Did you have “Arabian desert adventures” on your summer “to do” list? If not, why not? Continuing our series on summer travel adventures (read the last installment on India here) is a breakdown on what to do if you crave the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter (hint: bring water). Check it out!
What Is the Empty Quarter?
The Rub al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is a 650,000-square-kilometer sand desert covering parts of Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The region is a stretch of unbroken deserts that many adventurers and nomads deem daunting and inhospitable.
Unlike some deserts, the Empty Quarter only receives 2.4 inches of annual rainfall, making it one of the driest places in the world and a complete Death Valley. Due to the harsh conditions in the region, the Rub Al Khali is mostly unpopulated, which can be a perfect place for adventure-seekers.
William Thesiger’s travel book Arabian Sands talked about his journey across the Empty Quarter between 1945 and 1950. The author wrote of his experiences traveling the sand deserts and how it tested his limitations in riding through severe conditions. Despite these, many people are still taking their chance to experience the Rub al Khali and discover its hidden beauties. In addition, travelers can witness and understand the life of the nomadic Bedouin tribes who call the Empty Quarter their home, dating back to ancient times.
Adventurers should remember that the best time to visit the Empty Quarter is from October to April. Unlike July to August, temperatures during this period are moderate, which makes the travel more bearable if you’re not into hot weather. But in winter, temperatures can reach as low as 12°C, including frosts and extreme temperature changes during the day.
Wadi Dawkah (Land of Frankincense)
Depending on which country you want to start your adventure across the Empty Quarter, you can explore and discover different parts of the region. But if you start in Oman, the Al-Qarāʾ Mountains will be your entry to the vast Rub al Khali.
Beyond the rugged mountains, adventurers can visit Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO heritage site for frankincense. The small reserve protects five kilometers of ancient frankincense trees. Explorers can learn the trade of frankincense and the location’s history and enjoy the fragrant breeze with a picnic by the groves.
Al-Asfar Lake (Yellow Lake)
Traveling across the Empty Quarter from Saudi Arabia is different. Tours to the Empty Quarter begin with a camel ride and joining a caravan of the Bedouins and their camels. The activity also helps tourists understand the deep cultural essence of the region and the people inhabiting it.
After an enriching guided tour and camel ride, travelers can visit Al-Asfar Lake or Yellow Lake, A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Al Ahsa region. Although the Empty Quarter receives the least rainfall yearly, it’s near the world’s largest oasis, Al Ahsa.
Al-Asfar Lake covers at least 20,000 hectares and is the source of irrigation for all nearby farms. Reaching the lake is an adventurous trip across the unbroken dunes, giving explorers a feel of the Empty Quarter’s vastness. People call Al-Asfar the Yellow Lake because miles of sand desert surround it, making it a complete paradise of water and greenery.
The place is perfect for camping under the starry skies and water activities, like kayaking and boating. Due to the terrain, camel rides and 4×4 vehicles are the only options to reach the lake.
Jebel Fihrayn (Edge of the World)
The Jebel Fihrayn is a high cliff in the Tuwaik Mountains of the Najd Region. It stands at 1,131 meters and gives the best view of the Empty Quarter, especially during sunset. But to enjoy the view of Rub Al Khali at the Edge of the World, travelers need to hike the mountains and take a 4×4 ride.
The Edge of the World formed around 135 to 180 million years ago. Tours on the cliff include the famous view of the sunset and the Arabian sands and guided exploration of marine fossils and other offbeat treasures.
Um Al-Hadeed (The Meteorite Fall Place)
Um Al Hadeed, or the Meteorite Fall Place, is in the heart of the Empty Quarter. The area allows explorers to observe fragments of a meteorite that fell four centuries ago, scattered and preserved in the fine desert sands. The terrain also gives adventurers an otherworldly hiking experience while learning about the history of the place.
Camping in Um Al-Hadeed is also a must when exploring the Empty Quarter. The activity becomes an unforgettable experience as the desert sky looks like a real-life planetarium. The moon turns the dunes into ethereal sand sculptures, and the lack of light pollution makes the stars stand out. In addition, explorers get a feel of the Bedouin culture.
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