The transformation of Hail’s city center from a sea of asphalt into a sprawling, green urban oasis is nearly complete, and the official ribbon-cutting is set for next Wednesday. This isn’t just a ribbon-cutting ceremony; it marks a fundamental shift in how the Saudi city envisions public life, blending heritage with high-tech sustainability. Residents and visitors alike will soon see the results of a massive redevelopment project that has fundamentally rethought the purpose of downtown space.
On that day, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Hail Region, alongside His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Muqrin Al Saud, Deputy Governor, will officially inaugurate the Central Area Development Project. Spanning more than 750,000 square metres, the project is connected to six major roads in Hail, making it a central hub for the entire region.
The project, which carries a price tag of approximately SAR 268 million, represents a deliberate strategic leap toward the “humanization” of urban spaces—a core goal of Saudi Vision 2030. What was once a collection of city-center squares, Afnaan Street, and an informal market area—largely dominated by car parks—has been reclaimed. In their place are now over 30,000 square meters of green space, featuring 3,000 trees, pedestrian walkways, and a new destination designed to drive tourism, recreation, and investment.
Designed by Al Marasem Consulting Engineers Company and built by Abed A. Al-Habashi Contracting & Trading Company, the development rests on a fully integrated urban foundation. The infrastructure is extensive: 12 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, six kilometers of dedicated cycling tracks, a 13,000-square-metre open-air theatre, interactive fountains covering 12,000 square metres, and 1,500 parking spaces. Beyond the new builds, the project also includes the renovation of two historic commercial landmarks, Samah Market and Barzan Market, alongside the preparation of a designated site for future markets and hotels.
The economic and social heartbeat of the new Central Area will be driven by 17 retail outlets, restaurants, and cafés, with an additional 250,000 square meters set aside for community events. Modern management and operational systems are baked into the design, including public transport support, free public internet and Wi-Fi, and advanced lighting and surveillance systems all powered by artificial intelligence. These facilities are intended to host a variety of events that bolster the local place-based economy, effectively connecting Hail’s deep heritage—embodied by Qishlah Palace and A’arif Fort—with a modern, sustainable economic future that benefits both the community and local entrepreneurs.
Eng. Sultan bin Hamid Al-Zaidi, Mayor of the Hail Region, framed the project as an “exceptional achievement,” attributing its success to the “unlimited support of the wise leadership” and the direct oversight of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Hail Region, as well as the follow-up of Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail. He emphasized that the project has delivered integrated infrastructure that has “completely transformed the face of the city center.”
Why it matters: This project is a tangible, large-scale test of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 urban goals, proving that the kingdom is willing to invest heavily in converting car-centric city cores into walkable, green, and tech-enabled public spaces. For residents and investors, it signals that Hail is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the national tourism and quality-of-life race, betting that blending historical authenticity with modern amenities can create a sustainable economic engine. The success or failure of this model in Hail could influence how other Saudi cities approach their own downtown revitalization efforts.
Hail
Hail Region Municipality
