Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Buraidah
بريدة
View of Buraidah
Buraidah
Location in Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 26°20′N 43°58′E / 26.333°N 43.967°E / 26.333; 43.967
Country Saudi Arabia
ProvinceAl-Qassim Province
Established1577
Area
 • City
1,291 km2 (498.3 sq mi)
 • Metro
15,060 km2 (5,810 sq mi)
Elevation
650 m (2,130 ft)
Population
 (2022 census)
 • City
571,169
 • Density442.6/km2 (1,146/sq mi)
 • Metro
677,647 (Buraidah Governorate)
GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)
 • Year2023
 • Total (Metro)$41.2 billion
 • Per capita$57,700
Time zoneUTC+3 (AST)
Postal code
52581
Area code+966
Websitewww.alqassim.gov.sa

Buraidah (Arabic: بريدة; also spelled as Buraydah) is the capital and largest city of Al-Qassim Province in north-central Saudi Arabia. The city is regarded as the agricultural capital of Saudi Arabia and has been described as the Kingdom's breadbasket due to the diversity of its produce. Buraidah is particularly renowned for its date production, hosting one of the largest date markets in the world. In addition, its farms produce a variety of fruits and vegetables, including figs, strawberries, grapes, and pomegranates.

In 2021, Buraidah was recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City in Gastronomy, becoming the first Gulf city and the second Arab city to receive this designation.