Buraidah: The Heart of the Arabian Peninsula

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Na'am]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [Aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bikhair. Wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatahadath al'ingilizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [Ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [Uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [Ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأرغب في الدفع، من فضلك
  [Uridu alduf', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [Ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itsal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [Itsal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [Lakad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [Uridu shiraa...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [Ana faqat atatala]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [Kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghaali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuka takhfeed alsu'ra?]

• What time is it?ما الوقت؟
  [Ma alwaqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Alsa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [Alsa'ah alaashirah walnisf]
• Morningصباح
  [Sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [Ba'd aldhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [Masa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [Ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [Arbahah]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [Sitah]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [Tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [Asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [Ayna...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [Mata yaati alhafilah alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [Tathkirah (ila...)]

Buraidah, the capital of Al-Qassim Province in Saudi Arabia, has a history that stretches back to pre-Islamic times. The area was originally settled by the Al-Sulaim tribe, who made use of its strategic location on ancient trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, with remnants of ancient agricultural systems indicating early human settlement.

With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Buraidah became an important religious and cultural hub. The spread of Islam brought new administrative and social structures to the region. The city’s strategic location made it a key stop for pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Buraidah flourished as a center of learning and commerce, attracting scholars and traders from across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

In the late 19th century, Buraidah came under the control of the Al-Rasheed dynasty from the neighboring area of Ha'il. The Al-Rasheed rulers were known for their administrative acumen and military prowess. They fortified Buraidah and developed its infrastructure, including the construction of forts and the organization of agricultural lands. This period saw a relative stability in the region, fostering growth in trade and culture.

The early 20th century marked a significant change for Buraidah with the unification of Saudi Arabia under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The city played a supportive role in the unification process, aligning with the Saudi forces. Post-unification, Buraidah witnessed modernization and integration into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Roads, schools, and hospitals were built, and the city emerged as an administrative center in the newly formed nation.

Today, Buraidah is renowned for its agricultural prowess, particularly in the production of dates, which are considered some of the finest in the world. The city hosts the annual Buraidah Date Festival, drawing visitors and traders from across the globe. This event not only highlights the agricultural heritage of the region but also serves as a vibrant cultural gathering, featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Buraidah continues to blend its rich historical legacy with modern development, making it a unique destination in Saudi Arabia.

Buraidah is located in the Al-Qassim Province of Saudi Arabia. The nearest airport is Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Regional Airport (ELQ), which is approximately 30 kilometers away from the city center. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-hailing services to reach Buraidah. Alternatively, you can travel by car from major Saudi cities like Riyadh, which is about 350 kilometers away. The drive typically takes around 4 hours via Route 65.

Buraidah offers various modes of transportation, including taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem, and local buses. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient option for getting around the city. Renting a car is also a viable option, particularly if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. The city's public transport system is limited, so having your own mode of transportation can be beneficial.

The official currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Buraidah, and you can withdraw Saudi Riyals using international debit or credit cards.

Buraidah is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 997 for medical emergencies. Buraidah has several hospitals and medical facilities that provide quality care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Use the right hand, as the left hand is considered impolite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid eating in public during Ramadan fasting hours out of respect for those observing the fast.

To experience Buraidah like a local, visit the local markets, especially the Buraidah Dates Market, which is one of the largest in the world. Engage with locals who are often friendly and eager to share their culture and traditions. Don't miss visiting the Al Bassam Heritage House to get a glimpse of traditional Saudi architecture and lifestyle. For a unique experience, attend the Buraidah Date Festival if your visit coincides with it, typically held in August or September.