EMIR of Hail region Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saad was of the view that the region is on the cusp of growth as it has a rich history and culture along with it being the agricultural hub of the Kingdom and is set to play an important part in the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. He felt Hail is a fundamental extension of NEOM and Al-Ula and thus forms the success triangle of tourism in Vision 2030. Talking to Bashir Al-Zoyamal and Miteb Al-Awwad on a wide range of subject the Hail Emir highlighted the many advantages that could be derived from its strategic location. He also envisaged a renewed focus on Hail, which will host the Hail International Rapid Chess Tournament, with total prize money of $40,000, under the aegis of the Hail Chamber of Commerce. Here are the excerpts.

Q: Prince Abdulaziz, what are your views on about Hail site, place, and people?

A: The Hail region is characterized by many comparative advantages, most notably in terms of its strategic location. It is located in the middle of the northern area in the Kingdom, and it is linked with Madinah, Tabuk, and the eastern region. Its location makes it the main focus of the airlines, and it is a point of convergence, promotion, and supply point for all these areas, whether commercial or industrial.

Q: Where do you see Hail on the industrial map?

A: There is a strong added value in this regard when it comes to Hail, especially as the area has a huge base in this aspect, in addition to that Hail is an important agricultural area, where we can benefit strongly from the agricultural industry, and we look forward to enhancing our capabilities in the region and growing this industry in the region.

Q: Your views on Hail’s location on the tourist map?

A: Hail Tourism is one of the most important aspects we want to tackle. The importance of this factor is due to several points — especially that tourism is the largest provider of job in this sector. This in turn provides the logical extension of improving the lifestyle of the people of the region.

All the historical stories about Hail and its heritage confirms that before there were letters written, Hail existed and was able to express itself through inscriptions and drawings on mountains. It shows that every atom in the sands of Hail has a story to tell and is fascinating to hear. The tourism factor is the most important factor and the comparative advantage of attracting investment in the region is numerous.

Q: Do you think that tourist attractions are not being invested in the right way yet in Hail?

A: The goal of the Kingdom is to play an essential role in the world as a tourism spot. Hail can be an essential core for Mega projects such as NEOM and Al-Ula. Also in Hail, we have an important cultural heritage, which we can present to the world.

Q: How do you see the economic and investments growth in Hail?

A: There are two types of investors. They are divided into a genuine investor and a visiting investor. The visiting investor does not have an investment philosophy. He deals with a specific thesis for a specific time, while the genuine investor has an opportunity that deals with the objectives and outlook, which have been emphasized in Vision 2030. I think that the opportunities are still very high, but the quality we are targeting is different. The investments opportunities that exist are more than before, and today we see new names are coming to the region. They read the existing opportunities very well and have enabled themselves with expertise and capabilities and have a great chance in succeeding in these investments. I’m confident that the very attractive opportunities in Hail will draw in investments.

Q: Do you think that some government agencies failed in promoting Hail investments such that it could draw in more investors?

A: This equation is not easy. It’s like a chemical formula when you mention an element in the absence of another element. If we want to address it more clearly, it is necessary to create the comparative advantage of the region and tackle the investment opportunities. We must look for a diversity of options in many sectors. For example, we do not need to organize several rallies in the region. We need only one rally, backed up by sponsors and being supported by all of us, that’s what should apply to all investments and other events.

Q: Emir, is there a strategic vision for Hail Development Authority on youth development?

A: There is no doubt that young people are the first target of our work. Today, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, leads a vision for a generation that will come. Also, the Kingdom has a futuristic vision that works toward the future and youth. We are waiting for the completion of the study by Professor Ibrahim Al-Sultan, which may refute the comparative advantage of some areas and refute the statute on which the Authority will build its strategic vision.

Q: What is your future vision for regional development bodies?

A: If it goes as I think it will be one of the biggest things that lead to the development of the Kingdom’s regions. The system is great, and the perception is terrific and not built from nowhere, but built through the experience of the actual leader of the country, who was once the prince of a region. He knows the right way of how a development authority can work in a primary system and what is its capacity and how it can change and turn the equation.

Q: Do you think that the governing bodies did what was required of them to serve the region during the past year?

A: What is required and what we aspire to is a long issue. But if we say that the question is, do we see a movement in their work? I think they are moving. Goals and aspirations may be higher than what we have now, but it should not end. If we reach the ceiling of our ambitions, then this is good, otherwise, we’ll be close to the bottom. In one of my visits to the health department, I was asked: Are you satisfied with the performance? I said that satisfaction is a relative issue, but I say that I am satisfied with their energy. There are some right steps, but we have not reached the top yet, and our ambition must be higher than our performance.

Q: Where will the ambition of Prince Abdulaziz stop in Hail?

A: My ambition is as big as Hail and has no limits. The field is open, and the roof is very high. Hail has a great capacity to achieve its ambition. It has great capabilities that exist, with its capabilities beginning from its human element and ending in its mountains, soil, and terrain.

Q: What does it mean for the region to host an international tournament such as Hail Chess tournament?

A: Hosting an event with an international presence means a lot to the region. Some messages should be presented and not just on the economic angle. It promotes Hail as a part of the future equation for the vision of tourism in general.

Q: How the idea of hosting the chess tournament came?

A: The Chamber of Commerce played a significant role in this regards, as well as the rest of the sectors. I am pleased with the strong performance in the region from all industries, specifically from the Chamber of Commerce, which has managed to achieve great steps lately. I thank them for their great effort and wish to look forward to the success of this event and other events.

Q: Is there a vision related to developing the sports facilities in the region, especially building a new stadium?

A: We will invite the General Sports Authority to visit Hail to oversee the needed requirements and sports projects.

Q: Any words for the Hail people?

A: We will do our best in the region with their support. We are working to develop Hail as a critical element in the vision programs, and we hope that it will be present as a major player in all aspects economic, industrial, tourism, agricultural and sports.