Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes remain some of the most spectacular in the world, and in 2025 they are becoming even more accessible for travelers seeking pristine dunes, dramatic rock formations, ancient caravan paths, and immersive cultural experiences. The kingdom’s vast territory offers an entire palette of desert routes, each revealing a unique blend of nature, heritage, and adventure. This guide explores the best desert routes for 2025, helping you choose the most inspiring trails and understand what makes each location an essential stop for explorers, photographers, hikers, and cultural travelers.
Introduction to Desert Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Desert tourism in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge driven by improved infrastructure, eco-friendly initiatives, and a growing focus on adventure travel. From the ochre mountains of AlUla to the endless dunes of the Empty Quarter, each route opens a window into the country’s natural diversity. Travelers in 2025 can expect better accessibility, guided expeditions, and advanced safety measures that allow even inexperienced desert visitors to discover these landscapes comfortably. With this in mind, the following sections break down the top desert routes that define Saudi Arabia’s travel identity this year.
AlUla Desert Trails and Heritage Paths
AlUla remains the crown jewel of desert exploration thanks to its dramatic canyons, sculpted sandstone formations, and UNESCO-listed archaeological areas. Travelers can choose scenic driving routes or deeper trekking circuits that reveal the region’s breathtaking geology. The Elephant Rock route, for instance, provides a gentle introduction to AlUla’s features, while deeper trails toward Harrat Uwayrid expose epic volcanic fields.
Hikers interested in heritage can follow restored Nabataean pathways that once connected trading outposts, tracing the journey of merchants who traveled through this oasis thousands of years ago. The magic of AlUla in 2025 lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the way preservation projects illuminate its rich cultural layers. Nighttime desert hikes and guided star-gazing tours also place AlUla among the most multidimensional desert destinations in the Middle East.
The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) Expedition Routes
The Empty Quarter remains the ultimate destination for travelers seeking a true desert expedition. As the largest continuous sand desert in the world, Rub’ al Khali offers vast horizons, towering dunes, and the feeling of absolute solitude. In 2025, new regulated expedition routes make it easier to experience this legendary landscape. Starting from the edges near Wadi Al Dawasir or crossing toward the southern borders, travelers can experience shifting sand dunes that reach astonishing heights.
Before diving deeper into the exploration of the Empty Quarter, it’s helpful to understand the route categories that define these desert experiences. Some routes are used for photographic expeditions, others for multi-day camel treks, and several for off-road driving journeys. Below is a short list that describes the most common route types travelers will encounter, offering a clearer view of how diverse the region’s desert itineraries have become:
- Photography routes with sunrise and sunset dune vantage points.
- Trekking routes following ancient Bedouin migration paths.
- Off-road driving circuits designed for trained desert drivers.
- Cultural routes focusing on Bedouin settlements and seasonal camps.
Each of these categories is supported by experienced guides in 2025, ensuring visitors can explore safely while gaining insight into the traditions that shaped the region. After choosing a route type, travelers typically consult local guides to determine whether they should pursue a short excursion or a multi-day crossing.
To help compare the main Empty Quarter route types, here is a simple table summarizing their focus and difficulty. This overview gives travelers a practical reference while planning their journey:
| Route Type | Main Focus | Difficulty | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photography Route | Scenic dunes and light conditions | Low | Photographers, beginners |
| Trekking Route | Long-distance desert hiking | High | Adventure travelers |
| Off-Road Circuit | Driving across dunes and remote terrain | Medium–High | Experienced drivers |
| Cultural Route | Bedouin heritage, camps, customs | Low–Medium | Cultural tourists |
As you can see, the Empty Quarter is not limited to extreme expeditions. Even first-time desert visitors can choose low-difficulty routes focused on scenery or cultural immersion. Meanwhile, experienced adventurers continue to push deeper into the remote heart of the dunes, making Rub’ al Khali a major highlight for 2025.
Great Nafud Desert and Northern Adventure Routes
The Great Nafud in northern Saudi Arabia offers a dramatically different desert environment compared to the Empty Quarter. Its reddish dunes and rugged escarpments create a striking visual appeal, especially for travelers who enjoy photography and varied terrain. The routes around Tayma and Ha’il combine dune landscapes with volcanic formations, rock art sites, and historical oases that once served caravans crossing northern Arabia.
The northern desert’s cooler climate in certain seasons makes it attractive for hiking and camping. Adventurers in 2025 will appreciate that several new eco-camping zones have been established, allowing travelers to spend the night under the stars with minimal environmental impact. The Great Nafud routes are also known for easier accessibility, making them ideal for travelers who want a desert experience without venturing into extremely remote areas.
Jubbah and Hail Rock Art Trails
The Jubbah region near Ha’il is one of Saudi Arabia’s most fascinating desert destinations. Its unique landscape is filled with ancient rock carvings, recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance. Desert routes in this region often combine archaeological exploration with scenic viewpoints, allowing travelers to walk among millennia-old petroglyphs depicting hunting scenes, animals, and human rituals.
In 2025, interpretive trails have been expanded to help visitors better understand the significance of each carved panel. These marked routes maintain the desert’s natural feel while offering informative guidance, ensuring that the experience remains both educational and adventurous. Travelers can also join guided excursions that connect Jubbah with other historical sites across the Ha’il region, creating a broader understanding of ancient Arabian culture.
Al Kharrarah and the Central Desert Lakes Region
Near Riyadh, the Al Kharrarah desert provides a unique combination of dunes and seasonal lakes that appear after rainfall. This region appeals to families, casual travelers, and nature photographers thanks to its accessible routes and beautiful sand formations. Al Kharrarah Lake, when filled, creates an unexpected contrast in the desert and attracts wildlife, making it one of the most surprising destinations for 2025.
Besides the lakes, visitors can explore surrounding dune routes that offer moderate hiking challenges and scenic picnic locations. Because of its proximity to the capital, Al Kharrarah is increasingly popular for day trips and weekend journeys. Conservation efforts in 2025 focus on protecting its delicate ecosystems, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the area responsibly. Travelers looking for a softer introduction to Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes will find Al Kharrarah to be an ideal starting point.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s desert routes in 2025 offer an extraordinary range of travel experiences—from extreme dune expeditions to cultural heritage trails and beginner-friendly scenic circuits. Each region showcases a different facet of the kingdom’s identity, blending natural beauty with historical significance. Whether you choose AlUla’s dramatic formations, the vast silence of the Empty Quarter, the northern charm of the Great Nafud, the archaeological treasures of Jubbah, or the accessible serenity of Al Kharrarah, you will encounter one of the most unforgettable landscapes on Earth. Desert travel in Saudi Arabia is evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for exploration.