Hail
A city of northern Najd between the mountains of Aja and Salma, long associated with the tribe of Shammar.
- Region
- Northern Najd
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Known for
- Mountains of Aja and Salma
Overview
Hail lies in northern Najd between the twin mountains of Aja and Salma, celebrated in classical geography and poetry as the mountains of Tayy. The town commanded caravan and pilgrimage routes across northern Arabia.
History
The region is the traditional homeland of the tribe of Shammar, and in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries Hail was the seat of a well-known emirate. The generosity of Hatim of Tayy, proverbial in Arabic culture, is tied to this region.
Sources
- ياقوت الحموي، معجم البلدان، 626هـ — مادتا: أجأ وسلمى — للسياق؛ يُوسَّع من التاريخ المحلي
Last reviewed: 2026-07-09