Winter tourism in Al-Qassim: A family destination combining heritage and nature
With the arrival of winter vacation and the drop in temperatures, Saudi families and residents are turning their attention to tourist destinations that offer social warmth and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. In this context, the Qassim region stands out as one of the most important destinations on the national tourism map, offering a unique blend of authentic heritage, natural beauty, and modern services, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Historical depth and strategic location
The Qassim region is distinguished by its strategic geographical location in the heart of Najd, which historically made it a major stop on ancient trade and pilgrimage routes. This historical dimension remains strongly present in its architectural and cultural identity. The region's heritage villages are living testaments to this rich history, where visitors can explore the Al-Muthnib Heritage Village and the Al-Khabra Village, which represent stunning examples of traditional Najdi architecture. These villages are characterized by their closely packed mud-brick buildings and narrow alleyways that provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer, offering visitors a chance to experience the lives of their ancestors and learn about ancient handicrafts that are still practiced today.
Palm oasis and stunning natural scenery
Al-Qassim is known as the "breadbasket of the Kingdom," home to millions of palm trees that form sprawling green forests in Buraidah, Unaizah, and Ar Rass. This rich agricultural environment provides families with ample natural spaces for picnics and outdoor activities in a safe and well-serviced setting. In addition to the farms, the region boasts modern parks such as King Khalid Park in Buraidah and Palm Boulevard in Unaizah, designed to be family-friendly and child-friendly, offering expansive green spaces and recreational facilities that ensure enjoyable outdoor experiences.
International cuisine and a unique tasting experience
A visit to Al-Qassim is incomplete without delving into its renowned traditional cuisine, which has gained international acclaim, especially after the city of Buraidah was designated a UNESCO Creative City in the field of gastronomy. The region is famous for its warming and energizing winter dishes such as "Jareesh" and "Marqooq," as well as "Kleija," an iconic Al-Qassim sweet. Traditional markets like "Souq Al-Masoukef" and the "Date Market" offer these products fresh, enhancing the tourist experience and connecting visitors to the local culture.
Saudi Arabia's winter season: Supporting the economy and local tourism
The current tourism boom in Al-Qassim coincides with the launch of the Saudi Tourism Authority's "Saudi Winter" program, under the slogan "Winter in Focus." This program, which includes Al-Qassim as one of eight key destinations, reflects the Kingdom's commitment to diversifying its sources of income and boosting domestic tourism in line with Vision 2030. The program also stimulates the private sector, with over 100 partners participating to offer more than 1,200 tourism products and promotional offers, thus enhancing Al-Qassim's position as a sustainable and attractive year-round tourist destination, not just a transit point.
