Saudi Arabia, a region of magical deserts, entices with the enigmatic grandeur of its extensive dunes and valleys. The Saudi Arabian deserts provide a unique combination of tranquility and adventure; the dry sands are the abode of some great historical monuments, risky adventures, and discoveries, as well as harsh temperatures. Nonetheless, the daunting windy dunes provide a lovely spectacle and, pleasantly, there is plenty to see and do. The scenery of Saudi Arabia’s deserts and parched valleys is stunning and memorable.
The majority of the tourist attractions in these deserts are fairly accessible, although the challenge of reaching other areas adds to their excitement and allure. Most Muslims who come to Saudi Arabia for the performance of Umrah should also visit these breathtaking deserts and indulge in its splendor. It is advised to avail 10 nights Umrah packages for your Umrah pilgrimage and you can spend some more days visiting these remarkable deserts. Here are some of the most popular deserts of Saudi Arabia that people must explore:
Al Nufud Al Kabir
Al Nufud Al Kabir, as its name implies, is Saudi Arabia’s biggest and most renowned desert. It is about 700-1000 meters above sea level. The immaculate gold dune spans 90 kilometers from Jubbah to Sakaka and 300 kilometers from Al-Zulfi to the castle boundary. It has an area of 103,600 square kilometers and is divided into three provinces: Hail, Al-Juf, and Tabuk.
Ad Dahna Desert
The Ad Dahna desert consists of seven deserts. Dahana is situated 80 kilometers east of Riyadh on the Dammam highway. The Ad Dahna desert also referred to as the Small Al Nufud desert connects the huge Al Nufud desert and ‘The Empty Quarter.’ Ad Dahana desert is 300-600 m high and occupies 7% of the Kingdom’s sands, covering 45,000 square kilometers of magnificent red sandy terrain. If you go 200 kilometers north of Riyadh, these dunes form a large star pattern and reach about 100 meters in height. It’s a wonderful sight to behold!
Rub Al Khali
It is known as the ‘The Empty Quarter. Rub Al Khali is a never-ending vista of moderately undulating sand dunes ascending from the base, with the biggest dunes exceeding 250 meters in height. Its total area is approximately 650,000 square kilometers. The Arabian Desert stretches in the south, encompassing sections of Saudi Arabia mostly the eastern province and Najran, Riyadh, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. The huge Rub Al Khali desert is a cluster of several sand dunes, including vertical, crescent, as well as domed dunes. Moreover, Sabka, a gentle plain between massive sand dunes, should be avoided.
Jubbah Desert
Jubbah Desert depicts a massive rock canyon with parallel dunes. It is one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known petroglyph places, dating all the way back to the Paleolithic period. Although being surrounded by the harsh sand dunes of the Al Nufud desert, the city of Jubbah in Hail is excellent in agriculture.
Red Sand Dunes in Saudi Arabia
The drive to the red sand dunes is over 80 kilometers from Riyadh. A red dune is a place in northeast Riyadh. On weekends, most people hire ATVs from Bedouin booths all along the highway. Or drive their SUV over the sand sea.
The Saudi Desert’s Flora and Fauna
The Arabian desert is a huge arid area in west Asia that encompasses the great majority of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a total size of 2,330,000 square kilometers. The desert’s atmosphere is typically dry, with some parts having less than 50 mm of precipitation each year. Animals present in the Desert land have adjusted admirably to the desert’s harsh weather. On the other hand, hunting of human-raised livestock, and overgrazing have substantially reduced the population of desert animals including gazelles, jackals, hyenas, and Oryx.
3 Crucial Points to Consider When Exploring Saudi Deserts
Apparently, the Saudi Arabian deserts are filled with frightening animals and reptiles, thus it is essential to go out equipped for unforeseen events and risks.
- ¾ The weather fluctuates greatly throughout the day and night. The desert’s weather lowers dramatically, particularly during the winter. It is essential to include some winter apparel in addition to the lighter ones that are more appropriate for the daytime.
- ¾ Visitors should have the proper vehicle, preferably a 4×4 vehicle intended for off-roading.
- ¾ Pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, packed food, plenty of water, and tools such as a shovel, tow rope, flashlight, jump rope, as well as a foot pump.
In Short,
The deserts of Saudi Arabia provide magnificent scenery and experiences. At the very same moment, it is crucial to recognize that these deserts are hard terrain. And one has to be psychologically and physically prepared to go on an expedition in any of these dunes.
