HAIL: Hail welcomed more than 3 million visitors in the first half of this year, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Hail’s mountainous landscape and temperate climate have made it a popular destination for heritage, hiking, and rural tourism.

Tourism to the region was driven by “major events and festivals, alongside ongoing development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Jabal Umm Sinman in Jubbah and the Shuwaymis rock carvings,” according to the SPA, which added that Hail’s “strategic location, varied terrain, and favorable climate continue to support economic and social growth, drawing investment across tourism, agriculture, industry and transportation.”

To continue to increase the region’s tourism numbers, the municipality has signed investment agreements worth SR179 million ($48 million), including projects for rural lodges and the Aja Hill development, which will feature a hotel and resort.

The regional development authority has also concluded agreements to operate “distinctive tourist routes” and promote the region internationally.

Beyond tourism, Hail remains a key agricultural center. The region is home to 15,000 farms spread across 240,000 hectares of agricultural land.

Hail also plays a central logistical role, with a road network exceeding 5,900 kilometers. Recent infrastructure upgrades include 13 road projects covering 358 kilometers, valued at SR47 million.

Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with programs focused on protecting vegetation, conserving wildlife, and managing natural resources, the SPA reported.

Together, these efforts “reflect Hail’s growing role in economic diversification under Saudi Vision 2030,” the article concluded.