Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Capital City

With a population of just over 120,000, Buraydah is Saudi Arabia's agricultural capital, renowned for its sprawling date markets and diverse produce. However, don't expect a laidback lifestyle - the city's unrelenting desert climate and heavy bureaucracy are persistent headaches for residents. On the plus side, Buraydah boasts impressive educational infrastructure, including the massive Qassim University which enrolls over 70,000 students. Overall, this is a practical, no-frills city best suited for those with a professional or agricultural focus, rather than expats seeking an easy transition.