The Rub’ al Khali: Exploring the World’s Largest Sand Desert in Abu Dhabi
When We Think of Deserts
When we think of deserts, we imagine sands that stretch endlessly for miles, the burning sun, and beautiful dunes. The Rub’ al Khali, or the Empty Quarter — by far the largest sand desert in Abu Dhabi and the largest sand desert in the world — is one of the most stunningly lonesome deserts on the planet. This wide and magical desert is rich in a variety of history, ranging from tales of ancient Bedouin culture to contemporary extreme adventure tourism. Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic natural wonder.
Rub’ al Khali: The Vast Wonder of Saudi Arabia
The Rub’ al Khali is the largest continuous sand desert in the world — with an expanse of 650,000 square kilometers (250,000 square miles) [2] It covers four countries: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen. The section of this desert within the borders of Abu Dhabi is known for its iconic dunes and beautiful scenery.
The Liwa Desert, at the northern edge of the Rub’ al Khali in Abu Dhabi, hosts some of the highest sand dunes on earth, like the famed Moreeb Dune.
Main Features of the Rub’ al Khali
An Infinite Number of Sandy Dunes
The desert have large golden dunes covering few hundreds meters in height some (300 meters (980 feet))
Extreme Climate
The summer temperatures sometimes go over 50 °C (122 °F), with scarce rain; One of the harshest environments on planet.
Oil Reserves
Underneath the sand are some of the most bountiful petroleum reserves on earth, critical to the UAE’s economy.
Bedouin Heritage
Nomadic Bedouin tribes inhabited these places, they lived in harmony with the challenging desert.
Rich Wildlife
The Rub’ al Khali, although inhospitable, is home to a variety of species adapted to desert life, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and desert foxes.
Tourism and Adventure
The desert Today is popular for desert safaris, dune bashing, sandboarding, and camping.
Where It Was Shot
The stunning landscape has provided a backdrop for Hollywood flicks, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Cultural Importance
The desert features prominently in Emirati culture, poetry and folklore.
Camel Trekking
Roaming through the desert on a camel is the traditional method of traveling.
Stunning Views
Located in one of the driest and hottest places in the world, sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, providing stunning views of the sunset, followed by clear stargazing.
Liwa Desert: Abu Dhabi’s Sand Dune Jewel
The most notable part of the Rub’ al Khali in Abu Dhabi is the Liwa Desert. Featured in stunning landscapes and towering dunes, it has become one of the top places for adventurers and travelers seeking an authentic experience of the desert.
Moreeb Dune: The Desert Giant
The Liwa Desert is home to one of the most monumental landmarks, the Moreeb Dune otherwise known as the “Terrifying Mountain”. This giant dune rises over 300 meters (980 feet) high and it is among the tallest dunes on the planet. It’s a popular destination for off-roaders, dune racers, and adventure seekers who want to get their skills in on its steep hills.
Outdoor Activities in The Rub Al Khali
XavierCorpo Online Desert Future Sense of Adventure
There You can find a wide range of activities in the desert that can attract both adventure seekers and Nature lovers. Among the most common experiences are:
Dune Bashing
Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle is a must-try experience for adrenaline junkies. We enjoy a fun and exciting ride, skilled drivers maneuver through the high dunes.
Sandboarding
Like snowboarding, sandboarding enables visitors to plummet down massive dunes on a board designed for the task. It’s a fun and different way to experience the desert.
Camel Trekking
Explore the desert the old-fashioned way—on camelback. These calm animals are the traditional transport of Bedouins; taking a camel ride is a serene and picturesque way to see the terrain.
Desert Camping
Nighttime in the desert is a whole different world that is best experienced with a camping trip under the stars. (There are also plenty of tour operators that can provide a luxurious way to camp out, with traditional Emirati meals, music and storytelling.)
Falconry Shows
More on that, however I can tell you that in the UAE falconry is an ancient sport, and visitors can witness amazing falconry shows demonstrating the agility and speed of these magnificent birds.
Stargazing
The lack of light pollution makes viewing the stars in the Rub’ al Khali a fantastic experience. The crisp night skies provide beautiful sights of the Milky Way and countless stars.
Wildlife in the Empty Quarter
Despite its harsh conditions, the Rub’ al Khali is host to a variety of wildlife, including:
Arabian Oryx
A magnificent white antelope that went extinct but has now been successfully reintroduced.
Sand Gazelles
Elegant animals that have acclimated to the harsh condition of the desert.
Desert Foxes
Tiny, night-dwelling fox-like mammals that live in the dunes.
Spiny-Tailed Lizards
These reptiles can be seen sunbathing.
Six Reasons to Go to the Rub’ al Khali
The Rub’ al Khali offers visitors a chance to see one of the most extreme landscapes on earth. Whether the adventure, the culture, or the opportunity to disconnect from modern life, the Empty Quarter has something for you.
Best Time to Visit
When to Visit the Rub’ al Khali
The ideal time to explore the Rub’ al Khali is during the winter months (November to March) when temperatures are cooler and pleasant for outdoor activities.
How to Get There
The Liwa Desert is about 250 km (155 miles) from Abu Dhabi city, or a journey of about 3 hours by car. There are guided excursions in the desert with many available tour operators, making it easy to visit, while staying safe.
Conclusion
The Rub’ al Khali is not just the biggest sand desert in Abu Dhabi; it is a bleeding ground of mystery, beauty and adventure. Whether visiting the sky-high Moreeb Dune or experiencing the cultural depth of the Bedouin culture, the desert is to never forget. From thrill-seekers and landscape photographers to stargazers — regardless of who you are or why you’re there, the Empty Quarter is a destination that just can’t be missed.
If you find yourself in Abu Dhabi though, be sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to explore this incredible sea of sand. The desert awaits!
