Amazing Desert Adventures in Saudi Arabia

Dune ride through the Rub al-Chali (The Empty Quarter)

Adrenaline on the world's highest dunes – experience the immense silence of the largest sand desert on the planet.

Why this adventure is something truly special

The Rub al-Chali – also known as the 'Empty Quarter' – is the largest sand desert in the world and a place full of magic, myths, and endless expanses. Covering around 650,000 square kilometers, it stretches across parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Its sand dunes, up to 300 meters high, shaped by wind and time, create an almost surreal backdrop.

But the Rub al-Chali is more than just sand: It was once part of ancient trade routes such as the famous incense route and is considered home to the Bedouins, whose stories, hospitality, and way of life are deeply rooted in the desert. Archaeological finds like the legendary sunken city of Ubar – also known as 'Atlantis of the Desert' – give the place a mysterious allure. For many, the Rub al-Chali is also seen as a spiritual retreat – still, powerful, and sublime.

What you can experience on site

A dune ride in the Rub al-Chali is a true adventure. With sturdy 4x4 vehicles, you can speed across the golden hills – an adrenaline rush that simultaneously provides an intense impression of the desert's vastness and beauty. Those who enjoy sports can try their hand at sandboarding – an experience akin to snowboarding, but on fine desert sand.

Many tours include authentic encounters with Bedouin culture – such as at a traditional meal or an overnight stay in a desert camp under a sparkling starry sky. The sunset bathes the dunes in warm light, creating unforgettable moments. Some routes also lead to camel farms, oases, or geologically interesting sites like the Wabar craters.

Good to know for your travel planning

The Rub al-Chali is located in the south of Saudi Arabia and is accessible from various cities – for example, via the route from Riyadh to Abha or from Salalah in Oman by off-road vehicle. Tours from Abu Dhabi to the neighboring regions are also possible.

The best travel time is between October and March – then temperatures are pleasant. In the summer months, however, it can get extremely hot, reaching up to 55 °C.

Stargazing in Al Nafud

Pristine darkness, endless silence – the night sky over the desert displays its beauty here.

Why this adventure is something truly special

The Al Nafud Desert is one of the most fascinating natural spaces in northern Saudi Arabia. With over 65,000 square kilometers of area, massive red sand dunes, and a constantly changing landscape, it is not only an impressive natural phenomenon – it also offers ideal conditions for stargazing. The largely uninhabited space, low light pollution, and clear, dry air provide an especially intense view of the night sky.

Although there are no known historical observatories in Al Nafud itself, the Arabian Peninsula has a centuries-old astronomical tradition. Many star names commonly used today come from Arabic, and the vast desert skies of this region have long influenced sky observation. This cultural dimension makes stargazing here an experience that is both aesthetic and historically rich.

What you can experience on site

An unforgettable highlight is camping under the open sky: Away from any light sources, visitors can watch the Milky Way, shooting stars, and planets in peace – often accompanied by a campfire and traditional stories from Bedouin culture.

While there are currently no specialized stargazing tours directly in Al Nafud, some providers combine classic desert experiences like dune bashing or camel safaris with night camping. For those looking to delve deeper, providers in regions like AlUla that are known for their astronomical offerings can be contacted. In the long term, Al Nafud will become even more interesting: Saudi Arabia is investing in the expansion of astrotourism – including Dark Sky Parks.

Good to know for your travel planning

Al Nafud is located in the northern center of the Arabian Peninsula, not far from the city of Ha'il, which serves as a starting point for tours. The journey is by road, but the terrain is challenging – a tour with an experienced guide or as part of an organized trip is strongly recommended.

The best months for travel are spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and the nights are particularly clear. Stargazing is possible year-round, as long as the sky remains cloud-free.

Hiking through the Al-Ula region with rock formations and ancient traces

Between natural wonders and ancient cultures – a hike through the heart of Saudi Arabia's history.

Why this adventure is something truly special

Al-Ula is one of the most fascinating regions in Saudi Arabia – a green oasis nestled in dramatic sandstone landscapes and volcanic plateaus. The region is famous for spectacular rock formations like the majestic Elephant Rock or the so-called 'dancing rocks,' shaped by wind and water. Yet the true depth of Al-Ula lies in its history.

Here, travelers encounter traces of ancient cultures – from the Dedanites and Lihyanites to the Nabataeans, as well as Islamic and Ottoman influences. The rock tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand alongside the ruins of Petra. Inscriptions, petroglyphs, and monumental stone buildings testify to a complex civilization that existed over 7,000 years ago. Al-Ula is a place that breathes history – and at the same time is modern and welcoming to visitors.

What you can experience on site

The Al-Ula region offers a wide range of hikes – from leisurely strolls through the palm oasis to challenging tours through the rugged rocky landscape. One popular route is the oasis trail, which leads through green gardens and traditional mud houses – ideal for photography and beginners. For those seeking adventure, guided tours like the Ridge Walk or a Sunset Hike are available.

The combination of nature and culture is particularly impressive: The hiking trails lead past rock formations like Elephant Rock, bizarre stone vessels, and arches – all shaped by millennia of erosion. The experience is enhanced by visits to historical sites such as the old town of Al-Ula, the 'rock library' Jabal Ikmah, or the modern contrast of Maraya, the largest mirrored hall in the world. Camel rides, craft workshops, and stargazing make the Al-Ula experience particularly diverse.

Good to know for your travel planning

Al-Ula is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, about 700 km from Jeddah and approximately 1,000 km from Riyadh. The nearest airport is Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Airport, which is directly served from several Saudi cities. Alternatively, Al-Ula can also be reached by road or train.

The best time for hiking is between November and March, when temperatures are pleasantly mild and range between 15 and 25 °C.

Camel ride through the dunes of Sharaan

Tradition meets nature – experience the magic of camel riding amidst spectacular desert backdrops.

Why this adventure is something truly special

The Sharaan Desert lies in the heart of the nature reserve of the same name near Al-Ula and impresses with its red rock canyons, deeply cut gorges, and open sandy areas. This fascinating landscape is home to an astonishing variety of animal and plant species – and is also a place of quiet beauty.

Camel riding has a millennia-old tradition in this region. Once, the camel was the most important mode of transport on the Bedouin trade routes; today, it is a living symbol of Saudi identity and resilience. Particularly in 2024, the officially declared 'Year of the Camel,' its cultural significance will be celebrated. A camel ride through the dunes of Sharaan combines authentic insights into Bedouin life with an intense nature experience in this extraordinary desert.

What you can experience on site

A camel ride through the Sharaan Desert is a slow-paced, impressive way to discover this special landscape. The constantly changing dunes, combined with rugged rocks and vast valleys, create a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Along the way, you will experience not only the silence of the desert, but also the hospitality and traditions of Bedouin culture.

Many tours offer additional experiences: such as a safari through the reserve with a view of rare animals like the Arabian ibex, hikes along natural paths, or a hot air balloon sunrise over Al-Ula. For the adventurous, there are also buggy rides or guided camel treks with overnight stays under the stars.

Good to know for your travel planning

The Sharaan Nature Reserve is located near Al-Ula in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, about 1,000 kilometers northwest of Riyadh. The region is best reached via Al-Ula International Airport (ULH). Taxis, rental cars, and organized transfers are available on-site.

The best time for camel rides is between October and April, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are particularly enjoyable. Tip: Availability should be checked in advance around holidays like Ramadan or Eid.

Desert camping under the starry sky in Tabuk

Red sand, ancient rock art, and unforgettable nights under the clearest starry sky in Saudi Arabia.

Why this adventure is something truly special

The desert near Tabuk – particularly the impressive Hisma Desert – is a true masterpiece of nature. Red sandstone cliffs, shaped by millions of years of erosion, meet bright red sand areas that change color depending on the time of day. The region is not only geologically fascinating, but also a window into the past: historical inscriptions and remains of ancient caravan routes tell of the Nabataeans and other ancient civilizations.

What sets the Hisma Desert apart is its seclusion – and the starry sky, free from any light pollution. This combination of silence, vastness, and cultural heritage makes desert camping in Tabuk an experience that delights both adventurers and those seeking peace.

What you can experience on site

Desert camping in the Tabuk region is more than just an overnight stay in a tent – it’s a deep immersion into the atmosphere of the Arabian desert. Visitors can expect spectacular landscapes with sandstone formations, hidden valleys, and panoramic paths that can be explored on foot or by off-road vehicle. Particularly appealing is the palm oasis Disah, which offers freshwater springs and lush vegetation, providing a surprising contrast to the barren surroundings.

In the evenings, travelers experience authentic hospitality in traditional Bedouin tents, enjoy grilled specialties under the open sky, and listen to stories about the region while sipping Arabic coffee. Those who wish can stargaze on a clear night with binoculars or telescopes – an unforgettable highlight for anyone interested in astronomy.

Good to know for your travel planning

The Hisma Desert is located northwest of Tabuk, not far from the Jordanian border. Tabuk itself is easily accessible by plane or car. Many tour operators offer transfers into the desert, often with comfortable 4x4 vehicles.

The best travel time is between October and March – when temperatures are ideal for camping and outdoor activities. In the summer months, however, it can become very hot.

Adventures that are unforgettable

Whether it's thrilling dune rides, quiet nights under the starry sky, or cultural encounters in the heart of the desert – Saudi Arabia's desert landscapes offer experiences that go far beyond the ordinary. For independent travelers seeking something special, they are an ideal destination full of surprises, beauty, and profound impressions.