Empty Quarter for photographers

Empty Quarter is one of the best choices for photographers.

Suitability: ★★★★★

The Rub' al Khali spans southern Saudi Arabia; on its western edge, 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2023 and covers about 12,750 km². Trips are few and need careful planning and equipment.

Why Empty Quarter for photographers?

• Chances to photograph oryx, gazelles, foxes, ostriches and camels.
• The best light is in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset.

What awaits you in Empty Quarter

• The largest continuous sand sea on Earth
• 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, Saudi Arabia's first natural World Heritage site (2023)
• Last place Arabian oryx were seen in the wild, now a reintroduction site
• Camping under dark skies far from cities
• Bedouin traditions and camel herding

Wildlife you may encounter: oryx, gazelles, foxes, ostriches and camels.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 7 days. Najran, Sharurah and Wadi al-Dawasir are the main gateways; the Uruq Bani Zabadah dunes are about 15 km from Najran airport. Trips into the dunes need 4x4 vehicles and experienced guides, and organised expeditions usually last several days.

Activities that fit

stargazing.

When to go

The best period overall is December to January.

Desert expedition season, when seasonal winds ease and temperatures are moderate.

Other destinations for photographers

• Khor Al Adaid Qatar
• Sharqiya Sands Oman
• Liwa United Arab Emirates
• Sir Bani Yas Island United Arab Emirates
• AlUla Saudi Arabia
• Edge of the World Saudi Arabia

Full Empty Quarter guideBest safaris for photographers

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: Arab News – Saudi desert gateway fast becoming the next tourist hotspot (2021) · Wikipedia – 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid · Visit Saudi Booking – Empty Quarter expedition · Weather Spark – Sharurah Domestic Airport climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.