12 February 2024
Here’s why the Empty Quarter can be your top adventure spot in Saudi
We have seen those long masses of desserts in movies; many believe they only exist in the imaginary world. But the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass. Many people consider there’s nothing to explore in a silent, deserted valley, but guess what? The Empty Quarter is one of the most adventurous tourist destinations for perfect desert experiences in Saudi Arabia.
The Empty Quarter has nights unmatched by any other place in the world; you can enjoy stargazing and view a sky full of stars unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You are confronted with an unspoiled area resembling a science fiction film once you cross over the sidewalks, properties, and transmission lines.
This article will take you through some amazing details about your trip to the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia and how you can get thrilling adventure experiences in the desert landscape.
The geographical range of Empty Quarter
The Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter is a vast desert that spans over 650,000 square kilometres. More than 25% of Saudi Arabia is covered in desert, and the remaining land is shared by Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
Southern Saudi Arabia is where the Empty Quarter is primarily located. On the other hand, it has roughly half as much sand as the whole Sahara Desert. Despite its size and challenging climate, the region has significant cultural and archaeological importance, notably among the Bedouins. It is said that there were shallow lakes from 6,000–2,000 years ago.
Travelling across the dunes to cross the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia, which is around 1,000 kilometres long and 500 kilometres wider, is among the most exciting tourist experiences. You will discover a range of topography in the area, including water wells, oasis areas, and sandy dunes, as you travel to Empty Quarter from the northwest (Haradh) to Umm Al-Hadid and on to the heart of Baida Lahi in the southeast of the Empty Quarter.
Exciting adventure experiences in Empty Quarter
- Camping in Empty Quarter with a clearest view of stars
One of the few unexplored places left in the world where a camper can still enjoy camping under the stars in Rub al Khali known as the Empty Quarter. It is difficult to see the stars clearly due to pollution and climatic changes. The only way to see a crystal clear night sky full of stars is to leave civilisation behind, venture into an intact wilderness region like Rub al Khali, and camp in the Empty Quarter under a sky full of stars to experience its peace and serenity.
- Camel rides in the scenic sand dunes view
The rich cultural heritage of the desert and its inhabitants can be experienced during a camel ride in the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia. Sand dunes, like mountains, let you detach from hectic urban life and reconnect with the natural world. The greatest way to truly experience desert life is to go across the arid landscape in a caravan with camels and guided excursions in Rub’ al Khali.
- Delve deeper into Empty Quarter through Tel Moreeb
Make an effort to get close to Tel Moreeb, also known as Scary Mountain, the largest sand dune in the entire world, if you’re in the Empty Quarter. Experienced riders and drivers compete to reach the summit of the picturesque dune, which is over 300 metres high and has a 50° gradient. Feel the adrenaline during the wintertime Moreeb Hill Climb event, which is an integral part of the Liwa International Festival. Don’t forget to take some enticing pictures of the mesmerising view while watching the dune side.
- Exploring the Bedouin life
The Bedouins have inhabited the Empty Quarter for a long time. For ages, nomad groups have been travelling throughout the desert, primarily searching for grazing areas for their cattle and trade routes. The Empty Quarter promises to be an extremely fascinating destination for people who are inquisitive about historical events. The desert is full of fossils and archaeological monuments that provide important insights into the life of people who lived many millennia ago. Come and experience this for yourself at the Empty Quarter.
What’s the ideal time to go to the Empty Quarter?
The ideal time to explore the Empty Quarter is during the winter, from October to March. Throughout the day, temperatures drop to as low as 28 °C, and snow falls in some areas, such as the Tuwaiq mountains in the Empty Quarter.
Take the best trip to one of the most breathtaking deserts in the world!
The Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia can prove to be one of the best desert experiences in Saudi Arabia for you. However, to call this place “empty” would be an irony. Indeed, the Empty Quarter offers an unforgettable adventure that is almost impossible for one person to fully discover and enjoy in their lifetime.
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