Ghazanfar Ali Khan

 

 Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a major tourist attraction in the Middle East as its hidden treasures of art, history and heritage explored by government agencies, archaeologists and Arab historians are unfolding day by day. In fact, the Kingdom has several cities, regions and locations, which are amazingly rich and diverse in terms of tourism, historical study, heritage and pursuits of knowledge.
One of these places is Hail Province, located in the north of the country amidst the Shammar mountain region. Green and goody, Hail provides a welcome sight to the weary eyes of tired tourists – the tourists who are tired of seeing sand and barren land in the Kingdom. Any visitor to Hail or its suburbs would be welcomed by green palm groves and vegetable plantations besides green parks and old palaces presenting a fascinating pastoral charm.
In olden days, the capital city of Hail Province—Hail derived its prosperity due to its strategic location on the camel caravan route of the pilgrims. The souq or the local market place in the city of Hail was quite famous, where local tradesmen and merchants from abroad bought and sold goods at those times.
Apart from the beautiful natural charm, green parks, dramatic mountain tops and rich remnants of history, the Hail region as a whole is also known for its individual style of architecture and its galaxy of men of prominence it produced during its past. Traditionally, Hail is famous for the hospitality and the generosity of its people and for being the birth place of legendary figure Hatim Al-Tai.
In fact, every civilization has its real life folk heroes whose exploits have taken on legendary proportions. Like the Irish Calhoun, Greek Aristides, or American Davey Crockett, Hatim Al-Tai is a larger than life character; whose exploits have been passed down from generation to generation and are much loved throughout the Middle East, North Africa, India and Indonesia.
Late Hatim Al-Tai’s exploits all revolve around his legendary generosity and his disposition to do something for the mankind. He features in 101 Arabian Nights by Richard Burton as the ghost of Hatim Al-Tai. He is the very personification of Bedouin hospitality, which gave birth to the Arab hospitality considered unparalleled in the history of mankind.
While tracing his life and achievements, it will be important to mention that Hatim was the chief of Taiy tribe, one of the largest in Hail region. This is the reason that his name bears the title of “Al-Tai”. He lived in an age when history was recited as poetry around the after-dinner campfire or in social folk gatherings. Specifically, he lived around the end of AD 590, the age when Arabia was a beduin society.
As far as Hail region as a whole is concerned, it has several tourist attractions deep rooted in the history of olden days. Owing to its varied topography, rich culture and captivating festivities, Hail offers immense rewards not only to local tourism but also for overseas visitors, who can discover an ancient civilization that still lives on through the city’s antiquities, heritage sites, culture and ancient Arab traditions.
Several forts and palaces dating from Ottoman rule add to the treasure list of Hail region. Apart from these, there are forts, several museums, theaters, libraries, and auditoriums in Hail from where one can collect information on Arabic culture and society. The Qishlah Fortress also spelt as Qashalah Fort is a fine example of Najd architecture located in the center of Hail.
The current building was reconstructed in the 1940’s and is the largest traditional mud-brick fortress in the region, which was used principally as barracks. Two large gates give access to the site which comprises a large square used for training and drill, arcades roofed with tamarisk trunks and numerous rooms traditionally decorated with Najd patterned doors and windows.
The fortress, is an impressive sight located in the center of Hail. In fact, it is the largest traditional mud-brick fortress in Hail and is very well restored and preserved both from outside and inside. Its two floors are 142.8x141.2 meters high, its walls are 8.5m high, and it has eight large watch-towers along with the wall with two main gates, eastern and western, and has a large inner courtyard with old military items on exhibition.
Then there is Jubbah Archaeological City in Hail region. One of the most significant  archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia, where ancient illustrations and inscriptions are found throughout the nearby mountains. Archaeologists have found evidence of four major periods of settlement at Jubbah stretching back through the Middle Paleolithic period, 80,000 to 25,000 years ago. They also found Neolithic sites and evidence of early trade.
The site is located on a dry lake surrounded by the sand dunes of Nafud Alkabir, with the sedimentary mountains of Um Sanman, Ghootah, Shuwaihit, and Unaizah to the west and south. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the apex regulatory body for tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, has requested that the rock inscription sites at Jubbah and Shuwaimis in Hail Province be registered under UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Jubbah is a 90 minute drive from Hail city.
Another prominent attraction is Airif Castle located on a hill on the edge of the city, a mud brick construction build over 200 years ago. Since, then the castle has undergone numerous add-ons. With all of its many openings for weapons, the site was ideal for defense and for troops. There is a beautiful view of the city from the main watch over.
Then there lies Ugdah, another attraction, surrounded by mountains and filled with palm trees and green plants. Here, visitors will enjoy the beautiful, expansive views from this picturesque mountain village. The locals here are very welcoming and often invite visitors for tea brewed from local wild mint and flavor. For mountain climbers, Ugdah should defiantly be on the list of places to visit.
It is also interesting to note that Hail can boast to have an ancient market, which sheds new light on the economy of the region. Brazan Market is a traditional market on the site of the former Brazan Palace. This is in the place where many years ago stood the Barzan Palace of the Al Rashid extended family, who governed the area around Hail. In fact, Barzan Palace was a historic palace that used to be located in Hail up until the 1920s.
Then, there are more than 30 parks, lush-green gardens and 25 landscaped areas in the city of Hail adding to its beauty further. The most famous of the parks is the Mashar Park, which has a 65 square meter artificial lake and a 300 meter high waterfall. The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), which is an apex government regulatory body supervising growth and investment, has planned Hail to be an Economic City by the end of 2025.
The city is expected to have an area of 156 million square meters and will provide housing for about 300,000 citizens including expatriates. The city will bolster regional development, build infrastructure, and contribute to the country’s development and economic growth. For those who want to enjoy something new and modern, the annual Hail Rally is another popular draw organized in spring season every year.
Full of challenges, suspense and risks, the Hail Rally includes numerous events, races and competitions, among which are drifting and biking demonstrations, timed races, and a junior competition with electronic race cars are the major ones. The event is staged under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail, and organized in cooperation with the High Authorities for the Development of Hail. In fact, the Hail Rally has been the flagship off-road rally in the Saudi motor sporting calendar since car sports were given the go-ahead in the Kingdom. 
Last but not the least, Hail has had the distinction to organize regular ‘International Desert Festival’ which focuses on the daily lives of Arabs, including food, traditional crafts, poetry and storytelling. The event is held under the aegis of Hail Governor Prince Saud, who is also chairman of the Tourism Promotion Council of the region. The festival has become a popular event in the Kingdom. Artisans of handicrafts from inside and outside the Kingdom display their wares and present glimpses of desert life at the festival.