The city of Hail is
situated in the Shammar mountain region, west of the Al-Odairie valley, also known as the
Hail valley. It has special historic significance. It is also a transit point for pilgrims
heading towards Makkah Al Mukarramah from Iraq and Syria.The city extends in the shape
of a bow around the Shammar mountain. It is surrounded to the west by the Aja and the
Umm-Al-Riqab mounts as well as the Salma mount to the north and east.
Hail has been transformed into a modern city, having undergone comprehensive
development. It is now linked via modern expressways to Riyadh, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al
Madinah Al Munawarah and Jeddah.
There are more than thirty gardens in the city and twenty-five landscaped areas,
covering an area of 1,735,163 square meters. The city's public parks include Al Rasuf,
Ugdah, Janeiri and Ghar Al Majma in addition to Hail's public park and Mashar Park, which
includes a 65-square-meter artificial lake and a 300-meter-high waterfall.
Hail's cultural center includes a number of halls for artistic exhibitions, a permanent
exhibition center and a popular museum in addition to a theater, public library and other
halls for meetings and lectures.
The city contains several historic palaces and fortresses, some dating the Ottoman era
in addition to ancient Thammadi artifacts, the historic Zubaida Route and a host of
ancient lakes and wells. Hail is also known for its agricultural products, including
vegetables, fruit, wheat and barley. Hail City is the provincial capital and headquarters
of the Governor, local councils and branches of governmental departments.
Photo by Walid M. Alamir
www.fadhaa.com
