For many travelers, a pilgrimage to Jordan already feels like walking through the pages of the Bible. From Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land, to Bethany Beyond the Jordan where Jesus was baptized, the Holy Land in Jordan is deeply moving. But few know that just across the border, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, lie more sites tied to the stories of Moses, Midian, and ancient biblical kingdoms.
Extending your pilgrimage from Jordan into Saudi Arabia allows you to experience both lands, discovering powerful places of faith, history, and scripture.
Some traditions identify Jabal al-Lawz in northwestern Saudi Arabia as the true Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Its darkened summit and archaeological remains nearby inspire pilgrims who recall:
“And Moses went up into the mount of God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain.” (Exodus 19:3)
Near Jabal al-Lawz stands the famous Split Rock, believed by many to be the rock Moses struck to bring forth water for the Israelites. The towering stone is split down the middle, with signs of water erosion at its base:
“Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.” (Exodus 17:6)
The ancient land of Midian, where Moses fled after leaving Egypt, is found in the Tabuk region. Here, the caves of Maghaer Shu’ayb are associated with Jethro (Shu’ayb), Moses’ father-in-law.
“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian.” (Exodus 3:1)
The ancient city of Dedan, now known as Al-Ula, is mentioned in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel as a thriving caravan city. Today, travelers can see its impressive tombs carved into sandstone cliffs, similar to Petra.
“The men of Dedan were thy merchants.” (Ezekiel 27:15)
Tayma, another important biblical site, is referenced in Isaiah and Jeremiah. It was a center of trade and refuge, and inscriptions link it to the Jewish and Babylonian presence in Arabia.
“Bring water for the thirsty, you who live in Tema; bring food for the fugitives.” (Isaiah 21:14)
Further south, Najran became known for its early Christian community and biblical connections to southern Arabian tribes. It preserves stories of devotion and martyrdom, reminding pilgrims of faith’s endurance across centuries.
Cross the border from Jordan into Saudi Arabia (Haql ).
Visit Jabal al-Lawz and the Split Rock of Horeb.
Overnight in Tabuk.
Day 2: Explore Midian (Al-Bad’) and return to Jordan.
Day 1: Jabal al-Lawz + Split Rock.
Day 2: Midian + Al-Bad’.
Day 3: Travel to Al-Ula (Dedan) before returning to Jordan.
Day 1: Jabal al-Lawz and Split Rock.
Day 2: Midian + Al-Bad’.
Day 3: Al-Ula and Nabataean heritage.
Day 4: Tayma oasis, then return to Jordan.
Day 1: Jabal al-Lawz and Split Rock.
Day 2: Midian and Al-Bad’.
Day 3: Al-Ula and Dedan.
Day 4: Tayma oasis.
Day 5: Najran (Christian heritage) before returning to Jordan.
Travelers from Jordan can extend their biblical journey into Saudi Arabia via:
Haql Border Crossing (Durra/Haql): Convenient for visitors from Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
Al-Mudawara Border Crossing (near Ma’an): Best for travelers heading south from Petra or central Jordan.
Both borders provide access to the Tabuk region, the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s biblical landmarks.
Exploring Saudi Arabia’s biblical sites from Jordan makes scripture tangible. Standing at the Split Rock recalls the thirst of the Israelites; walking in Midian brings alive Moses’ years in exile; gazing at Dedan’s tombs revives the prophets’ words. Every stop connects history, archaeology, and faith.
A pilgrimage does not have to end in Jordan. Extending your biblical tour into Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter of the Holy Land experience. From Mount Sinai traditions to Midian’s valleys and Dedan’s tombs, travelers can witness the lesser-known but deeply powerful biblical heritage of Arabia. With Jordan Horizons Tours, you can seamlessly combine Jordan’s sacred treasures with the biblical landscapes of Saudi Arabia for a journey of faith like no other.
Yes. Travelers can extend their pilgrimage from Jordan into Saudi Arabia through Haql or Al-Mudawara border crossings to visit Jabal al-Lawz, Midian, Al-Ula, and more. Key sites include Jabal al-Lawz (possible Mount Sinai), the Split Rock of Horeb, the land of Midian (Al-Bad’), Al-Ula (ancient Dedan), Tayma oasis, and Najran. You can choose 2 to 5-day extensions. Short trips cover Jabal al-Lawz and Midian, while longer itineraries include Al-Ula, Tayma, and Najran. The main crossings are Haql (Durra/Haql) near Aqaba and Al-Mudawara near Ma’an. Both lead to the Tabuk region, gateway to biblical sites. Yes. All travelers require a Saudi entry visa. Jordan Horizons Tours assists with guidance and arrangements for a smooth crossing. Can I visit biblical sites in Saudi Arabia as an extension of my Jordan tour?
Which biblical sites can I see in Saudi Arabia?
How many days do I need for a biblical tour from Jordan to Saudi Arabia?
Which borders connect Jordan to Saudi Arabia for these tours?
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia for biblical tours?
Experience a remarkable 10-day pilgrimage across Jordan and Saudi Arabia, retracing the sacred routes of prophets and apostles. In Jordan, visit Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land, the Baptism Site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Madaba’s mosaic map of the Holy Land, Petra’s Nabataean wonders, and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where history and faith converge.
Crossing into Saudi Arabia, explore the biblical landscapes connected to Moses and the Exodus, including the regions of Jebel al-Lawz (often identified with Mount Sinai), Al-Bad (linked to Midian where Moses lived with Jethro), and the ancient land routes mentioned in the Old Testament. Travelers can also trace early Christian and Jewish heritage sites scattered across the northwestern deserts of Arabia. Together, this journey offers a powerful two-country experience, weaving scripture, archaeology, and living tradition into one spiritual adventure.
Our team will tailor a private itinerary from 8 days to 15 days, depending on your interests, time, and entry border (Haql or Al-Mudawara).
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