When a city decides to rip out car parks and put people first, the results are worth watching. That is exactly what is happening in Hail, where a 750,000-square-metre redevelopment of the city centre is set to officially open its doors next Wednesday, marking one of the largest urban transformation efforts in the region under Saudi Vision 2030.
"The Central District project aims to create a sustainable environment that enhances the human-centred character of the area and improves the quality of everyday life for families and young people".”— Eng. Sultan bin Hamid Al-Zaydi, Mayor of Hail RegionHAIL, SAUDI ARABIA, October 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The attention of Hail Region’s residents and visitors will turn next Wednesday to the vibrant heart of the city, where His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region, will inaugurate the Central District redevelopment project, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing, and Eng. Sultan bin Hamid Al-Zaydi, Mayor of Hail Region. The project covers an area of more than 750,000 square metres.
The eagerly anticipated inauguration marks the completion of a major development project costing approximately SAR 268 million. Connected to four major roads in Hail, the project represents a qualitative leap forward in humanising cities and improving quality of life. It transforms the city-centre squares, historic Afnaan Street, and the dates and vegetable market from mere thoroughfares and vehicle parking areas into green spaces featuring 3,000 trees, pedestrian pathways, and a major destination for tourism, recreation and investment, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The project features a comprehensive urban infrastructure framework, designed by Al Marasem Consulting Engineers Company and constructed by Abed A. Al-Habashi & Trading Company., comprising an extensive network of facilities that integrate advanced infrastructure with public spaces.. These include 12 kilometres of pedestrian pathways, 6 kilometres of cycling routes, an open-air theatre covering 13,000 square metres, interactive fountains spanning 12,000 square metres, and 1,500 parking spaces. The project also accommodates a range of economic and social activities, including 17 commercial outlets, restaurants and cafés, and 250,000 square metres dedicated to community events. These facilities are complemented by modern management and operational systems, support for public transport, public internet access and Wi-Fi, smart lighting, surveillance systems, and advanced services.
Coinciding with its inauguration, the Central District is preparing to launch a diverse programme of “Hail Nights” events, including sound and light festivals and Five Continents Nights. These events aim to strengthen the local economy by connecting Hail’s rich heritage, embodied in Qishlah Palace and A'arif Fort, with a modern, sustainable economy that benefits the community and entrepreneurs.
In this context, Eng. Sultan bin Hamid Al-Zaydi, Mayor of Hail Region, stated:
“Today, we stand on the threshold of an exceptional achievement that reflects the unlimited support of our wise leadership, may God protect them, and the close, hands-on oversight of His Royal Highness the Governor of the Region. We have successfully delivered integrated infrastructure and urban spaces that have completely transformed the face of the city centre.”
He added:
“The Central District project aims to create a sustainable environment that enhances the human-centred character of the area and improves the quality of everyday life for families and young people. Its impact will be tangible in stimulating commercial activity and creating promising opportunities for investors and artisans, positioning Hail as a competitive tourist destination that skilfully blends the authenticity of its history and the richness of its heritage with the aspirations of its bright future.”
Hail
Hail Region Municipality
Why it matters: This is not merely a civic beautification exercise — it is a deliberate economic and social bet. By converting 250,000 square metres into community event space and adding 17 commercial outlets alongside tourism infrastructure, Hail is positioning itself as a destination rather than a stopover. The project’s success could serve as a template for other Saudi cities looking to balance heritage preservation with modern urban living, and it signals that municipal investment in public space is now a core pillar of the national growth strategy.
