This region is a worthwhile destination for nature lovers alike and those interested in religious history and traditions. Its geographical highlights, the so-called Almond Mountain (Jabal Lawz) and Mount Sinai, are also not far apart. However, due to the NEOM project covering the mountain region, especially its Trojena variant, you should expect at least some traffic disruptions there in the coming years. During our visit, access to Jabal Al Lawz was closed and the area around Mount Sinai was only within reach via a gravel road several kilometres long.
The area is barren, rocky, littered with boulders, and not at all as ‘scenic’ as the impressive sandstone formations e.g. in the Hisma Desert. Unless you are a nature enthusiast who already enjoys this type of mountainous stone desert, the question does indeed seem to arise. However, the fact that it is nonetheless worthwhile for all of you to visit this area is due to events that (according to tradition) took place here around 3,500 years ago. More specifically, these are religious events involving Moses, the Prophet, which are controversially discussed by Bible scholars around the world.
Don’t worry – it’s interesting and amazing. I’ve summarised key points on this topic for you in my ebook ‘SAUDI ARABIA TABUK’. The geographical Mount Sinai (Jabal Al Maqla), 2,326 metres high and located immediately adjacent to the Mt. Almond – Jabal al Lawz – is said to be identical with the Mount Sinai of the ‘Old Testament’, where Moses received the ‘Ten Commandments‘ from God. Explore of what is seen as the Plateau of Sinai, Place of Worship of the 70 Elders, Elijah’s Cave, the Splitted Rock of Horeb and the Altar of the Golden Calf.
Jabal Al Lawz, 2,579 (2,549?) metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the Madyan Mountains. More precisely, it is a mountain ridge with several peaks. Due to its high altitude, Jabal Al Lawz can be covered with a thin layer of snow for a short time in winter. It got its name ‘Almond Mountain’ because almond trees grew at its foot, which is unusual for a granite formation.
