In brief
Fields that once fed Unaizah’s population are now drawing visitors with cafés and restaurants inside preserved walled farms. Heritage expert Mohammed Al‑Zunaidi traces the farms’ origins to water‑rich valleys that sparked settlement and warns that 80‑90% of the town’s past depended on agriculture.
On 2 November 2026 the Saudi Press Agency announced that the historic walled farms—locally referred to as hitan or falayeh—of Unaizah Governorate in the Qassim Region are evolving into tourism and heritage destinations.
The old agricultural complexes, recognized for their mud‑brick walls, traditional wells, and palm trees, are now housing cafés, restaurants, and exhibit spaces that invite both residents and visitors to experience the region’s heritage in a contemporary setting.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al‑Zunaidi, an archaeological researcher and heritage enthusiast, explained that the term "hitan" literally means walled farms and stems from the practice of encircling orchards with walls to protect crops and delineate ownership. These farms historically served as the backbone of Unaizah’s economy by supplying food, generating employment, and fostering the growth of residential communities.
Al‑Zunaidi added that the emergence of the walled farms was closely linked to the availability of groundwater in Rawdat Unaizah, which created favorable conditions for early settlement and agricultural activity. This water source encouraged the expansion of farms, orchards, and the surrounding residential neighborhoods that became the earliest barrios of the city.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, between 80% and 90% of Unaizah’s historical population depended on agriculture either directly or indirectly, through farm ownership, farming work, or related services. The walled farms thus played a crucial economic and social role, not merely as food producers but as centers of community cooperation, skill transmission, and cultural identity.
In recent years, the governorate has pursued a strategy to leverage these cultural assets for sustainable tourism. By preserving original structures—such as mud‑brick walls and wells—while adding modern amenities like cafés and restaurants, the authorities aim to meet visitors’ expectations while safeguarding the historical integrity of each site.
The transformation also reflects Unaizah’s broader economic diversification efforts. As the city has expanded and its industrial sectors grown, a new generation of residents and businesses seeks opportunities outside traditional agriculture. Turning heritage sites into tourism venues meets that demand and provides an additional revenue stream for local communities.
Local government officials say that the shift to heritage tourism will preserve the intangible cultural practices associated with the farms. Traditional farming techniques, oral histories, and regional recipes are being documented and showcased in visitor center displays, ensuring that the knowledge embedded in the walled farms is transmitted to future generations.
Residents who once worked the fields now participate in the tourism economy. Many former farm owners have leased their properties to restaurateurs or café operators, maintaining the appearance of the historic walls while enabling the families to earn through hospitality services.
Visits to a typical walled farm now begin with a guided walk through the preserved courtyard, where guests observe the original stone-walled perimeter and ancient wells. After a leisurely breakfast featuring dishes made from local produce, visitors can explore the internal gallery that explains the farm’s history, architecture, and environmental role.
Notably, the initiatives include a partnership with local artisans who create crafts that reflect the region’s agrarian heritage. Visitors can purchase pottery, woven textiles, and wooden utensils handcrafted by artisans who use techniques passed down over centuries.
While preserving the farms’ historical features, authorities have installed modern utilities such as seating areas and electrical wiring—ensuring compliance with safety standards without compromising authenticity. The addition of coffeehouses and fine dining restaurants has turned the sites into convenient cultural hubs, drawing both domestic and international tourists to the heart of the Qassim Region.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the number of visitors to these heritage destinations has risen sharply since the 2025 reopening of Unaizah’s main commercial district. Tourism to the walled farms is expected to increase the city’s overall tourist spend by an estimated two percent over the next decade.
The story of Unaizah’s walled farms is emblematic of a wider trend in Saudi Arabia, where heritage sites are being revitalized as both cultural touchstones and drivers of economic diversification. By marrying traditional architecture with contemporary hospitality, the governorate ensures that its agricultural legacy remains a living part of the community’s identity.
Heritage Preservation and Community Impact
"The farms are not just buildings. They are the story of our people’s resilience and creativity," said a local community leader who wished to remain anonymous. The reinterpretation of these sites as tourist attractions is considered a milestone in preserving the collective memory of Unaizah.
Meanwhile, environmental experts point out that the preservation of the farms’ water wells remains a focal point for water management and sustainability in the region. Protecting these wells, many of which are tied to underground aquifers, ensures that future generations retain access to the very resource that once supported the city’s growth.
In sum, Unaizah’s historic walled farms have moved from the heart of agricultural production to the forefront of cultural tourism. By maintaining the physical integrity of the original structures and enriching them with modern amenities, the city honors its past while shaping a future that balances heritage preservation with economic development.
