Hail

The city of Hail, nestled between Mount Shammer to the north and Mount Salma to the south, was once the capital of the Arabian Desert and home to legends such as Hatim Al Tai, the Arabian poet whose altruism earned him spots in stories such as "One Thousand and One Nights" (also known as "Arabian Nights"). Today, it is the capital of Saudi Arabia's north-central region of the same name, as well as a prominent halt on the pilgrimage to Makkah. Hail is also noted for holding international events, such as the Desert Festival, which celebrates the area's culture, and the Hail International Rally, in which rally vehicles, quads, and motorbikes race across the Nafud Desert, as well as Hail, Baqaa, Al Ghazalah, and the settlement of Umm Al Qulban. Set your eyes on Hail if you're looking for a dose of history, culture, and adventure.

If you see three castles, you've arrived at the city's heart. A'arif Fort, Barzan Castle, and Al Qishlah Castle are all worth a visit, but if you have to choose just one, look skyward. A'arif Fort, perched on a mountain, is the oldest of the three and provides the greatest view of the city. A'arif has also been utilized as a gathering area to see the Ramadan moon and fire the iftar cannon to announce the conclusion of the fasting day.