Saudi Arabia’s Hail Region Development Authority visits Jordan to promote heritage tourism

 

Saudi delegation studies heritage sites in Jordan to promote heritage tourism

The Hail Region Development Authority recently ventured to Jordan to study its approach to heritage tourism, focusing on world-renowned sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the region's thriving community crafts. This visit is part of Hail's strategy to develop sustainable tourism in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Hail Authority’s insightful journey through Jordan’s heritage tourism

Sometimes, reading about a place isn’t enough. To truly understand, you need to experience it firsthand. That’s exactly what the Hail Region Development Authoritydid during their visit to Jordan. CEO Omar Abduljabbar made it clear from the outset: this wasn’t a vacation. The mission was clear—to learn from Jordan's successful blend of tourism and community involvement at its ancient sites.

 

Read More             Saudi Arabia's UNESCO exhibition shines light on At-Turaif, Diriyah's legacy

 

Wadi Rum: A desert full of lessons

The first stop was Wadi Rum, a vast desert rich with ancient inscriptions and desert camps that combine ruggedness with comfort. Delegates walked across the dunes, taking notes, asking local guides questions, and soaking in every lesson the desert had to offer. What stood out was how Jordan has made sustainability a real practice, not just a trendy term. Local communities actively participate, tourists are happy, and the desert remains intact. The Hail team couldn’t help but draw parallels, exchanging whispers like, “This could work back home.”

Petra: A living experience

Next came Petra—yes, it’s as breathtaking as advertised. But the Hail delegates weren’t just there for the iconic views. They dug deeper, studying visitor centers, observing how crowds were managed, and noticing how modern infrastructure blends seamlessly with the ancient site. One delegate captured it best: "It’s about the experience, not just the stones." Petra works because it feels alive, an ongoing story that welcomes visitors, rather than being a static museum piece behind ropes.

 

Read More             AlUla: Mud House restoration projects launched to preserve cultural heritage

 

Crafts, communities, and connection

Jordan’s heritage isn’t limited to cliffs and ruins. The delegation explored the role of local artisans, cooperatives, and craft workshops, where tourism meets community engagement. These small yet impactful elements—crafts, performances, and local storytelling—brought the sites to life. Tourists lingered longer, bought more, and connected deeply with the culture, proving that heritage is about more than just ruins; it’s about the people who carry the stories forward.

Hail’s Vision 2030 ambitions

CEO Omar Abduljabbar explained that the insights gained from Jordan align with Hail’s own heritage projects, which are central to Saudi Vision 2030. The vision aims to transform archaeological sites into thriving cultural and economic hubs—places that attract not only tourists but also investors, scholars, and anyone who appreciates a story brought to life.

The visit to Jordan served as both inspiration and a reality check for Hail. The region still has work to do, but now there’s a clear roadmap to follow, grounded in real-world examples. The key takeaway? History doesn’t have to be static. If approached with care and creativity, heritage can be alive, meaningful, and profitable. And it seems like Hail is ready to make that happen.

Source: https://curlytales.com/