in Qassim

Shopping in Qassim is a mix of modern malls and ancient souqs. While many of the smaller towns have their own markets, the main shopping experience is in Buraydah. The Friday market is one of the main events of the week, where handicrafts are on offer for anyone looking for a memento of their trip. Alternatively, Qassim souq is a busy daily market with an authentic ambience and plenty of haggling for jewellery, crafts and leatherwork.

The city’s malls are ultra-chic and packed with stores selling everything from local produce, perfumes and spices to international brands and high-end retail outlets offering men’s and women’s fashions. It’s also worth touring some of the traditional settlements such as Uqlat Al Suqur Heritage Village, where you’ll find artisan’s studios filled with handmade goods.