Exploring Saudi Arabia

Biblical Midian: The Granite Splendor of Wadi Tayyib al-Ism

Hiking in Wadi Tayyib al-Ism

Take a journey through one of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking natural and historical wonders. Located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the ancient land of Midian, this deep granite canyon features towering 600-meter cliffs that appear “split” to allow a rare, year-round stream to flow toward the Red Sea.

  • The Biblical Connection: Known locally as the “Valley of Moses,” some believe this is the first site where Moses and the Israelites arrived after crossing the Red Sea.

  • The Experience: The hike takes you through a lush oasis filled with date palms and reeds, a stark contrast to the surrounding arid desert. A wooden pedestrian bridge and shaded paths make it an accessible yet exotic trek.

  • Pro-Tip: The best time to visit is between November and March when temperatures are pleasant. Be sure to catch the sunset, which illuminates the red granite walls in a spectacular display.

Join the adventure!

We aim to return to Saudi Arabia in January of 2026. If you’re into the desert vibe, you need to join us! Email BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com for details.

The Flour-Fueled Fire: the Wreck of the Georgios G

A haunting landmark on Bi'r Al-Mashi beach, where the desert sands of Saudi Arabia meet a legendary shipwreck.

The Origin of the Georgios G

Built in Sunderland, England, in 1949, the vessel now known as the “Saudi Titanic” (the Georgios G) was originally a cargo liner. Its story took a dramatic turn in 1978 when it struck a coral reef in Saudi waters in the Gulf of Aqaba.

The 1978 Shipwreck: A Flour-Fueled Inferno in the Gulf of Aqaba

The ship was transporting a large cargo of flour at the time of the grounding. While the crew and technicians were attempting to restart the engines, an ignition spark met with highly flammable flour particles in the air, triggering a massive inferno. The resulting fire burned for several days, incinerating nearly all non-metal components, including its wooden decks and interior furnishings. Fortunately, the crew was able to escape safely to the shore.

Exploring the “Saudi Titanic”: A Guide to the Wreck at Bi'r Al-Mashi

Today, the haunting, rusted skeleton of the Georgios G remains stranded in the shallow, crystal-clear waters near Bi'r Al-Mashi beach. Located approximately 55 kilometers south of Haql in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Province, the site has become a destination for curious tourists, photographers, and snorkelers who explore the vibrant artificial reef that has formed around the iron hull.

Apart from fish, sea turtles are known to frequent the site, and sand tiger sharks have occasionally been spotted in the deeper sections near the drop-off.

The Desert City of Dedan

The ruins of ancient Dedan sprawl across the ground of the AlUla oasis.

Nestled within the lush AlUla oasis of Saudi Arabia lies the ancient city of Dedan (modern-day Al-Khuraybah), once the powerhouse capital of the Dedanite and Lihyanite kingdoms.

A Crossroads of Kingdoms

Strategically positioned along the legendary Incense Route, Dedan served as a vital hub for caravans transporting frankincense, myrrh, and luxury goods from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean.

  • Biblical Heritage: The city holds a prominent place in the Hebrew Bible, mentioned by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel as a nation of merchants.

  • Prophetic Warnings: Ezekiel references Dedan's trade in ivory, ebony, and "precious cloths for riding" (saddle blankets), while also including it in prophecies concerning the judgment of Edom and the future war of Gog and Magog.

  • Ancient Artistry: Today, visitors can witness the remarkable Lion Tombs—burial niches carved high into red sandstone cliffs, guarded by sculptures that symbolize the strength and status of the ancient elite.

Visit With Us in January 2026

We are thrilled to announce a journey to these weathered stones in January 2026. January is the coolest month in the region, offering sunny, rain-free weather perfect for exploring the sprawling archaeological sites. Email BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com for details.

The Old Testament Kingdom You Never Heard About

Step into Al-'Ula, the site of the legendary ancient kingdom of Dedan. Once the bustling capital of the Dedanite and Lihyanite civilizations, this oasis was a vital stop for caravans traveling the incense route between Medina and Tabuk. Today, you can explore the remnants of this desert powerhouse that flourished until the 1st century BC, offering a breathtaking glimpse into Saudi Arabia's rich trading heritage.

While most of us have never heard about it, the authors of the Old Testament understood its place in history.

AlUla: A Desert Oasis Reimagined!

The AlUla Oasis is a 20km-long desert sanctuary tucked between towering sandstone cliffs. For 7,000 years, this agricultural hub provided a vital rest stop for traders along the ancient Incense Route.

AlUla is being reimagined by the Saudi government as the world’s ultimate “living museum.” It’s a massive move to swap oil for culture and put this ancient wonder on every traveler's bucket list.

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An Archaeologist's Rig (Part 17)

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I came across this vintage Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ-40 series) in the AlUla Oasis in northern Saudi Arabia. If I could just get this sweet rig in my suitcase, I would surprise Vicki!

My daughter has an eye for such machines. Check out these sweet Landys she found in Germany. Follow the link here.

Eat an Afghani Omelette off the Hood of a Truck

An Afghani Omelette is a rustic, one-pan breakfast staple known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors. Unlike a folded French omelet, this is more of a deconstructed scramble or a savory vegetable hash topped with eggs. Eat it off the hood of a truck in the desert and its unforgettable. See the video below.

The Split Rock: A Biblical Mystery in the Saudi Desert

Located near the base of Jabal al-Lawz, the “Split Rock” shows signs of significant water erosion at its base—a striking sight in a region that sees almost no rainfall. Proponents of the Saudi Mount Sinai theory point to this massive, smooth-cleft stone as the “Rock of Horeb” (Exodus 17:6-7), noting how the surrounding plain could easily accommodate a large encampment.

Have a listen.

Exile to Exodus: The Timeless Vistas of Ancient Midian

From the elevated ridges overlooking the modern settlement of Al-Bad', the desert winds carry the legacy of three millennia. This rugged vantage point offers a view into the heart of ancient Midian, a pivotal region where, according to biblical tradition, Moses lived in exile for forty years. What appears as a remote outpost today was once a central landscape in the narrative of the Exodus, marking the intersection of ancient nomadic culture and the early history of the People of God.

Check out the video below.

Jebal Maqla: A Horeb Proposal

Is this the mountain that changed history? As we trail the rugged shoulder of Jabal Maqla, the atmosphere is heavy with antiquity. Proposed by many as the biblical Mount Horeb, this desolate peak in northwestern Saudi Arabia is at the center of a provocative theory: that the true Mount Sinai lies not in Egypt, but here in the ancient land of Midian.

Check out the video below.

Extreme Wilderness Camping: An Arabian Night (part 3)

From the towering red pillars of Wadi Al Disah to the mysterious, wind-swept slopes of Jabal al-Lawz, the “wilderness camping” culture in northwest Saudi Arabia is world-class. Imagine grilling over an open fire as the sun sets behind sandstone canyons, followed by a night sky so clear you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Watch Part 3 of an Arabian night.

Extreme Wilderness Camping: An Arabian Night (part 2)

From the towering red pillars of Wadi Al Disah to the mysterious, wind-swept slopes of Jabal al-Lawz, the “wilderness camping” culture in northwest Saudi Arabia is world-class. Imagine grilling over an open fire as the sun sets behind sandstone canyons, followed by a night sky so clear you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Watch Part 2 of an Arabian night.

Extreme Wilderness Camping: An Arabian Night (part 1)

From the towering red pillars of Wadi Al Disah to the mysterious, wind-swept slopes of Jabal al-Lawz, the “wilderness camping” culture in northwest Saudi Arabia is world-class. Imagine grilling over an open fire as the sun sets behind sandstone canyons, followed by a night sky so clear you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Watch Part 1 of an Arabian night.