Hail lies in the north between the Aja and Salma mountain ranges, and is famous across Arabia for the generosity of Hatim al-Tai. Its historic forts and mud-brick palaces recall its role as a caravan and trading centre.
Nearby, the rock art of Jubbah and Shuwaymis, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves thousands of years of carvings of people and animals.
The places most worth your time, grouped by type.
HeritageThousands of ancient petroglyphs of camels, people and animals, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
~100 km north-west of Hail · half a day
NatureA long range of reddish granite peaks west of Hail, beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
West of Hail · scenic drive
HeritageA small mud-brick fort on a hill overlooking Hail, once used as a watchtower.
Central Hail · 45 min
HeritageA large two-storey mud-brick palace with arched courtyards, built in the 1940s as a military barracks.
Central Hail · 1 hour
AdventureA vast sea of red-orange dunes north of Hail, famous for desert camps and the Hail rally.
North of Hail · tours
Ideas worth trying — book them with tour operators listed in our directory.
Thousands of years of carvings at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Half dayRed dunes, camel encounters and a desert camp.
Half dayA'arif fort and Al-Qishlah palace in the city centre.
2 hoursA suggested plan you can adjust to your own pace.
Everything for your trip from our directory: stays, food, shopping and services.
Hail is known for Hatim al-Tai, its historic forts and palaces, the Aja and Salma mountains and the nearby rock art of Jubbah.
Yes, the Jubbah site has a visitor area; check opening hours before you travel.
The capital: modern skyline, historic Diriyah and big seasonal events
Red Sea gateway with historic Al-Balad and a long seafront
Hegra's Nabataean tombs and some of Arabia's most striking desert landscapes
Cool mountain air, green terraces and colourful Asiri villages
