The Unexpected Rise of Christian Tourism in Saudi Arabia’s Archeological Sites

Tourism in Saudi Arabia Surges as Evangelical Christians Visit Archaeological Sites

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant boost since the kingdom began issuing tourist visas to foreigners four years ago. However, what many did not anticipate was the extensive visits by Christians to archaeological sites, particularly in the northwest of the country, overlooking the Red Sea.

A recent report by The New York Times highlighted the unexpected influx of evangelical Christians to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom had aimed to attract tourists, but it did not anticipate the interest from Christians, as it had previously primarily attracted Muslims for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.

In the new era of the conservative Islamic kingdom, evangelicals have become some of the most enthusiastic visitors. The report mentioned a group of Christian tourists who ventured to a remote desert area in northwestern Saudi Arabia, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba. The group, consisting of 15 tourists, gathered around Joel Richardson, a preacher from Kansas, on a barren beach at the sea split that separates the kingdom from Egypt.

As the sun set under the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, Richardson asked the group to imagine standing on the other side and reflect on the story of Prophet Moses’ escape from Pharaoh’s army and the parting of the sea. The preacher opened the Bible and began to read, captivating the attention of the group, which included retirees from Florida, a pharmacist from Colorado, an accountant from Idaho, and an Israeli archaeologist.

These Christian tourists were not the visitors Saudi officials had expected when they opened the country’s borders to tourists in 2019, aiming to diversify the oil-dependent economy and present a new image to the world. Officials had anticipated adventurers or seasoned travelers seeking unique destinations, such as yachtsmen visiting the government’s Red Sea coast resorts. The conservative Muslim kingdom had not planned for Christian visitors.

However, Christians of all denominations were among the first to utilize the new Saudi tourist visas. Their numbers have steadily grown, partly due to information and YouTube videos arguing that Saudi Arabia, not Egypt, is the actual site of Mount Sinai, where the Jewish and Christian Bibles describe God’s Ten Commandments.

Chris Gibson, a 53-year-old accountant from Idaho who had never traveled outside the United States and Mexico, expressed his excitement about the trip to Saudi Arabia. He told the newspaper, “It makes something you’ve believed in your whole life tangible.”

For decades, Saudi Arabia primarily welcomed pilgrims heading to Mecca, the cradle of Islam. Public practice of other religions was prohibited, and artificial Christmas trees were smuggled and sold as contraband.

However, with the rise of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country has undergone significant changes. The crown prince aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global business center and has implemented social changes, including stripping the religious police of their powers, relaxing the dress code, and lifting the ban on women driving. Nevertheless, there has also been an increase in political repression, silencing dissenting voices.

As Saudi Arabia enters a new era, previously unimaginable events have become more commonplace. While complete religious freedom remains a sensitive topic, religious taboos are rapidly changing. Buddhist monks attended an interfaith gathering in the kingdom last year, and Jewish pilgrims recently planted palm trees in Medina, Islam’s second-holiest city. An American-Israeli man even appeared in the capital, Riyadh, announcing himself as “the chief rabbi of Saudi Arabia.”

The kingdom is undergoing rapid transformation, but government entities did not respond to requests for comment on Christian tours. Some Saudis expressed surprise that expanding tourism is a priority as the country diversifies its economy.

As Saudi Arabia continues to open its doors to tourists, the unexpected influx of evangelical Christians visiting archaeological sites showcases the evolving landscape of religious tourism in the kingdom.

What evidence exists to support the claim that Moses received the Ten Commandments?

Claim Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia have become particularly popular among evangelical Christians. Many believe that these sites offer a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of biblical stories and walk in the footsteps of biblical figures.

The kingdom has made efforts to accommodate these visitors by providing guides who are well-versed in biblical history and offering specialized tours to Christian sites of significance. For example, one tour takes visitors to the ancient Nabatean city of Al-Ula, where they can explore the ruins of the old city and learn about its biblical connections.

The influx of Christian tourists has not only boosted the tourism sector but has also contributed to the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy. With its heavy reliance on oil, the kingdom has been eager to find alternative sources of revenue. The growth of the tourism industry, driven in part by Christian visitors, has helped to create new job opportunities and attract foreign investment.

However, the rise in Christian tourism has not been without controversy. Some conservative Muslims in Saudi Arabia have expressed concerns over the presence of non-Muslims in the kingdom, particularly at religious sites. There have been calls to restrict access to certain areas and tighten regulations for non-Muslim tourists.

Despite these challenges, it is clear that Saudi Arabia’s decision to open its doors to tourists has had a significant impact on its tourism industry. The unexpected surge in Christian tourists visiting archaeological sites is just one example of how the kingdom’s efforts to attract visitors from around the world have exceeded expectations.