Things to do at the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia
Buckle up, adventurers! The Empty Quarter is calling, and it’s anything but empty. This article is about helping you find the information and plan your trip to the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia.
This epic sand kingdom stretches across 650,000 square kilometers of the Arabian Peninsula, making it the world’s biggest sandbox. Towering dunes that tickle the sky, endless golden landscapes, and nights filled with a million twinkling stars.
While it might be smaller than the Sahara, the Empty Quarter holds about half the sand, so get ready for an adventure that’s anything but small! We’re talking about Saudi Arabia (with a sprinkle of Oman, UAE, and Yemen) waiting to be explored.
In Arabic, the desert is known as Rub’ al Khali (ٱلرُّبْع ٱلْخَالِي) which translates to “Empty Quarter”. It has been home to the Bedouins for thousands of years. These tough-as-nails nomads have mastered surviving in the harsh desert climate, navigating by the stars and finding hidden watering holes. Talk about resilience!
Way before fancy GPS and weather apps, explorers like Bertram Thomas and St. John Philby, in 1931 and 1932, were the first to navigate this unforgiving landscape with the Bedouins as their guides.
These desert dwellers weren’t fazed by sandstorms or scorching sun. They were one with the dunes, accepting nature’s good times and bad times like bosses. St. John Philby put forward how the Bedouins called the Rub al Khali desert “empty” despite living in it, due to its vastness and unpredictable wilderness.
Wilfred Thesiger, another explorer who chilled with the Bedouins, wrote a whole book (“Arabian Sands”) about how their chill attitude made them super tough.
Temperature Guide:
Summer in the Empty Quarter is like opening the door to a pizza oven! At a scorching 51°C, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart (or those who melt easily).
But fear not, adventurers! Winter, which lasts from October to March, is the perfect time to visit this Saudi Arabian wonder.
Get your own Arabica to Arabian Farm Experience!
The weather cools down to a pleasant 28°C during the day, making it ideal for exploring. The South of Saudi Arabia is beautiful this time of year.
Looking for cooler summer destinations? Check out this blog Top Summer Attractions in Saudi Arabia for an Exclusive Getaway
Things to do at the Empty Quarter — Rub’ al Khali
1. Camel Ride
A camel ride in the Empty Quarter is like hitting the ultimate nature reset button! Just you, a majestic camel, and endless dunes stretching out under a sky full of stars. It’s a journey that connects you to the deep desert culture, where people have lived in harmony with the harsh landscape for centuries.
Want the true essence of the desert experience? Join a Bedouin caravan and become a temporary nomad! Short on time? A guided camel ride will give you a taste of the adventure.
2. Visit Al-Asfar Lake
Unveiling a desert gem: Al Asfar Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled within the Al Ahsa region, boasts the world’s largest oasis. Spanning over 20,000 hectares, this vibrant lake serves as a vital source of irrigation for nearby farms.
Meraj, founder and director, of 365 Adventures visited the lake in November 2023. “The drive through the dunes to reach Al Asfar Lake was adventurous. No wonder, it is called Yellow Lake because of the surrounding sand dunes. I had a pleasant experience of sitting by the lake, watching the migratory birds and the greenery”, he added.
As the weather from November to February is cooler, it is a perfect time to visit Al Asfar. Green ambiance, dark blue waters, the chirping of birds, and a cool breeze — a peaceful day camping experience awaits you.
Forget the dusty stereotypes! Deserts hold hidden gems like Al Asfar Lake. Kayaking on these turquoise waters is a world away from a bumpy camel trek. Reaching this offbeat paradise requires a 4x4 adventure or a classic camel ride — guided tours are your best bet! You can book your Al Ahsa Tour in Saudi Arabia with us.
3. Sunset View at the Edge of The World
Meraj’s pilgrimage trips had always been shadowed by the allure of Saudi Arabia’s majestic mountains. His dream finally unfolded at the Edge of The World, or Jebel Fihrayn as the locals call it.
This 1,131-meter cliff in the Najd Region stands as a sentinel, watching over the vast plateau that stretches an incredible 800 kilometers from Qassim to the Empty Quarter. It was a moment of awe-inspiring wonder for Meraj.
“Oh My God, it is beautiful!” — Meraj told himself in awe when the sunset colors turned from orange to purple and became one with the brown desert. From the top, the Ghodi and the Samar trees appeared like dots amidst the dunes.
From a hike to a 4x4 ride, everything about Jebel Firhayn is an adventure. Formed around 135 and 180 million years ago, it was once an ocean bed and is now a rocky desert. The Edge of the World is fascinating, isn’t it? The presence of marine fossils will surprise you.
Such offbeat treasures need the right expertise to guide you during your visit, contact us to book your Edge of the World Tour, or book a Keshta at the Edge of the World with us!
4. Camping under a galaxy of stars
Deserts offer a mind-blowing temperature shift — scorching sun by day, a star-studded tapestry overhead at night. Talk about diversity! Camping under a desert sky is like stepping into a real-life planetarium.
The moon bathes the dunes in an ethereal glow, while the stars come out in force unhindered by light pollution.
An evening around the bonfire, sipping Qahwa (Saudi Coffee), chewing the delicious dates, and gazing at the stars — Precious! Isn’t it? Book the perfect Arabian picnic experience: Keshta under the stars with us!
How to plan your Empty Quarter Tours in Saudi Arabia?
The Empty Quarter is bursting with hidden wonders beyond the usual suspects! Craving an offbeat adventure? Explore the mysteries of Um Al Hadeed, get lost in the beauty of Bayda’ Allahy, or conquer the dunes of Tawil Al Khattam and Umm Quroon.
At, 365 Adventures, we’ve crafted the perfect Empty Quarter tours to take you on an unforgettable journey. Check out our exciting options below:
i. Umm Ahesh — Ain Hamaydan Tour — 7 Days
Our tour whisks you across a dazzling landscape, from the wind-sculpted dunes of Umm Athla to the vibrant city of Al Kharj. Explore ancient lava flows at Al Shalafa, unravel the mysteries of Umm Al Hadeed, and conquer the towering sands of Tawil Al Khattam.
But wait, there’s more! We’ll take you boating on a hidden lake, introduce you to the serenity of Munjour, and for a touch of luxury, a relaxing dip in a hot jacuzzi awaits at Al Qaadm. Our itinerary also includes Um Ahesh, Al-Kudn, and the breathtaking Ghadah Al-Hissan — all guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Know more and Book Your Um Ahesh — Ain Hamaydan Tour of Empty Quarter with 365 Adventures.
ii. Umm Quroon Tour — 5 Days
Our 5-day Empty Quarter adventure is calling your name! Explore iconic landmarks like the legendary Umm Quroon Well. Conquer towering dunes at Um Athla, feeling the sand beneath your feet and the wind in your hair. Witness breathtaking desert sunsets that paint the sky in a mesmerizing display of colors.
Gather around a crackling campfire under a blanket of stars, sharing stories and laughter in a timeless desert tradition. Want to add a touch of luxury? Indulge in a relaxing soak in a hot jacuzzi at Al Qadim.
This carefully crafted itinerary also includes off-road adventures to hidden gems like Al Shalafa and the Ghadah Al-Hosan area. It’s more than just an adventure; it’s a chance to disconnect and truly connect with the calming energy of the desert.
Know more and Book your Umm Quroon Tour with 365 Adventures.
iii. Empty Quarter — Umm Al-Hish Tour — 5 Days
Next is a 5-day desert adventure! Our road trip whisks you across 800km of breathtaking landscapes, culminating at the hidden oasis of Umm El Hish. This isn’t your average sightseeing tour.
Think thrilling sandboarding sessions, camping under a star-studded sky, and a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear desert lake. This adventure is all about embracing the unexpected and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Know more and Book Your Umm Al-Hish Tour of Empty Quarter
Saudi is calling!
Were you aware of or have been to these places in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia?
Now that you know about Edge of the World, Al Ahsa Oasis, Al-Asfar Lake, Umm Quroon, and others, we want you to have the best experience the way we did.
Contact us at info@365adventures.me to communicate with us directly.
Find more Saudi Arabia Tours here.
