Hail Province, located in north-central Saudi, contains eight governorates. The city of Hail is the capital of the region and the largest city; in fact, two-thirds of the population lives in the city alone. Historically, Hail city was the capital of the entire Arabian Desert and was a frequent stop for those traveling to Mecca from the north. Both the province and the city have numerous historical and natural sites worth visiting. We list some favorites below.

The Rock Art of the Hail Region
One of Saudi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Rock Art of the Hail Region, is found in the Al Nafud Desert, located to the north of the city. Prior to desertification, there were lakes and rivers here and it was more humid, leading to the settlement of ancient peoples. The UNESCO site has two parts to it: Jabel Umm Sinman at Jubbah and Shuwaymis at Jabal al-Manjor. The petroglyphs, dating back 10,000 years, feature hunting parties and animals such as lions, horses, and camels.

Tuwaren and Hatim al-Tai
Hatim al-Tai was a legendary poet and prince of the Tayy tribe. In the 6th century, he lived in the town of Tuwaren, located 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Hail city. He was known for his generosity—the proverbial Arab phrase “more generous than Hatim” refers to him. He is also mentioned in The Thousand and One Nights, commonly known as The Arabian Nights. His gravesite and the remains of his mud-and-stone house can be seen in Tuwaren.

Hail Desert Life Festival
The annual Hail Desert Life Festival, focusing on desert life experiences and culture, is a popular event conducted by the government for natives and tourists alike. Spread out over nine days, the festival features poetry, storytelling, dances, food, and traditional crafts.

The Hail International Rally
As the first car rally in Saudi, the Hail International Rally is an important event. It was introduced in 2006 and approved by the Fédération Internationale de L’Automobile—or FIA—in 2008. Here you can see rally cars and motorcycles racing, starting from the Al Nafud Desert. World-class drivers race on what can be a tricky course due to desert conditions.

Hail’s Three Castles
Hail’s Three Castles—namely Qishlah Castle, A’arif Fort, and Barzan Castle—are all located in the center of the city of Hail and merit a visit. Qishlah Castle, with “qishlah” derived from the Turkish word for fort or barracks, was built in the 1940s. Originally an artillery and weapons depot, the two-floor mud building with watchtowers is now a heritage landmark. A’arif Fort, the oldest of the three, was built on a hilltop in the 17th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the fort to get a spectacular view. Barzan Castle, built in the mid-19th century, consisted of three floors and covered an area of 300,000 square meters (over 900,000 square feet). It was ordered destroyed in 1921 by a royal edict but the one tower that remains gives an idea of its enormous size.

The Hail Regional Museum
In 2019, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage completed the construction of four new regional museums in different regions, one of those being Hail. The Hail Regional Museum, constructed on an area of 11,000 square meters (36,000 square feet), has eight halls focusing on geology, antiquities and heritage, ancient and modern history, and more. You can also buy permits to see Jubbah’s petroglyphs here.

Souqs
Visiting Saudi souqs is a great way to get a true sense of the local culture. The Hail Souq sells fruits, vegetables, and dates—a Saudi favorite—as well as handmade crafts such as clay pots and hand-woven mats. Located in the center of town, it is a great place to find souvenirs. Another place to find interesting items is at the Hail Flea Market, one of Saudi’s last proper flea markets. It is primarily run by women selling handmade crafts, hand-woven mats, and traditional attire.

So, you see, a visit to the Hail region—with its many attractions—will be well worth your time, no matter what your interests may be.