02
An Nufud al Kabir
563km
40km
Driving SAND TRACKS AND STAR DUNES – 4WD REQUIRED
Best for DESERT DRIVING
Recommended for STARGAZING
Combine star dunes with stargazing on this unforgettable desert trip. Huge star-shaped peaks make for some serious dune bashing while the surrounding valleys are an ideal playground for novice off-roaders. You’re unlikely to find brighter skies than in this lesser-explored part of the Great Nufud Desert, so settle in and enjoy a night under the stars.
The marked route is for guidance only. While it offers the most direct path to the star dunes, it is always better to follow well-trodden tracks in the desert to avoid getting stuck.
Star-shaped dunes punctuate the sandy terrain creating photo-worthy views and fantastic driving opportunities. The abundant green bushes can make progress slow-going, especially when building momentum to scale a dune. Ensure you re-fuel and stock up on supplies at the petrol station before setting off and be mindful of your own driving ability – the star-shaped peaks should only be attempted by experienced off-roaders.
Circle Farms
Noticeable from the air, these green circular fields pepper the desert landscape. Using an ingenious centre-pivot irrigation system to optimise a farm’s yield, they often make use of underground aquifers. The agricultural fields have become a common sight across the Kingdom where, despite the arid conditions, they allow farmers to produce crops such as alfalfa and wheat.
SANDSTORMS
Sometimes referred to as a ‘haboob’ in Arabic, which translates to ‘strong wind’; sandstorms occur when winds increase enough to lift the top layer of sand or dust from the ground and blow it through the air. The humidity level must be below 70% for this to occur as moisture tends to hold particles to the ground. These ‘dust walls’ can reach up to 3,000m and are capable of reducing visibility to almost zero. Saudi Arabia experiences frequent sandstorms, due mainly to its arid climate, large sandy expanses and increased wind speeds arising from atmospheric depressions.
Great Nufud Desert
Spanning over 65,000km2, this desert is known as the Great Nufud Desert and is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest sandy expanse. It owes its distinct red colour to years of weathering of sandstone outcrops containing iron oxide. The desert is known for its strong winds and prevailing crescent dunes, some of which reach up to 200m.
Star Dunes
Star-shaped dunes form in deserts where the wind blows from multiple directions. Generally taller than other types of dunes, they tend to have three or more ‘arms’ that radiate outwards from a central point. While a drive to the top will provide picture-perfect views, these dunes are a magical sight to behold from any angle. Don’t forget to deflate your vehicle’s tyres for easy manoeuvring. If you can find a clear stretch of sand, consider staying the night to experience an entirely different type of stargazing.
DRIVING DIRECTION
Accessible from Highway 66, this circular route over the Great Nufud dunes can be attempted in either direction. Make sure to re-fuel before setting off.
1 Approximately 125km from Hail, the route begins with either a left or right turn off the Highway into the desert. There is also the option to continue on Highway 66 to the route’s finish point and then head back over the dunes.
2 Return to the start by completing the circular route through the desert or taking the main road directly back to Hail.
