It is the capital of Al-Qassim Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia in the heart of the Arabian peninsula. Buraydah lies equidistant from the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. It has a population of 505,000 (2007 estimate). Buraydah, the regional capital of Al-Qassim Province, is located on the edge of the Wadi Al-Rummah. Wadi Al-Rummah is the longest wadi in the Kingdom, stretching some 370 miles (600 km) from near Madinah to the Al-Thuwairat sands. Buraydah has a typical desert climate, with hot summers, cold winters and low humidity. In Buraydah, agriculture is still the cornerstone of the economy. The traditional oasis products of dates, lemon, orange and other fruits is still important. Modern introduction of wheat production has become so successful that Buraydah is one of the largest producers in the kingdom, important in making Saudi Arabia a net exporter of cereal