Ar Rass

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Ar Rass is a Saudi city in Al-Qassim Province, located southwest of Buraidah and north of Riyadh. It covers about 2,650 square kilometers and sits around 691 meters above sea level. In 2022, the city’s population was about 121,000 people, with an urban population around 108,000, giving a population density of roughly 46 people per square kilometer.

The name Ar Rass means “an old well” in Arabic and reflects its long history as a water source for local tribes. The city is governed by the Al Assaf family. It has 19 official sub-governorates and is surrounded by about 200 villages and Bedouin settlements, mainly to the south and west.

Geographically, Ar Rass sits in a desert landscape. The Rummah Valley (Wadi al-Rummah) crosses the city from south to northeast. The area has several plateaus and low mountains, with sand dunes surrounding most sides. Ruins at Shinanah mark ancient fortifications that were used in historic battles.

The climate is typical of the desert: cold winters and very hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures average between about -3°C and 21°C, while summer can reach well above 39°C, sometimes up to 50°C.

Historically, Ar Rass was a meeting point for Arab tribes across Najd and the Qassim region. Over the centuries, tribes such as Bani Asad, Banu Tamim, and Bani Lam settled here and engaged in farming and trade. Some groups later moved to other areas, including Iraq, while others stayed to contribute to the city’s growth. Today, Ar Rass hosts local culture and sports, with football clubs like Al-Hazem and Al-Kholood representing the city.