The Rub al-Khali is still one of the most inaccessible areas on earth. In ancient times, incense caravans travelled through these deserts and created rich trading posts, of which only a few traces remain today.
On the border with Saudi Arabia, the huge dunes of the great Central Arabian desert extend far into Omani territory. Its sands cover a quarter of the Arabian Peninsula. As there is virtually no water in this desert, it is barely populated; hence its name Rub Al Khali, the "Empty Quarter".
The sand dunes rise up from the plain like mountains. The deeper you delve into this fascinating landscape, the further away you get from everyday life in Europe, its bustle and noise. You immerse yourself in absolute silence, surrounded by an endless sea of sand dunes. At night, the sight of the impressive Arabian starry sky, which unfolds its full effect without any disturbing light sources, is fascinating. However, an excursion to this desert should only be undertaken with a local guide who really knows the area.
The trade routes of the former incense caravans left traces, one of which can be seen at the excavation site of Shisr, which is about three hours' drive from Salalah, not far from the first sand dunes. There is no scientific evidence that this is the legendary Ubar, as claimed by many tour operators.
► Hotels in the Dhofar region
►more pictures of the Rub Al-Khali
Your contacts for travelling with Arabia Felix:
Maria Popp and Karin Nowack
Phone: +49 (0)89 / 30 77 92 00
info@oman.de
ARABIA FELIX Synform GmbH
Treffauerstraße 18
81373 München
Germany
Tel: +49 89/30779200
E-Mail: info@oman.de
VAT-ID: DE201885274
