Rub' al-Khali desert, Rakayib the Empty Quarter
DISTANCE
600 KM
DIFFICULTY (1-10)
CONTACT US
DAYS
25
TOTAL ASCENT
3675 Mt
% UNPAVED
100%
HIGH POINT
1008 mt
The Rub’ al Khali desert, “the Empty Quarter” is the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, encompassing most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. The desert covers some 650,000 km2
Rakayib Caravan is an exploratory journey programme designed for explorers and adventurous enthusiasts, to cross the Empty Quarter on camelback in a convoy, to explore the treasures of this mysterious desert, and to learn about its wealth, civilizations, climate and geographical wonders. It offers a unique experience in the heart of an unmatched desert environment.
This promising journey continues to reach some of the unknown and virgin places of the Empty Quarter, as well as to trace the ruins, plants, communities and ancient civilizations. We rewrited history when the caravans return to explore the desert in search of trade, water and grass as they used to do in the past.
In this unique experience, we learnt about some of the rare desert phenomena. You will find yourself in front of the rabadhat, soft sand dunes that are difficult to walk upon and one can possibly be sunk into. We pass through sulphur lakes and springs for which the Empty Quarter desert is known.
Sand dunes in the Empty Quarter come in different forms and bodies. Some dunes rise to a height of 1000 meters above sea level, and include, among other things, quicksand, sand sheets, star dunes and pyramid-shaped dunes.
The very name of ‘the Empty Quarter’ had always stricken fear into the hearts of caravans and explorers well into the early 20th century. As you well know, dear explorer, Saudi Arabia has succeeded in uncovering some of the secrets of this desert and has employed advanced geographic services and modern survey tools.
It has also concluded agreements with a number of companies and teams to explore the vast desert valleys, yet the Empty Quarter desert still holds many secrets that have not yet been discovered.
Today, Rakayib Caravan takes you through the Empty Quarter desert in order to discover more facts buried in its golden sands and its horizons that are tainted with the colour of its yellow sands and blue sky.
