Highlights
Al Nafud Desert
Hail sits beside the mighty Al Nafud Desert, home to majestic red sands that promise both history and adventure in equal measure. The region is home to rock art, inscriptions and petroglyphs that are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inviting you to discover traces of what life was like more than 10,000 years ago! If you’d prefer a faster pace in the desert, dune bashing and sand surfing are just some of the adrenaline-pumping thrills on offer.
Authentic Arabia
Once the capital of the Arabian Desert, and home to renowned 6th-century poet and philanthropist Hatim Al Tai (who featured in Arabian Nights), Hail is rich with Saudi heritage and culture. At the centre of the city, discover a trio of ancient castles – Barzan Castle, Al Qishlah Castle and, the oldest, A’arif Fort, which offers exceptional views over the city. A’arif has also been used as the meeting place to view the Ramadan moon and fire the iftar cannon to signal an end to the day’s fasting. For a glimpse into modern day Arabia, take a trip to the Hail Souq in the centre of town. Here, locals sell fruit, vegetables and the kingdom’s legendary dates, along with handmade crafts – from clay pots to beautiful woven mats.