Saudi Arabia, which is famous for its rich history of desert areas, provides some of the finest desert terrains in the world. A large part of the country is covered with deserts, but these deserts are beautiful with their silence and colours.
Let’s explore the top five deserts in Saudi Arabia: Rub’ al Khali, An Nafud, Ad-Dahna, Al Jafurah and the Al Harrah volcanic field. We tried our best to get the most authentic information and to explain everything in a detailed way so you can have a clearer and better understanding about these deserts.
Whether you’re flying into Riyadh or Jeddah, booking your flights with Emirates can enhance your journey. Don’t forget to check for an Emirates promo code to save on airfare and make your desert expedition even more affordable.
1. Rub’ al Khali
Rub’ al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, is the biggest continuous sand plain on the planet. It extends to Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Features
- Size: Spans of an area of about 650,000 square kilometres.
- Sand Dunes: Possesses some of the giant dunes that may reach up to 250 metres in height.
- Climate: Desert like climate which mainly has deficient rainfall with potential maximum summer temperature touching 56°C (132. 8°F).
- Flora and Fauna: Some characteristics include few herbs and thus few shrubs and grasses. Present here are animals such as the Arabian oryx and sand gazelles.
Activities
- Dune Bashing: Mecca for adventure lovers; they can have exciting dune bashing experiences.
- Camel Treks: Standard camel walks give the tourists a feel of the Bedouin sort.
- Stargazing: It is also a perfect place for astronomy since no obstructions hinder the view of the clear night sky.
Significance
It is economically significant due to the large presence of oil in the Rub’ al Khali desert. It is also rich in history because earlier trails from the Old World passed through this great desert.
2. An Nafud – The Great Nafud Desert
The Great Nafud Desert, or An Nafud, is in northern Saudi Arabia. It has beautiful red sand dunes that create some of the best backdrops you can imagine.
Features
- Size: Occupies an area of about 68,000 square kilometres.
- Sand Dunes: Contains high sandy ridges; some stretches may contain sand ridges rising to about 100 metres.
- Climate: Its climate is characterised by hot summer seasons that may sometimes reach and even exceed 40°C (104°F) and freezing winter seasons that drop to below freezing.
- Flora and Fauna: It possesses the fewest varieties of plant life, with copies of virtually grown shrubs. Wildlife includes foxes, rats, and different birds.
Activities
- Sandboarding: The high dunes are perfect for sandboarding.
- Hiking: Adventurous travellers can explore the rugged terrain on foot.
- Photography: The striking red sands provide a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Significance
An Nafud is historically significant as it was part of the ancient Incense Route. It also plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s water cycle, affecting the groundwater recharge in the region. All Muslims can also enjoy these beautiful deserts while coming for Umrah.
But we always suggest you choose any one of the cold months like October, November, December, January, and February for this journey because you won’t be able to bear the sun’s heat for the rest of the month. You just need to have Packages and customise them according to your requirements and which places you would like to visit along with Umrah. That’s how you can have Allah’s blessings along with experiencing these beautiful deserts.
3. Ad-Dahna – The Long Desert
Ad-Dahna Desert, often called the “Long Desert,” connects the Nafud Desert in the north to the Rub’ al Khali in the south. Its linear dunes characterise it.
Features
- Size: Stretches over 1,000 kilometres in length.
- Sand Dunes: Features linear dunes that can reach up to 200 metres in height.
- Climate: Hot and dry, temperatures soaring above 50°C (122°F) in summer.
- Flora and Fauna: Scattered vegetation, mainly shrubs and grasses. Wildlife includes reptiles, rodents, and small mammals.
Activities
- Off-Roading: Ideal for off-road driving adventures.
- Camping: Offers unique camping experiences under the starry desert sky.
- Wildlife Watching: Nature enthusiasts can spot various desert animals and birds.
Significance
Ad-Dahna is a natural corridor connecting two of Saudi Arabia’s largest deserts. It also holds historical significance, as several ancient trade routes passed through it.
Al Jafurah Desert, located in eastern Saudi Arabia, is less known but equally captivating. It is known for its vast expanse and serene beauty.
Features
- Size: Covers an area of about 40,000 square kilometres.
- Sand Dunes: Features long, sweeping dunes.
- Climate: Hot and dry, temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F) in summer.
- Flora and Fauna: Limited vegetation, mainly consisting of hardy shrubs. Wildlife includes desert foxes, lizards, and various bird species.
Activities
- Desert Safaris: Explore the untouched beauty of Al Jafurah on a desert safari.
- Photography: Capture the stunning desert landscapes and unique wildlife.
- Bird Watching: An excellent spot for bird watchers to observe desert bird species.
Significance
It is proven that Al Jafurah contains large reserves of natural gas, which gives it strategic value for Saudi Arabia’s energy economy. It also gives solace to anyone who would like to roam freely in a natural environment.
5. Al Harrah – The Volcanic Desert
Al Harrah Desert is a chain of volcanic formations situated in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Saudi Arabia. It is commonly attributed to the formation of black basalt rocks and old volcanic plains.
Features
- Size: Occupies a territory of roughly 15,200 square kilometres.
- Geological Features: These involve the mountain volcanoes, the extensive lava bare plains and the crater measures.
- Climate: Sultry summer with temperatures rising to 45 °C (113 °F) and winter characterised by cool temperatures.
- Flora and Fauna: Plant life is also somewhat limited and mainly includes cacti, shrubs, and other forms of vegetation adapted to the desert environment. Wildlife consists of reptiles, rodents, birds, and so on.
Activities
- Hiking: Hike across the volcanic zone whose formations are dominated by earthly features.
- Geological Tours: Bi out the various known facts about the geological formations of the volcanic field.
- Photography: Stand in front of the black basalt rocks, admired for their sharp look against the desert background.
Significance
Al Harrah region is an archaeological area with many prehistoric sites and rock art. It is also an interesting place for geologists or anyone interested in nature.
Conclusion
Deserts of Saudi Arabia are not only long spaces of sand but also areas of thriving history, encompassing culture and majestic nature. Everyone is different from the others, and these places are full of different activities for lovers of active kinds of rest and admirers of natural landscapes.
May it be the gigantic sand mass of Rub Al-Khali, the brilliantly red-coloured An Nafud, Ad-Dahna linear dunes, or the most pleasing Al Jafurah up to the volcanic ground of Al Harrah, there exists a desert for all to discover and enjoy. Therefore, grab your luggage and set off for the gorgeous Arabian desert trips in Saudi Arabia!
Image: Unsplash Giorgio Parravicini
