In 2021, Buraydah joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy, becoming the first city in the Gulf region and the second city in the Arab world and the Middle East to receive this designation.
Buraydah was selected for its rich cultural and culinary heritage, and for its success in utilizing culture and gastronomy as tools for sustainable development by connecting culinary heritage with community development, the local economy, and quality of life.
This approach represents one of the key principles of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, where creativity goes beyond preserving heritage to transforming it into sustainable economic and development opportunities that serve communities and strengthen their resilience.
Buraydah has presented a practical model in this field through supporting local culinary heritage, empowering productive families, chefs, and entrepreneurs, and investing in the region’s agricultural resources, most notably palm trees and dates, alongside developing festivals and events linked to gastronomy and local culture.
The journey of Buraydah Creative City also reflects a broader developmental vision that has received continuous support and attention from His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Al-Qassim Region and Chairman of the Executive Office of Buraydah Creative City. This vision is centered on employing culture and local heritage to support sustainable development, strengthen national identity, support the local economy, enhance quality of life, and empower the community through investment in the region’s cultural and culinary assets.
This direction has contributed to:
Buraydah continues to develop projects and initiatives that strengthen its position as a Creative City, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its three pillars: a Vibrant Society, a Thriving Economy, and an Ambitious Nation.
Buraydah is considered one of the oldest cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with origins dating back to the 14th century. The city was named “Buraydah” in reference to the abundance and coolness of its water. Located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Buraydah became an important center for trade and cultural exchange throughout history.
Since its early beginnings, Buraydah developed as a productive agricultural community that relied heavily on farming to secure its food supply. This agricultural foundation strongly influenced the city’s culinary culture and traditional dishes, many of which were based on local agricultural and livestock products. The community was also known for its strong interest in trade, education, and openness to knowledge and cultures from different regions.
From this environment emerged the historic “Aqilat” caravans — merchants from Buraydah and the wider Al-Qassim region who, for centuries, traded in camels, horses, livestock, gold, food products, and agricultural and handcrafted goods. Their trade routes extended across Kuwait, Iraq, the Levant, Jordan, Palestine, Turkey, Egypt, North Africa, and several African countries.
The role of the “Aqilat” extended far beyond commerce. They contributed to the exchange of cultures, knowledge, customs, and culinary traditions between societies, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and social identity of Buraydah. Some of them also represented King Abdulaziz, during the early years of the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving as informal ambassadors through their commercial presence, extensive relationships, and movement across countries and communities. Some even went on to participate in international cinematic productions.
This legacy remains alive today through the Aqilat Museum in Buraydah, one of the region’s most prominent specialized museums dedicated to documenting the history, journeys, and stories of the Aqilat caravans and their رجال, who remain among the most significant symbols of trade and cultural exchange in the history of the region.
Present-Day Buraydah
Buraydah is located تقريبًا in the center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, within the Qassim Region, one of the Kingdom’s largest administrative regions. The city has a population of more than 678,000 residents, representing approximately 52% of the region’s total population, and covers an area of around 1,300 square kilometers.
Buraydah is considered the leading commercial and cultural hub of the Qassim Region, serving as a meeting point for modern highway networks and connected to the national railway system linking the Kingdom’s major regions. The city is also located near Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport, which is approximately 25 minutes from the city center.
Buraydah is regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent modern cities, distinguished by its strategic location, fertile agricultural land, active economy, rich cultural depth, strong social heritage, and growing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The city’s development experience is characterized by strong integration and coordination between government entities, the private sector, and civil institutions across key sectors including education, healthcare, municipal development, agriculture, security, sports, and social services. This progress aligns with the national development strategies and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which have contributed to enhancing quality of life, supporting sustainable development, and enabling cities to better leverage their economic and cultural assets.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is one of UNESCO’s leading international programs, launched in 2004 to strengthen cooperation among cities that have identified creativity and culture as strategic drivers for sustainable urban development. The Network is based on leveraging culture, creativity, and cultural industries as practical tools to support economic and social development, improve quality of life, and strengthen cultural identity, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the global agenda for sustainable urban development. The Network covers seven creative fields: Today, the Network includes more than 300 creative cities worldwide, working collaboratively to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to develop initiatives and projects that place creativity and culture at the heart of local development strategies. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network aims to: Member cities work collectively to achieve the Network’s objectives through several key areas, including:
Objectives of the Network
Areas of Action
Official Website of the Network
