Visual Icons in Al-Qassim Region

Visual icons in Al-Qassim Region refer to the most prominent natural and urban landmarks in Al-Qassim Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These icons are suggestive of mental images of their locations, being architectural or natural icons of that place. Such icons can be used as referential symbols indicative of a specific region – within Saudi culture in general.

Urban monuments built in Al-Qassim represent architectural icons of the region. The Buraydah Water Tower, located in the city of Buraydah – the administrative capital of Al-Qassim – is one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. The tower is distinct for its architectural design, shaped like a golf ball, 66 m high. Atop the water reservoir sit a lounge and restaurant across 1,000-m2, and perched above them is a panoramic plaza overlooking the entire city of Buraydah.
The King Khalid Cultural Center is one of the distinct urban elements of Al-Qassim area. It is a social and cultural center in the city of Buraydah belonging to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. The Center was inaugurated in opened in 1986 to serve as a venue for events and conferences, and contains an indoor theater, Roman theater, main lounge, dining lounge, equipment and storage depot, meeting lounge and a family garden.

Al-Qassim Region is renowned for its multitude of historical and archaeological sites. Al-Shanana Tower, a historical watchtower, is one of the landmarks bearing witness to the region's history. At least two hundred years old, the tower located approximately 5 km west of the city of Rass.
The Al-Bassam Heritage House is one of the historical icons that reflect the pattern of Najd architecture distinctive of the region in bygone times. Built in 1955 using traditional Najd lighting and ventilation techniques, and stretching over an area of 3,500 m2, it is a magnet for Al-Qassim habitués.

Among the archaeological landmarks in the Qassim Region is Uyun Al-Jiwa, an ancient oasis located about 50 km northwest of Buraydah. Its name means “valley ponds.” It is believed to have been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. The Thamudic inscriptions—carved by the historic Arab tribe—can still be seen on the rocks of the area, particularly in Al-Hanadir, about 15 km from Uyun Al-Jiwa. The area is also home to the Al-Murqab Tower, built of mud and brick, which was once used to monitor enemy movements.

Al-Qassim Region is known for its abundant agricultural production, being relatively rich in water resources, climate and suitable soil for the cultivation of most crops year-round. Palm cultivation spearheads the agricultural sector in the region.
Dates festivals in Al-Qassim Region are icons associated with the local seasonal harvest, to wit: the Unaizah Dates Festival, Buraydah Date Festival, Al-Mithnab Date Festival and Riyadh Al-Khabra Date Festival.