Arrival in Ha’il
Last October, I boarded the train north to Ha’il, not fully sure what to expect. I had expressed my interest in visiting the city and exploring the ancient rock art just outside its borders. What began as a simple LinkedIn connection quickly turned into one of the most meaningful trips of my time in Saudi Arabia.
The 4.5-hour train ride itself was a lot of fun—smooth, scenic, and well worth the adventure. For travelers considering it, you can safely park your car at the Riyadh terminal for a moderate daily fee, which makes the trip even easier.
When I stepped off the train, Abdulaziz was there to welcome me. After dropping me at the Millennium Hotel, he promised to return the next morning to take me to the rock art sites I had long wanted to see. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was excited—and already touched by the warmth and generosity of someone I had only just met.
That evening, Abdulaziz took me to Hatem View at Al Samra Mountain for dinner. The food was delicious, and the view over Ha’il was breathtaking. If you’re in the city and looking for a place to eat with a memorable atmosphere, it’s a spot I’d highly recommend.
Meeting the Family and Exploring Jubbah
The next morning, Abdulaziz arrived with his brothers and a close family friend who was very much part of the family. Together, we set out on the 1.5-hour drive from Ha’il to Jubbah through the open desert.
When we arrived, several staff members were waiting to welcome us. The site is now enclosed, with walking paths and viewing decks that make it easy to appreciate the carvings up close. It’s incredible to think that this desert plain once held a lake, where people and animals gathered thousands of years ago.
The rock art of Jubbah is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside Shuwaymis. Some carvings date back nearly 10,000 years, depicting camels, lions, and even extinct animals. Others show human figures and inscriptions, traces of the civilizations that once flourished here.
After exploring the rock art, we visited the Alayadh Museum in Jubbah. There we saw how people once lived, including a demonstration of camels pulling water from a ground well.
It was, without question, one of the best days I’ve had in Saudi Arabia. The history was fascinating, and the hospitality was unmatched. I left Jubbah with memories I will carry forever.
Hospitality Like No Other
Later, I was invited to lunch at Abdulaziz’s family home. This wasn’t just a meal—it was an embrace. I was introduced to his parents and welcomed at their table as if I were a relative returning home. The generosity, the warmth, and the way they shared their culture left me speechless.
The meal itself was unforgettable. I couldn’t get enough of their homemade hot sauce, which I believe is unique to the Ha’il region. Afterward, his father proudly showed me his garden, and we talked about the rich history of Ha’il. One detail that fascinated me was learning that Ha’il was home to the first car in Saudi Arabia—a reminder of how this city has always been at the crossroads of tradition and progress.
That afternoon we explored some of Ha’il’s most important landmarks: the impressive Al Qishlah Palace, built as a fortress and later used as a prison, and the historic A’arif Fort, which stands high on a hill overlooking the city. We also visited the former home and burial site of the famous poet Hatim Al-Tai, where local tradition suggests his grave measures so large that he must have stood nearly nine feet tall. We ended the tour with coffee at Al Adham Café, where scenic beauty blends with the stillness of the desert. It’s the kind of place you could spend hours simply sitting, watching the world slow down.
The day ended just as perfectly as it began. That evening I joined the brothers and their extended family for a night under the stars, complete with a campfire, Arabic coffee, and traditional Saudi pancakes. It was the perfect close to a day of history, culture, and warmth—a reminder that Ha’il’s greatest treasure is not just its heritage, but its hospitality.
A Lasting Impression
On the way back from the campfire, we made one last stop at Abdulaziz’s home. His mother had quietly prepared a care package for me: jars of the hot sauce I loved so much, along with dates she had seasoned with honey and sesame seeds. It was a gesture that I can only describe as a mother’s love. It reminded me of the times I would leave home for college, and my own mom would pack food for the journey. That simple act is hard to put into words, other than to say it’s a moment I will always remember.
Ha’il’s hospitality is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The kindness of people I had only just met turned this trip into one of the most unforgettable chapters of my journey in Saudi Arabia. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t only about landscapes or monuments—it’s about the people who open their lives to you.
Abdulaziz and his family embody true hospitality. Ha’il will always hold a special place in my heart. What started as a train ride to a new city became a story of friendship, culture, and connection that I will carry with me forever.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Getting there: The train from Riyadh to Ha’il takes about 4.5 hours. Parking is available at Riyadh terminal for a moderate daily fee.
- Where to stay: The Millennium Hotel in Ha’il is a convenient and comfortable base.
- What to see: Don’t miss Jubbah’s UNESCO rock art, Al Qishlah Palace, A’arif Fort, and the Alayadh Museum.
- Where to relax: Al Adham Café offers stunning desert views—perfect for slowing down with a cup of coffee.
- Best part of all: Be open to the hospitality of the people. It may just turn your trip into one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
How to Visit Jubbah Rock Art
The rock art in Jubbah is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but access is restricted and requires prior arrangement. The site is fenced, and tours are usually led by guides who can provide both entry and context for what you’re seeing.
Here’s how to plan ahead:
- Book with a tour operator. The most reliable method is to book through a licensed Saudi tour operator or directly via the Visit Saudi platform.
- Ask your hotel. Many hotels in Ha’il, including the Millennium, can connect you with local guides who have permission to take visitors into the site.
- Arrange in advance. Don’t wait until you arrive in Ha’il—secure your booking before your trip to ensure a smooth visit.
With the right guide, you’ll not only gain access but also hear the history and stories that bring these carvings—some dating back nearly 10,000 years—to life.
Share Your Story
Ha’il is a place that stays with you long after you leave. From ancient carvings to unforgettable hospitality, it’s a destination that blends history, culture, and connection in the most unique way.
Have you ever visited Ha’il or experienced the warmth of Saudi hospitality somewhere else in the Kingdom? I’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments below.
And if you’re planning your own trip, be sure to add Ha’il to your list. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.