Saudi Arabia’s Hail Authority Visits Petra & Wadi Rum To Boost Heritage Tourism

Sometimes, books don’t cut it. You need to see, smell, and walk among the ruins. That’s exactly what the Hail Region Development Authority did in Jordan. CEO Omar Abduljabbar made it clear from the start: this wasn’t a holiday. Not even close. The goal? Watch how Jordan makes its ancient sites work for tourists while keeping local communities involved.

Hail Authority Visits Jordan: Picking Up Tips for Heritage Tourism

📹 #فيديو |#عزنا_بطبعنا 🇸🇦

عــزّنــا بطبعـنــا والــكـل دارِي
والمكارم مـن خَــلْقــنــا نحتـميهـا

الـكـرم فينــا ماهـو أمــرٍ وزارِي
ذي طبيعتنــا ومجــد العــز فيهــا#اليوم_الوطني_السعودي_95 #هيئة_تطوير_حائل pic.twitter.com/4DLpMVSq8y

— هيئة تطوير منطقة حائل (@HRDA_HAIL) September 19, 2025

Wadi Rum: Desert With Lessons

First stop, Wadi Rum. Endless dunes. Millennia-old inscriptions. Desert camps that somehow feel both rugged and comfortable. Delegates wandered, took notes, and asked a lot of questions, probably more than locals expected.

Funny enough, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here. Jordan actually makes it work. Communities are involved, tourists are happy, and the desert isn’t wrecked. Hail’s team clearly liked what they saw, notes everywhere, whispered “this could work back home” kind of moments.

Petra: Beyond The Obvious

Then came Petra. Yes, stunning. You can’t escape it. But the delegation wasn’t just gawking. They checked visitor centres, looked at how crowds are managed, and noticed how modern amenities don’t ruin the ancient vibe.

One member whispered, “It’s about the experience, not just the stones.” Spot on. Petra works because it feels alive, not like a museum behind velvet ropes.

Crafts, Communities And Conversations

Jordan isn’t just rocks and cliffs. Local artisans, cooperative societies, and handicraft workshops showed that people make the place. Crafts, performances, small workshops, all of it matters. Tourists linger, spend, and feel connected.

After all, heritage isn’t only about ruins. It’s about livelihoods, stories, and little human moments.

Also Read: 26th Abha Shopping Festival To Hail In Al Ain; 5 GCC Updates For You

Hail’s Vision 2030 Connection

Abduljabbar explained that Hail’s heritage projects align with Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to turn archaeological sites into cultural and economic hubs. Sites that attract tourists, yes, but also investors, scholars, and anyone who appreciates a story brought to life.

Truth be told, the Jordan visit wasn’t just inspiring; it was a reality check. Hail has work to do, sure, but now there’s a roadmap. And it’s not theoretical. So what’s the takeaway? History isn’t static. It can be alive, meaningful, and yes, profitable, if you approach it the right way. Hail seems ready to do just that. Jordan, you’ve set the bar.

Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Saudi /Website