Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAGHIDAH is the name of one of Hail's oldest neighborhoods, which is believed to have been built more than 350 years ago. The village with its beautiful farms and orchards was inhabited by more than 40 families at the time.

The historic neighborhood with an area less than 600,000 square meters was long neglected along with its deserted mud houses. The village in effect became a historical landmark of waste, trash and dead trees, fumed erstwhile residents of the neighborhood.

The people of Maghidah are working hard to preserve the legacy and history of their land. They demand to benefit from these farms and urban heritage by turning them into tourist attractions to draw visitors to the region.

Abdullah Al-Khuzam, a resident of the neighborhood, took Okaz/Saudi Gazette on a field trip to Maghidah's farms, which were an important source of food, meeting more than two-thirds of the city's needs at a time dates formed the staple meal for its people. There were 6,000 palm trees distributed among more than 40 farms. The land also produced a large variety of popular fruit and vegetables.

Al-Khuzam said, "Maghidah used to be like a bee hive. It was inhabited by more than 40 families until recently and frequented by visitors from different regions to enjoy the beauty of its orchards, greenery and abundance of water. But the residents moved into new neighborhoods due to the sewage problem that made the area unsuitable for human habitation. Most of the buildings in the neighborhood have been deserted with only about 15 families living there. Some of the buildings were either occupied by expatriates or turned into places for rent."

Al-Khuzam said people of the neighborhood relied on well water. Maghidah has one of the oldest wells in Hail. One of King Saud's wives donated money to re-dig and maintain the well and build a water tank close by, he said, adding that the system supplied houses in the neighborhood with water for more than 30 years until municipality water projects were installed.

Abdullah Al-Mahifer, another resident of the neighborhood, supported the idea of compensating residents with residential plots in return for the farms taken over for preservation. He said the concerned parties should support and take care of this neglected heritage on behalf of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. He added that Maghidah was the first in the city of Hail as it dates back to more than 350 years. There should be no obstacles that restrict the residents of the area from getting compensated in exchange of converting their properties into heritage sites.

Mohammed Al-Khuzam said the neighborhood lacked most municipal services, including waste collection as well as the supervision of abandoned homes. "We complained about the large number of expatriate workers who have taken refuge in these deserted farms. We demand that the municipality pay attention to the neighborhood and remove trash that covers most of the land," he added.

Hassan Abu Ayyash, 70-year-old Yemeni national, has worked in Maghidah for more than 45 years ago. His job was to pollinate palm trees. He earned half a riyal per palm for the work. Abu Ayyash said the area has been largely neglected although a few farms still exist. "I consider myself the son of this neighborhood and I am pained to see the neglect toward its beautiful farms and gardens," said Abu Ayyash.

Director General of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in Hail Faisal Madani stressed that the commission puts great emphasis on ancient heritage and has presented several studies for investment opportunities, including a heritage hotel, cafe and restaurant as well as a museum. He added that many businessmen had shown interest to invest in this field and made limited investments in a number of historic buildings in Hail.