Al Qassim Region

Al-Qassim Region also spelled Qassim, Al-Qaseem, located at the heart of the country, and almost in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, it has a population of 1,215,858 and an area of 58,046 km. It is known to be the "alimental basket" of the country, for its agricultural assets.

Al-Qassim is the richest region per Capita in Saudi Arabia. It is the seventh most populated region in the country after Jizan and the fifth most densely populated. Its capital city is Buraydah, which is inhabited by approximately 49% of the region's total population. The governor of the province from 1992 to 29 January 2015 was Prince Faisal bin Bandar, succeeded by Prince Faisal bin Mishaal. The province is located in the center of Saudi Arabia approximately 400 km northwest of Riyadh, the capital. It is bordered by Riyadh Region to the south and east, by Hail Region to the north, and by Al Medina Region to the west. The region is connected to almost every part of Saudi Arabia by a very complicated network of highways. The regional airport, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Regional Airport, connects  to the other provinces of the country.

Buraidah is the official capital of the region, with about 49% of the population residing in the city. The palace of the province' prince is located in the city, along with other governmental centers. It is the seventh largest city (by population) in the country with a total population of 609,000 (2010 census). Buraydah lies equidistant from the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. Buraydah, the regional capital of Al-Qassim Region, is located on the edge of the Wadi Al-Rummah. Buraydah has a typical desert climate, with hot summers, cold winters and low humidity.

There are also other nearby rural towns including Almethnab, Al-Bukairiyah, Badaya'a, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Al-Khabra, and Alasyah.

The airport was established in 1964. It is owned and operated by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The airport is 30 km west of Buraidah, capital of the Qassim province. 

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced a for the expansion of Prince Naif Regional Airport in Al-Qassim.
and is part of the airport’s plans for the future when 3 million passengers will be served annually on both domestic and international flights, according to Mohammed Al-Mijlad, the airport general manager.
The airport expansion was necessary in view of the significant growth in demand for air travel from residents in the region.
The design of the airport was based on the sand dunes and oases in the Al-Qassim region. This will be reflected in the project buildings, especially the passenger terminal building and mosque which will use golden colors of the sands.
The plan included main building halls with an area of 60,000 square meters, a VIP lounge of 3,500 square meters, a mosque covering 1,600 square meters and the airport administration building which will measure 2,800 square meters.
The airport is designed to take into account the operational requirements of all airport departments and includes a large conference room. All facilities and services will meet future needs of the project.
The contract will also include a new airport passenger terminal with an area of 60,000 square meters, which will be divided into four floors, including departure and arrival lounges and baggage claim area. Here are some international flights Saudia Airlines, Air Arabia, Al Masria Universal Airlines, Egypt Air, Flydubai , Gulf Air, Nile Air, Flynas, Qatar Airways , Turkish Airlines. 

Tourism

Al-Qassim Province is rich in heritage, nature, and traditional handicrafts, and its geographical location makes it the hub of diverse cultures and various festivals. Al-Qassim is an ideal destination for a short vacation or a weekend getaway. During your visit, you can savor the most delicious dates, explore unique built heritage, and appreciate traditional handicrafts. From visiting the markets and touring the museums, to enjoying the beauty of the palm groves and fruit farms, there is so much to do and see in Al-Qassim. Each season in Qassim has a certain festival and a specific occasion that highlights the prominent features of that season. During summer vacation, for nearly a month, various events and festivals are organized in Qassim and its governorates and are held in the markets, museums, public parks, and other locations as per the nature of the event. Such festivals are popular with the entire community, and are attended by women, men and children. The most famous events hosted in Qassim are the Buraidah Recreational Festival, Unaizah Tourism Festival, and the Al-Mithnib Summer Festival

BURAIDAH MUSEUM

Pieces of Buraidah heritage have been well-preserved and collections of artifacts are on exhibit in this museum. It includes a pavilion for collections that belonged to the late King Abdul-Aziz, and displays a number of exhibits and artifacts that enable the visitor to learn about the culture and social activities in the city’s past.

DATES CITY    to visit the Qassim dates market is an unforgettable experience, especially when you go during the harvest season in August and September. The date city has the main market in Buraidah, where the Dates Annual Festival is organized. In addition, there are markets for selling perennial and seasonal dates.

UNIVERSITIES AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The region is served by schools in every city and town for all educational levels (primary, intermediate, and college), and includes various types of school (public, private, Koranic, international), with international and private schools.

Qassim University which is located in Almulida area, West of Buraidah, North West of Unayzah and Almethnab, North East of Ar Rass, Al Badayea, Al Bukayriyah, Al Khabra and Riyadh Al Khabra. 

Qassim University was established in 2004 by merging two Qassim branches of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and King Saud University. Since the establishment of the university, it has experienced a remarkable growth in enrollment and a significant expansion of faculty and its administrative staff. The number of male and female students registered at university during 2010-11 approached 50,000 and number of faculty members and staff reached well over 4,000, At present the university encompasses 28 colleges both for male and female students.

Courses offered

v Applied Science:

·         College of Science

·         College of Computer Science

·         College of Engineering

·         College of Architecture and Design

·         College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

v Health Science

·         College of Medicine

·         College of Applied Medical Science

·         College of Pharmacy

·         College of Dentistry

·         College of Nursing

v Arabic & Humanitarian

·         College of Business and Economics

·         College of Arabic Language and Social Studies

v Judiciary

·         College of Judiciary and Islamic Studies

SHOPPING CENTERS

These are some of the commercial complex consists of many shops and recreation centers.

·         Al Nakeel Plaza

·         Al Othaim Mall

·         Unaiza Mall

·         Carrefour Buraidah

·         Hyper Panda