RIYADH: The Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al-Khali) desert in the Najran Region, a stunning natural masterpiece where golden sands meet the blue sky, has transformed into a winter sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.
Each winter, this desert draws visitors seeking tranquility and a chance to connect with nature, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The sculpted dunes of the Empty Quarter, reaching heights up to dozens of meters, display colors ranging from yellow to orange, adding to the landscape’s allure.
This region boasts unique biodiversity, hosting rare plant and animal species adapted to harsh conditions.
Sharurah Governorate, on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter, has become a winter tourist destination, hosting events such as the Sharurah Winter Festival.
The festival features traditional performances and markets, camel and horse racing, falconry competitions, shopping events, and desert car rallies.
The Empty Quarter boasts distinctive natural features, including the Umm Al-Hish lakes and star dunes, unique formations with shifting peaks that take shape when winds blow from various directions.
The Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, located at the northwestern edge, is the Kingdom’s largest natural reserve and is home to Arabian oryx, Arabian sand gazelles, Idmi gazelles, and ostriches.
Visitors flock to this desert in winter and spring to enjoy mild weather.
Activities typically begin at dawn, allowing guests to appreciate the dunes’ scenic beauty and shifting colors.
Many set up camps in the desert, with winter nights providing an authentic experience.
The Empty Quarter, named for its sparse life and huge size, is the world’s largest continuous sand desert. It covers broad areas of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the UAE, and is known for its massive golden dunes and vast, sparsely inhabited landscape.
