About Al Qasab Places to Visit in Al Qasab Al Qasab Salt Season About Al Qasab Salt Registration

Al Qasab: Where History Was Born From the Heart of Salt


Al Qasab is a historic town famed for its ancient salt flats, the "White Gold," and its heritage village of traditional Najdi mud architecture, home to the annual Melh Al Qasab Salt Season.
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160
km from Riyadh
+1400
years of history

About Al Qasab

Al Qasab lies northwest of Riyadh, about 160 kilometres away, south of Jabal Tuwaiq and north of Nafud Areeq Al-Bilad. It stands 671 metres above sea level, a strategic location that contributed to its growth throughout history.

Al Qasab is one of the historic towns of Najd. It appears in historical and geographical sources dating from the pre-Islamic era and the early Islamic centuries, and was mentioned by several historians and geographers, including Yaqut al-Hamawi. In the past, Al Qasab consisted of neighbouring villages or “qasabat,” such as Qasabat al-Milh, Qasabat al-Tarafa, Qasabat al-Ramadah, Qasabat al-Awd, and Qasabat al-Ruqaybiyah, before gradually uniting around the present urban core and becoming the city of Al Qasab.

Al Qasab is also connected to classical Arabic poetry: Qasabat al-Ramadah appears in the poetry of Dhu al-Rummah, reflecting the town’s place in the literary and historical memory of the Arabian Peninsula.

The town’s built heritage reflects the authentic Najdi style. Defensive towers were built to protect the town and watch surrounding roads. Al Qasab is also known for a long history of salt extraction, one of the economic activities that has shaped the city’s identity for centuries.

Today, Al Qasab brings together heritage, history, and nature. It continues to strengthen its place among the Kingdom’s promising heritage destinations, with cultural and tourism assets and a location within the North Riyadh Geopark, offering visitors Najdi heritage, nature, and hospitality.

Coordinates
25.17°N — 45.30°E
Distance from Riyadh
160 kilometers
Famous For
Natural salt and Al Qasab Heritage Village

Places to Visit in Al Qasab

Al Qasab is rich in varied tourist landmarks that bring together the depth of history and the beauty of nature, offering visitors a distinctive experience of authentic Najdi heritage, historic sites, and the city’s unique natural scenery.

Green Oasis (Brodan Lake)

A charming desert oasis fringed by dunes and palm trees, with a permanent lake; an ideal destination for nature lovers and relaxation.

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Green Oasis (Brodan Lake) Green Oasis (Brodan Lake) Green Oasis (Brodan Lake) Green Oasis (Brodan Lake)
Natural

A charming desert oasis surrounded by dunes and palm trees, with a permanent lake; an ideal destination for nature lovers, relaxation and photography.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: South-west of Al Qasab. The road is rough, with the last 4 km or so unpaved, so take care on your first visit.
Open all year Location on map Free entry

Al Qasab Salt Flats (Sabkha)

Famous salt-extraction fields dating back centuries, the most prominent environmental and natural landmark in the area.

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Al Qasab Salt Flats (Sabkha) Al Qasab Salt Flats (Sabkha) Al Qasab Salt Flats (Sabkha) Al Qasab Salt Flats (Sabkha)
Natural

Salt fields whose extraction dates back centuries, and the most prominent environmental and natural landmark in the area. A vast white landscape that reflects Al Qasab’s identity and the reason it is called White Gold, and a distinctive destination for photography and for learning about the craft of salt extraction.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours (best at sunrise/sunset)
  • Contact: No prior booking needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: About 3 to 4 km south of Al Qasab on the Al Qasab – Tharmada road, and visible from the road.
Open all year Location on map Free entry

Heritage Village

The historic heart of Al Qasab, known for its old Najdi mud architecture, narrow lanes and ancestral homes, and home to Al Qasab’s historic gates.

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Heritage Village Heritage Village Heritage Village
Heritage

The historic heart of the city, distinguished by its old Najdi mud architecture, narrow alleys and ancestral homes, and home to Al Qasab’s historic gates. A walk through it takes visitors back to the town’s life in the past.

  • Opening hours: All week · 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, history lovers
  • Access: Its entrances and lanes are stone-paved and lit, and a 700 m walkway surrounds it.
Open all year Location on map Free entry

Historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim

The Sheikh’s historic palace in Al Qasab; a century-old architectural gem that tells of its owner’s glories alongside King Abdulaziz, and welcomes visitors daily with hospitality and rare documents.

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Historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim Historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim Historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim Historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim
Heritage

The Sheikh’s historic palace in Al Qasab; an architectural masterpiece that tells the details of old Najdi life through its majlises and ornaments, and a wonderful meeting place for residents and visitors.

  • Opening hours: All week · 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Contact: No prior booking needed
  • Target audience: Researchers, cultural delegations, groups
  • Access: Inside the Heritage Village, reached on foot through its lanes.
Open all year Location on map Free entry (coordination preferred)

Al Qasab Watchtower (Al-Muraqqab Tower)

A historic watchtower atop Al-Thuwailil hill, where the town’s guards once lived to protect the herds and farms.

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Al Qasab Watchtower (Al-Muraqqab Tower) Al Qasab Watchtower (Al-Muraqqab Tower) Al Qasab Watchtower (Al-Muraqqab Tower)
Heritage

An ancient watchtower atop a hill overlooking the town, where Al Qasab’s guards once lived to protect the grazing herds and farms; it embodies a rich history of stories of protection and vigilance.

  • Opening hours: All week · Exterior viewing at any time
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: General visitors, photographers
  • Access: On Al-Thuwailil hill; it can be viewed from outside at any time.
Open all year Location on map Free entry

Al-Rashid Heritage Palace

A strategic heritage palace atop Al Qasab’s old wall, known for its historic tower and unique architecture built with pillars.

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Al-Rashid Heritage Palace Al-Rashid Heritage Palace Al-Rashid Heritage Palace
Heritage

An archaeological palace in a strategic location atop the old wall of Al Qasab, distinguished by its historic tower and unique architecture built with columns, standing as a venerable witness to the nation’s security and stability.

  • Opening hours: By occasion and request · Varies by event; exterior viewing at any time
  • Contact: Prior coordination
  • Target audience: Official delegations, organised groups
  • Access: In the old town on Al Qasab’s wall; it can be viewed from outside at any time, and entry is by prior arrangement.
Open all year Location on map By official invitation

Al-Washm Birds Museum and Reserve

A charming interactive reserve where you meet birds and pets; the ideal destination for guests and families.

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Al-Washm Birds Museum and Reserve Al-Washm Birds Museum and Reserve Al-Washm Birds Museum and Reserve
Leisure

An interactive reserve and museum where visitors meet birds and pets up close, known for its cleanliness, warm welcome and authentic Saudi hospitality; an ideal destination for families and guests. Entry is for a nominal fee.

  • Opening hours: All week · 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Contact: +966555111963
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: In Uthaythiyah (Marat governorate), about 180 km north-west of Riyadh; visits must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Open all year Location on map Nominal fee

King Salman Park and Walkway

Public green spaces equipped with family seating areas and clean, comfortable walkways for strolling and exercise.

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King Salman Park and Walkway King Salman Park and Walkway King Salman Park and Walkway King Salman Park and Walkway
Natural

A public park with green spaces equipped with family seating areas and clean, comfortable walkways, suitable for strolling and exercise for the whole family.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Families, athletes, seniors
  • Access: On King Abdullah Road inside Al Qasab, with seating, walkways and playgrounds; suitable for families and the elderly.
Open all year Location on map Free entry
Rawdat Al-Akarshiyah

Rawdat Al-Akarshiyah

The largest meadow in Al-Washm; a natural and historic meeting point where floodwaters gather and, once dry, turn into a green oasis of native Akrash plants.

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Rawdat Al-Akarshiyah Rawdat Al-Akarshiyah Rawdat Al-Akarshiyah Rawdat Al-Akarshiyah
Natural

One of the wild parks near Al Qasab; it turns green with wild plants after the rainy seasons and is a favourite destination for family outings and camping in spring.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours (best at sunrise/sunset)
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: North-west of Al Qasab, crossed by the road to Al Majma’ah governorate; it has parking, a mosque, toilets for men and women, and shaded seating.
Open all year Location on map Free entry
Al Qasab Art Club (Surrealist)

Al Qasab Art Club (Surrealist)

The Surreal Museum in Al Qasab by artist Abdulrahman Al-Zahim; a creative art space bringing together historic carving on palm trunks and surrealist paintings.

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Al Qasab Art Club (Surrealist) Al Qasab Art Club (Surrealist) Al Qasab Art Club (Surrealist) Al Qasab Art Club (Surrealist)
Heritage

An art space hosting the works and exhibitions of the city’s visual artists, offering visitors a different cultural and artistic experience among Al Qasab’s attractions.

  • Opening hours: All week · 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Contact: 503470348
  • Target audience: Photographers, history lovers, art lovers
  • Access: In a traditional market inside the Heritage Village; the owner welcomes visitors from the afternoon until 10 pm.
Open all year Location on map Free entry (coordination preferred)
The Nafud

The Nafud

The western sand wall of Al Qasab; golden dunes and long sand ridges, and an open-air escape for desert outings, camping and sunset watching.

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The Nafud The Nafud The Nafud The Nafud
Natural

A stretch of golden sand dunes surrounding Al Qasab; a favourite destination for desert lovers, dune driving, camping and watching the sunset over the sands.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours (best at sunrise/sunset)
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: Borders Al Qasab directly to the west and extends into Shaqra and Marat governorates; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended in the sand.
Open all year Location on map Free entry
Jabal Al-Fahdah

Jabal Al-Fahdah

A lofty mountain in the heart of Nafud Al-Ragham in Al Qasab, surrounded on all sides by golden sand and immortalised in the poems of Jarir.

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Jabal Al-Fahdah Jabal Al-Fahdah Jabal Al-Fahdah
Natural

A prominent natural mountain landmark around Al Qasab, visited by hikers, photographers and lovers of natural views.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours (best at sunrise/sunset)
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: A park run by Al Qasab Municipality in the heart of Nafud Al-Ragham, surrounded by sand on all sides; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
Open all year Location on map Free entry
Al-Shafiei Park

Al-Shafiei Park

An unspoiled retreat in the embrace of the Tuwaiq mountains, where the shade of the rocks meets trickling water.

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Al-Shafiei Park Al-Shafiei Park Al-Shafiei Park Al-Shafiei Park
Natural

A wild park around Al Qasab, suited to family gatherings, camping and enjoying nature, especially in the mild seasons and winter.

  • Opening hours: All week · Open 24 hours (best at sunrise/sunset)
  • Contact: No contact needed
  • Target audience: Photographers, nature lovers, tourists
  • Access: In the Tuwaiq mountains within “Al Qasab National Park”, about 24 km from Al Qasab; the road to it is unpaved.
Open all year Location on map Free entry
Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks

Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks

A prominent tourism and heritage destination in Al Qasab, taking visitors on a journey to discover how the “precious white” is made and extracted from the heart of nature.

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Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks
Heritage

“Al-Muqahham Model Saltworks” is a prominent tourism and heritage destination in Al Qasab, offering a complete field experience in which visitors learn up close about the traditional stages of salt production and the extraction of salt crystals from the sabkha. It is a living landmark that connects the past with the present.

  • Opening hours: All year
  • Contact: ⁦+966 50 448 1704⁩
  • Target audience: Tourists and those interested in exploring and learning about Al Qasab’s economic heritage
  • Access: South-west of Al Qasab within the saltworks area; open to all visitors.
Open all year Location on map Free entry
Al Qasab Salt Season

Al Qasab Salt Season

A unique tourism and economic event celebrating “precious salt” and the city’s long history of salt making and extraction.

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Al Qasab Salt Season Al Qasab Salt Season Al Qasab Salt Season Al Qasab Salt Season

Al Qasab Salt Season is a unique tourism and economic event celebrating “precious salt” and the city’s long history of making and extracting salt. The season highlights the historical value and the unique natural sabkhas Al Qasab is known for, combining heritage with innovative tourism experiences. It aims to boost economic and tourism activity in the area and to shed light on the rich heritage of the local community. It also offers a varied programme of entertainment and cultural activities that attract visitors from inside and outside the governorate.

  • Opening hours: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Contact: Season management — @QasabSalt
  • Target audience: Tourists, festival lovers
19–28 November 2026 Location on map Free (some activities have a nominal fee)
Al Qasab Winter Season

Al Qasab Winter Season

The ideal winter destination, blending warm heritage hospitality with the charm of wild nature in an exceptional atmosphere.

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Al Qasab Winter Season Al Qasab Winter Season Al Qasab Winter Season Al Qasab Winter Season

Shitwiyat Al Qasab is the ideal winter destination, blending the warmth of heritage hospitality with the charm of the wild landscape in an exceptional atmosphere. The event creates a complete leisure space that brings families and friends together to enjoy the heritage village’s winter activities and what the historic houses offer, from drinks to winter gifts. Its varied programmes suit all ages, from folk markets and traditional food to cultural sessions that reflect the generosity of Al Qasab’s people. The winter season helps boost local winter tourism and supports productive families and local trade.

1 January – 1 March Location on map Free entry
Kashta

Kashta

A complete heritage community experience held at “King Salman Park”, bringing families and friends together in a charming desert winter atmosphere.

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Kashta Kashta Kashta Kashta

Kashta is a complete heritage community experience held at “King Salman Park”, bringing families and friends together in a charming desert winter atmosphere. The event aims to revive authentic folk heritage and strengthen social bonds through interactive programmes and lively competitions, including a “Best Dish” folk cooking contest, a “Best Photo” contest capturing the beauty of Al Qasab, a “Most Beautiful Traditional Costume” contest, and a competitive “Baloot” tournament for enthusiasts. Kashta creates a warm leisure space that supports local talent and preserves the best shared moments.

Winter (December – February) · Thursdays and Fridays Location on map Free entry
Founding Day

Founding Day

A glorious national occasion embodying roots of pride, stretching back more than three centuries to the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727.

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Founding Day Founding Day Founding Day Founding Day

Founding Day is a glorious national occasion embodying the roots of pride and honour, stretching back more than three centuries to the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727. On this day we celebrate the heroism of our ancestors and the historical and cultural depth on which this firmly rooted state was built, on the values of justice, unity and stability. The occasion highlights strong national cohesion and pride in the authentic Saudi identity and the great legacy we have inherited, and reflects the journey of development leading the nation confidently towards a bright future.

  • Opening hours: Evening, per the national schedule
  • Contact: Al Qasab Municipality / Riyadh Municipality accounts
  • Target audience: Residents and visitors (general)
22–23 February Location on map Free entry
Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr

A major occasion of faith and community overflowing with joy, crowning the completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

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Eid al-Fitr is a major occasion of faith and community, overflowing with joy, that crowns the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid embodies the highest values of compassion, solidarity and family ties, spreading joy across the community through folk customs and a warm festive atmosphere. Its activities include exchanging greetings, giving Eidiya to children, a celebration for men on the second day, a celebration for women on the third day and a celebration for children on the second day, along with family and community gatherings that strengthen human bonds. It is a renewed opportunity to show joy in line with Islamic and community values.

  • Opening hours: Per the approved Eid programme
  • Contact: Al Qasab Municipality accounts
  • Target audience: Residents and visitors (general)
The days of Eid al-Fitr Location on map Free entry
Environment Week

Environment Week

An annual national awareness initiative held by Al Qasab Municipality and Al Qasab Green Association to protect natural resources and promote environmental sustainability.

Environment Week Environment Week Environment Week Environment Week

Environment Week is an annual national awareness initiative held by Al Qasab Municipality and the Al Qasab Green Association to protect natural resources and embed environmental sustainability in the community’s awareness. The week focuses on tree-planting campaigns, raising awareness of the importance of preserving vegetation cover, and reducing pollution to achieve a sustainable environmental balance. The programme sees wide participation from government bodies, the volunteer sector and individuals to instil an environmental culture in the younger generation, in line with ambitious national goals for a green, sustainable environment for future generations.

Annually (April – May), as announced by the Ministry of Environment Location as announced by Al Qasab Municipality Free entry
Saudi National Day

Saudi National Day

An epic of loyalty and belonging to the beloved homeland, telling the story of the Kingdom’s unification by the founder, King Abdulaziz, may God rest his soul.

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Saudi National Day is an epic of loyalty and deep belonging to the beloved homeland, telling the story of the Kingdom’s unification by the founder, King Abdulaziz, may God rest his soul. On this day Al Qasab celebrates the nation’s achievements, renewing the pledge to continue building and developing to realise ambitious visions. The celebration highlights national unity and the tremendous progress the Kingdom is making across development, economic and cultural sectors, and includes a celebration in the heritage village with a competition for young children, a drawing contest and children’s joy before adults’, reflecting Saudi citizens’ pride in the flag of unification flying high among the nations.

  • Opening hours: Events start after Asr prayer
  • Contact: 0530336373 / @tnmyhqasab
  • Target audience: Families, children and visitors (general)
23 September Location on map Free entry

Al Qasab Salt Season

Al Qasab Salt Season is one of the Kingdom’s leading heritage seasons. It takes place in Al Qasab, known for producing pure natural salt called “White Gold.” The season brings the past and present together through cultural, recreational, and educational events that introduce visitors to salt extraction and Al Qasab’s economic and cultural importance. Since its launch in 2023, the season has attracted thousands of visitors, built strategic partnerships with public and private entities, and supported the local community, farmers, and entrepreneurs. The coming edition aims to grow and expand, offering an authentic heritage experience that brings together folk arts, heritage, and nature in the city of White Gold.

First Edition

  • Season dates: 2 – 11 March 2023 (10 days)
+8,000
Daily visitors
83,793
Total visitors
  • Season theme: Foundation – building the identity
  • Season sponsor: Culinary Arts Authority
  • Partners: Partners included Dallah Hospitals, Zad Industrial Company, BK Boutique, Shore Payments, Salt, Reef, Tahadath Al Arabia and Hanoverian.
  • What set this edition apart: A founding launch focused on showcasing Al Qasab’s identity, achieving outstanding success in partnership with the Culinary Arts Authority, with media reach at local and regional levels.

Second Edition

  • Season dates: 2 – 10 February 2024 (9 days)
+10,000
Daily visitors
92,000
Total visitors
  • Season theme: Expansion – market growth
  • Season sponsor: Culinary Arts Authority
  • Partners: Partners included the Culinary Arts Authority as strategic partner, North Riyadh Geopark, Dallah Hospitals, Zad Industrial Company, BK Boutique, Shore, Jadeel, Salt, Reef and Tahadath Al Arabia.
  • What set this edition apart: Notable growth over the first season, with more partnerships — most notably the strategic partnership with the Culinary Arts Authority — more varied events, and higher attendance and media coverage locally and regionally.

Third Edition

  • Season dates: 20 – 27 February 2025 (8 days)
+13,000
Daily visitors
+100,000
Total visitors
  • Season theme: Impact – cementing its standing
  • Season sponsor: Strategic continuity: the Culinary Arts Authority with new partners
  • Partners: Partners included Riyadh Region Municipality, Al Qasab Municipality, the Heritage Commission, the Culinary Arts Authority, the National Center for Palms and Dates and North Riyadh Geopark, and from the private sector Mama Noura, Salt, Reef, Jadeel, BK Boutique, Zad Industrial Company, Fawaz Al-Suwaid and Al-Qasabi.
  • What set this edition apart: A step change in the season’s size and impact, with a major expansion of partnerships, greater media impact, and a stronger role for the season as a cultural, economic and tourism driver in the region.

Season Four — Coming Soon

About Al Qasab Salt

Al Qasab has been linked with salt since ancient times: the historian al-Hamdani listed “the salt of al-Qusaybah” among the most important salt sources of the Arabian Peninsula in his book “Sifat Jazirat al-Arab”, and Yaqut al-Hamawi mentioned the sabkha of al-Qusaybah “into which the valleys of al-Ragham flow, and from which salt is taken”.

Salt is extracted by digging a well called “Ain al-Jafr”, whose water is then pumped into a tank and neighbouring pools where it evaporates until the salt settles as a thick white layer, over two to four months depending on the heat and the strength of the wind.

Today Al Qasab’s saltworks produce about a third of the Kingdom’s consumption of coarse salt, through more than twenty saltworks, over an area of 33.15 square kilometres designated by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources as a salt mining complex.

Al Qasab salt is a pure, natural, multi-purpose salt used in food and food preservation, and it surpasses sea salt in type and quality.


Al Qasab Salt Season 4 Registration