Discover Hail: Where desert beauty meets rich cultural history

Ahram Online , Wednesday 9 Oct 2024

Nestled between Shammar Mountains to the north and Salma Mountains to the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of the Arabian Desert.

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 From thrilling dune bashing to camping under the stars and exploring ancient rock art, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hail offers an unforgettable adventure.
1. A'arif Fort
A'arif Fort stands out with its ancient details reflecting the rich cultural history of Hail. It was built in 1840, and it was named after the mountain on which it was built. The fort is rectangular, surrounded by a massive wall and sturdy wooden doors adorned with handmade engravings that narrate the beauty and fragrance of the past. It also features a cannon dating back to 1898.
The 440 square-meter castle was built on top of the 650-meter-high A'arif mountain to protect the city in ancient times. It served as a military fortress to monitor armies and caravans coming to Hail. Later, the castle was used to observe the Ramadan crescent and its cannon was used to announce the time of breaking the fast and the start of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Today, it has emerged as a must-see destination for tourists, captivating visitors with its rich history and stunning views.
2. Hail Local Heritage Museum
For a dose of history and culture, head to the Hail Local Heritage Museum. Located just south of the historic A'arif Fort, this museum is home to a remarkable collection of rare heritage artifacts. Housed in a heritage building estimated to be around 100 years old, the museum features more than 10 rooms, two guest houses, and a spacious courtyard. Visitors can explore over 2,000 heritage pieces displayed throughout its halls, and there’s also a store where guests can buy and sell unique heritage items, adding to the immersive cultural experience.
3. Al Samra Park
Al Samra Park, situated on the slopes of the famous Jabal Al Samra, spans approximately 90,000 square meters and is the largest waterpark in northern Saudi Arabia. The park features a stunning artificial lake and serves as a fully integrated entertainment hub. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including top-notch restaurants, cafes, chalets, rooms, and heritage-style rest houses available for rent.
The park offers additional attractions, such as a zoo, fountains, fishing spots, and much more, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day out.
4. Faid Historic City
Faid Historic City, once the third most significant city after Kufa and Basra, was a key stop along the ancient Zubaida Trail, which connected Iraq to Makkah. Famous for its rock engravings and historical landmarks like Al Kharash Castle, Faid offered essential rest and provisions to travelers. Visitors can explore the Archaeological Museum, featuring fascinating artifacts such as tools, jewelry, and coins, and don't miss the chance to visit the Old Faid Mosque, a beautifully preserved 8th-century structure with distinctive mud-brick architecture.
 
Exploring Hail has become more convenient for tourists, thanks to streamlined visa options for entering Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom offers various visa types to facilitate travel for leisure, Umrah, family visits, and business events. These include Umrah visa, tourism visa, transit visa, and family & friends visa. Citizens of 66 countries are eligible for electronic visa. Residents of the United States, the United Kingdom, EU countries, and holders of US, UK, and Schengen visas can obtain their visas on arrival. On the other hand, residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can get their visas electronically.
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