The wells of Moses

Maqna is a charming coastal town located on the Gulf of Aqaba that faces Egypt and the Sinai mountains, clearly visible from it. But the town is famous for its wells that witnessed an important episode in the life of the Prophet Moses.

The territory bordering the eastern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba is the ancient land of Madyan (or Midian) whose capital was probably in today’s city of Al-Bada’, where monumental tombs were later sculpted by the Nabatean people. Madyan is the land where Moses spent ten years in voluntary exile after fleeing from Egypt following an altercation with an Egyptian that was beating an Israelite.

It is believed that Moses crossed the Red Sea and arrived in Maqna and went to a well called Bir Al-Sa’idani to drink. There he saw two girls collecting water for their cattle and he offered to help. The girls reported this gentle move to their father, the prophet Shu’ayb, who went to meet Moses, recognized his pure soul, and decided to marry one of his daughters to him. Thus, Moses settled in Madyan and lived there for ten years with his wife and father-in-law.

Later when Moses brought the people out of Egypt through the Red Sea, they are supposed to have reached the land of Madyan at Tayeb Al-Ism which is located just 15 kilometers north of Maqna, and also bears witness to him, as it is called the Valley of Moses.

During the first years of Islam an important event took place in Maqna as it was there the troops of the Prophet Mohammed signed a treaty with the people of Judham, the tribe controlling this area that converted to Islam.

How to visit Maqna

​One of the largest traditional villages of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has an incredibly rich architecture heritage with dozens of styles throughout the whole country. Each region has its own architectural characteristics. That of Riyadh Province is the Najdi style with brilliant examples like Dir'iyah and Ushaiger. 

Located 250 kilometers from the capital city Riyadh and close to Qassim Province is one of the largest and best conserved traditional villages of Saudi Arabia, Al-Ghat. Located on the northern bank of the Wadi Al-Ghat the heritage village stretches over 1,5 kilometers.

​An ancient oasis

The valley where the town lies is fed by rain water running down the nearby the Jebel Tuwaiq, the same escarpment that has the famous Edge of the World close to Riyadh.

The regular presence of water in Al-Ghat made its soil fertile and still today many farms produce delicious dates that make the city proud.

A brilliant example of Najdi architecture

One of the most special features of Al-Ghat is the gentle slope of the valley on which part of the town is built. Each street going up the hill leads you to many fascinating viewpoints over the town and its elegant architecture.

The main street that runs along the wadi bed will bring you to the iconic buildings of Al-Ghat: arriving from the east (where the modern city is) you will see the triangular shapes of the arches of the old souq on your left. On your right is the Ousherza mosque. To the eastern side of the old town stands the impressive Emara Palace that is now a museum.

This museum used to be the palace of the late Prince Nasser bin Saad Al-Sudairy. It was donated to highlight Al Ghat's social life and history throughout the ages and the contribution of its residents in the foundation of the Saudi State.