Hail: The Desert City

29 July 2024

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world in rock art carvings, the details of which indicate the existence of human civilizations that existed on its land during prehistoric times, even before the discovery of writing.

Situated between Mount Shammer and Mount Salma, Hail was once the capital of the Arabian Desert and sits on the edge of the Al Nafud Desert. The red sands offer excellent opportunities for dune bashing, camping, and exploring rock art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the desert, Hail boasts Al Samra Park, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest waterparks, with hiking trails and panoramic city views from Jabal Al Samra. The Hail Local Heritage Museum provides cultural insights, while the bustling Hail Souq is perfect for purchasing local crafts, fruits, and famous Saudi dates. Known for its agricultural significance, particularly in grain, date, and fruit production, Hail also has historical ties as a key stop on the Hajj caravan route and is renowned for the generosity of its people, exemplified by the legendary Hatim al-Tai.