Jibal Mihayyiwah

This cluster of rocky outcrops dominates the vast desert landscape and a visit here at sunrise or sunset provides mesmerising views. As the sun hits the majestic brown mountains, it creates dramatic shadows in the orange sand. It's a great spot to enjoy a coffee and watch the camels roaming over the dunes, and the soft sand also makes for a comfortable overnight stay.

COFFEE REFUEL

Drive-through coffee shops are a common sight across Saudi Arabia and have become an important part of the country’s coffee culture. Far beyond the big conglomerates, almost every service station features a low-key café where hot drinks such as americanos, cappuccinos and Spanish lattes are served through a window. Great for early starts, the drive-thrus are open from as early as 5am and don’t normally close until well after midnight.

  Rock Arch

Looking up, you will see that a small rock arch has formed in the steep mountain wall most likely the abrasive effects of wind-blown sand. Such arches are usually shaped over millions of years as softer rock erodes faster than the surrounding harder rock. While you won’t be able to see through the arch, you'll get a fantastic view of it with a quick climb up the opposite mountain.

  Stone Structure

In sharp contrast to the surrounding rock formations, this mountain looks more like a mound of dark gravel. A closer look reveals that it is made up of black angular rock, possibly the result of volcanic activity from centuries ago. Although the surrounding terrain is notably flatter, be wary if you’ve already reduced your tyre pressure as the hard sand is interspersed with some small, jagged rocks.

  Nufud al Maysariyah

Riding the crest of a dune is an art that many off-roaders want to master, and this short stretch of desert is an ideal opportunity to practise. Make sure you reduce the pressure in your tyres and follow the easy-to-navigate tracks for an exhilarating drive. Keep a lookout for herds of camels who come to graze on the shrubs by nearby Wadi Ata.

  Wadi Ata

Emerging from the dunes, you’re met by a sea of brilliant white stones that resembles a rocky beach. After rain, water sometimes pools here and the thick crust on the wadi floor will turn to mud. While not advisable to drive over in the wetter months, the periphery is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy a picnic.

DRIVING DIRECTION

A circular route, which can be followed in any direction, allows you to up the intensity of this off-road experience as much or as little as you want.

  1     After the mosque, turn left off the paved road onto the sand track towards Jibal Mihayyiwah. The sand becomes deeper as you near the mountains.

  2     From here, you can turn left or right to explore Jibal Mihayyiwah’s many rock formations or continue straight across for the rock arch and the route into Nufud al Maysariyah.

  3     Follow the route across the dunes for 7.3km.

  4     As you come over the final dunes, you’ll see Wadi Ata and the route’s finish point. To return to the main road, you can go back along the main route or take one of the optional tracks back across the desert.