This route is a 150km from Al Madinah and is an incredible desert drive for beginners and experts alike. The open desert landscape with sand stretching further than the eye can see may not have dunes of epic proportions but offers isolation and peace for this off-road adventure.

You can tackle as much or as little as you like. If you don’t feel like heading for the dune drive, you can explore the open landscape or get some up-close encounters with camels that roam the area. The track before the dunes is relatively easy but be sure to deflate your tyres before blazing your way through the dunes. An essential part of any desert adventure is camping, and this route provides some of the best opportunities for setting up camp and enjoying stargazing and sunrise views.

  Al Henakiyah Heritage Village

Hidden in the heart of this desert lies the old village of Al Henakiyah which is still standing firm. Explore the ethereal walkways between the mudbrick houses and imagine what life might have been like hundreds of years ago.

  Rock Engravings at Jebel al Aheen

Towards the end of the route, you will find the surprising sight of a large rocky outcrop rising out of the barren desert. Known as Jebel al Aheen, this towering red rock is covered in pre-historic petroglyphs believed to be thousands of years old.

CONTESTING CAMELS

Today, these ‘ships of the desert’ are not only used for transport but take part in many competitions across the Kingdom. Camel racing is a popular traditional sport practiced in the Gulf region. Camel beauty contests where camels are judged on their appearance, from their lips to a well-shaped hump, are also popular.

  Darb Zubaidah Water Station

When the wife of Abbasid Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, Zubaidah bin Jaafar, travelled to perform her pilgrimage, she almost died of dehydration. Vowing to ensure other pilgrims didn’t suffer, she ordered the building of large, square-shaped water stations along the trail to the holy cities. This water station is named after her to commemorate her charitable efforts.

DRIVING DIRECTION

This route is a desert drive with plenty of nearby attractions to explore. Clearly marked tracks make it easy to navigate through the sand. 

  1     Turn left off the main road onto the desert track.

  2     Continue straight or turn right for a longer drive around the sand.

  3     Continue straight or turn right to set up camp or enjoy some quad biking.