Why Hail?
Hail sits in the north of the Kingdom, between the granite ranges of Aja and Salma on one side and the sands of the Great Nafud on the other. The city has long been associated with Arab generosity and with the poet Hatim al-Tai, and today it draws people who want a real desert experience far from the bustle of the big cities. The Nafud sand here has a reddish tint that shifts colour through the day, and after dark the sky is clearer than anything you will see near Jeddah or Riyadh.
This guide is for anyone thinking of adding Hail to a trip in Saudi Arabia, whether after Umrah or as a separate holiday: what you will actually do, how to prepare and how to get there.
What a safari day looks like
Most trips start in the city itself, in four-wheel-drive vehicles driven by local guides who know the sand. They range from a half-day outing to an overnight stay at a desert camp, and usually include some mix of the following:
- Dune driving: climbing and descending tall dunes with an experienced driver. It is great fun, but it can be rough on older passengers or anyone prone to motion sickness, so ask for a gentler drive if you need one.
- Sandboarding: a favourite with children and teenagers on the softer slopes.
- Coffee and dates: a stop at a camp or traditional tent, where Arabic coffee is served the traditional way.
- Sunset and stars: the moment everyone waits for. If you stay overnight, the night sky becomes an experience in its own right.
A small courtesy that visitors appreciate learning: when you have had enough coffee, gently shake the little cup from side to side as you hand it back. That tells your host you do not need a refill.
The rock art of Jubbah and Shuwaymis
The Hail region holds rock-art sites listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, the best known being Jubbah to the north of the city and Shuwaymis to the southwest. The rock faces carry carvings of people and animals thousands of years old, dating from a time when the region was much greener. Morning or the last couple of hours before sunset are the best times to go, when low light makes the carvings stand out. Check visiting hours before you set off, as they can change.
When to go
The cooler months from autumn to early spring are the right season. Daytime is pleasant, but desert nights in winter are genuinely cold and can approach freezing. Summer is hot, and heading into the dunes in the middle of the day is not a good idea at that time of year.
What to pack
- Layers: light clothes for the day and a warm jacket for the evening.
- Comfortable closed shoes, a hat or scarf, and sunglasses.
- More water than you think you will need.
- A bag or cover to keep fine sand away from phones and cameras.
- A power bank, since mobile coverage can drop deep in the desert.
Self-drive or guided?
If you have no experience driving on sand, do not take your own car into the Nafud. Dunes are deceptive and getting stuck is common even in a 4x4. Experienced desert drivers travel in convoys with recovery gear for a reason. A local guide knows the routes, carries the right equipment and spares you the risk, and usually knows the best spots for sunset as well.
Getting to Hail and linking it to Umrah
Hail has a regional airport with domestic flights, and the northern railway connects it with Riyadh. Coming overland from Madinah means a drive of several hours to the northeast.
A typical route for our passengers is: land in Jeddah, perform Umrah in Makkah, move on to Madinah, and then head north from there. These are our fixed fares per car for the first legs:
| Leg | Sedan | Family SUV / van | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah to Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 1000 SAR |
| Madinah to Madinah train station | 100 SAR | 150 SAR | 300 SAR |
| Madinah to Hail | Confirmed on WhatsApp | Confirmed on WhatsApp | Confirmed on WhatsApp |
You pay on arrival, with no prepayment for normal bookings. More routes are in our taxi fare guide, and the Madinah taxi page covers rides from the city.
Questions visitors ask
Is a desert safari suitable for children?
Generally yes, especially sandboarding and the camp itself. Ask the operator for a calmer drive over the dunes and make sure every passenger has a working seatbelt.
How many days should I spend in Hail?
Two days are enough for a desert outing and a visit to Jubbah. A third day lets you stay overnight at a camp without rushing.
Do I need a special permit?
General desert tourism does not usually require an extra permit for visitors who entered the Kingdom on a valid visa. Some heritage sites have their own hours and rules, so check the official source before going.
How do I arrange the ride from Madinah?
Message us on +966582918075 with your travel date, number of passengers and luggage and we will confirm the fare, or use the booking page.