03
Hisma & Bajdah Deserts
1,082km
70km
Driving MODERATE
Best for COMMUNING WITH NATURE
Recommended for A WEEKEND OF ADVENTURE
A continuation of Jordan’s famous Wadi Rum, the Hisma and Bajdah deserts deserve special recognition for their natural beauty. Just 80km west of Tabuk, this drive is a stunning combination of dark red sand on one side and towering mountains on the other.
NEOM Guidelines
The publication of these potential routes DOES NOT imply
access is allowed to the indicated areas. NEOM includes fragile
cultural heritage sites and sensitive species and habitats.
Off-road driving, camping and independent exploration will be subject to the zoning and management plans of NEOM’s Nature Conservation Department.
All visitors to NEOM must uphold the highest standards of conduct, including adopting global best practice for 'leave no trace' camping and driving.
NO dune bashing or driving on vegetated areas- vehicles should NOT be driven off established tracks.
Visitors are responsible for checking the latest rules and regulations applying to off-road driving and access to NEOM, and for complying with all interim and final regulations and guidelines.
Visitors are responsible for confirming the current situation regarding accessibility to NEOM and for complying with NEOM permit requirements.
Jabal Assafina
A historically important rock formation in the Wadi Dham area, this gigantic rock outcrop offers a glimpse into the past. Even from the main road you will be able to see the ancient Islamic engravings, but it’s worth stretching your legs and walking around it to get a better view.
Bajdah Desert
The route begins in the Bajdah Desert where you’ll find impressive rock pillars – a common sight in this area. With many interesting rock networks, there are endless possibilities for hiking and rock exploration. By scaling the narrow gaps and crevices you will find unique views of the sand dunes which are particularly spectacular during sunset. Make sure to find a good spot to capture that perfect picture.
Misdar Valley
Misdar Valley boasts beautiful landscapes and the opportunity for some excellent hiking. Trek up to Hisma Arch where you will get a panoramic view of the valley’s epic rock formations.
HISTORIC PETROGLYPHS
With some sites dating back to 500 BCE, ancient rock engravings (like those spotted in this area) from different civilisations can be found all across the Arabian Peninsula. Today, these engravings help paint a picture of what early societies considered important and how they lived their lives. These inscriptions are a structure of written communication which demonstrates an advanced level of development.
Jibal Hisma
This rocky range is made up of stunning red sand dunes and a vast number of stone massifs, each of a unique size and shape. The effect is an ever-changing blend of colours. Thamudic and ancient Arabic inscriptions can be found engraved on some of the desert rocks in the area, making this a must see for historians and nature lovers alike.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This route is fairly easy to navigate. Follow the well-marked tracks and be prepared for a long drive which can be broken up with some camping.
1 From the highway, turn right at the flyover along a paved road. Look out for a standalone rock outcrop, Jabal Assafina, that sits behind a fence. You can hike around this area to see some ancient Islamic engravings.
2 This paved track offers lots of trails. A right turn here will take you towards Mishash Dam and into the Bajdah Desert. This is a perfect place for overnight camping.
3 Proceed with caution along this stretch as the established track gives way to unpaved ground.
4 Continue until you reach the track to Hisma Arch which veers off to the left. This is a great place for panoramic views, camping and snapping some impressive photos. Keep right to continue on the route, where you can explore Misdar Valley and the Hisma Desert.
