Hail

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Jubbah

This city lies northwest of Hail along the old caravan road between Najd and the Mediterranean sea. Completely surrounded by the Nafud desert, Jubbah’s oasis defies the odds and provides plentiful water for the city and its abundant agriculture, drawn from an ancient underground lake. The main attraction to this city is its large sandstone outcrops with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions on the rock face which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Barzan Palace

The construction of this historical palace began in 1808 and once completed it covered an area of more than 300,000 square meters with grand reception halls, gardens, and rooms for the royal family and diplomatic guests. However the palace was ordered to be destroyed in 1921 after the last Al-Rashid emir was ousted and today only one tower of the original palace remains.

A’arif Fort

This mud and clay rectangular-shaped castle is the oldest historical building in Hail, constructed in the 17th century in the heart of Hail. It is strategically perched on a hilltop, visible from all parts of the city. Visitors can tour this fortress and access its watchtowers, residential area, baths, mosque, and warehouses. The castle also grants a wonderful view of the city and surrounding farms and countryland below.

Al-Rajhi Mosque

An architectural landmark of Hail, this large Islamic center has three floors and an underground basement which encompasses prayer halls, retreat rooms, a library, funeral preparation room, and digital services rooms offering simultaneous casting of the sermon and the latest in acoustics technology.

Qishlah Palace

Built in the 1940s for the prince of Hail, Qishlash Palace features two floors with eight watch towers and two main gates. It was built to host troops that were protecting this northern part of the country, though it was then used as a prison before finally being repurposed as a historical building.

Hail Heritage Museum

Telling the history of Hail is the local Heritage Museum which showcases a large number of historic-ethnographic antiques and artifacts set inside a traditional Najd house. The collection is privately owned by a local patron and there is a store where visitors may purchase select heritage pieces.

Al Nafud Desert

These sweeping red sand dunes sit just past Hail to the north and is a popular destination for overnight camping trips. Though beautiful, the terrain is rugged and precautions should be taken. Rain only comes once or twice a year here and the desert is prone to sudden gusts of wind.