Saudi Gazette report

TABUK — Maqna is a charming town located on the Gulf of Aqaba along the Red Sea coast in the Tabuk province in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The region hosts natural springs that flow out of the sand in the midst of vegetation and ancient heritage buildings. The overlooking majestic sandstone mountains are an enchanting view. The natural scenes of Maqna captivate visitors as if they were witnessing mesmerizing pieces of painting from the Creator of the Universe.

Maqna is located between the coastal towns of Haql and Ras Alsheikh Hamid where the Catalina seaplane wreckage lies. It is part of Al-Bad’a governorate and located 35 km southwest of Al-Bad’a governorate, and lies on the border of the old Hejaz region.

The Red Sea near Maqna holds pristine coral reefs and is popular as a scuba dive site. It has a wonderful surrounding view of beautiful different plants, valleys, mountains, and the sea. The beach of Maqna with soft white sands is enchanting for picnickers and divers.

Maqna, located 235 km from the Tabuk city, is famous for its spectacular sceneries, among them are views of the Gulf of Aqaba, which can be seen between two large mountains.

In the valley of Maqna, a few kilometers before the coast, the palm trees intersect around small springs, and these include the “Springs of Moses”. These springs pump water in the famous valley of Maqna, through six sand holes driven by water that flows from the ground.

These ancient springs that take their origin from the middle of sands and their water flow through date palm farms that made Maqna a favorite spot for both land and sea tourists from within the Kingdom and outside. Wadi Tayyib, a narrow passage located between huge mountains, is situated 20 km from Ain Musa.

Bir al Saidni, which is known as the well of the Moses (Prophet Musa’s well), where crystal clear water comes out of the ground in several places as if by magic. The well is surrounded by beautiful palm trees and its water runs downhill toward a lush palm grove. On the north of the well is an archeological site that is believed to date back to the early Islamic era. It is on the top of a mountain surrounded by date palm trees as well as other trees.

The well witnessed an important episode in the life of the Prophet Moses. As the well is located on a hill one kilometer away from the Gulf of Aqaba, it offers a stunning viewpoint on the blue waters of the Gulf of Aqba that separates the ancient land of Madyan from the impressive Sinai Mountains that are visible from the well. The road that heads toward Wadi Tayyib and runs along the irregular hilly shore with beaches where the blue becomes turquoise is quite enchanting.