Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world's most stunning and vast desert landscapes. This makes it a perfect destination for desert safaris and explorations. Renting a car in Saudi Arabia is a great option, especially when looking for vehicles suitable for desert travel. In this blog post, we will discuss why renting an SUV is a game-changer for travelers.
When planning an adventure in Saudi Arabia, choose among the best SUVs for desert travel. These vehicles offer several key benefits:
Here are the five benefits of renting an SUV for desert adventures:
One of the best things about renting an SUV is the flexibility it provides. Here are some of the benefits that ca rental companies offer:
Safety is a top priority when exploring remote desert areas. Fortunately, most SUVs are equipped with advanced safety features that make desert travel safer and more secure:
Long drives through the desert can be uncomfortable if you're not in the right vehicle. Here’s why SUVs are designed to ensure comfort during long journeys:
Driving deeper into the desert, you can connect with the local communities. Traditional desert villages are often hidden away from the main roads. But with an SUV, you can easily navigate the challenging terrain to reach these settlements.
Here, you can experience firsthand the customs, traditions, and lifestle of the people who have lived in the desert for generations. The warmth and hospitality of these communities provide a memorable experience, allowing you to form a deeper understanding of desert life.
In addition to engaging with local culture, an SUV also allows you to explore some of the most iconic historic sites that Saudi Arabia.
Many ancient ruins and historical landmarks are scattered throughout the desert. For example, you can visit the ancient Nabatean City of Al-Ula, which is known for its impressive rock-cut tombs and historical significance as a trade hub along the Incense Route. Al-Ula is located in a remote part of the desert, and an SUV makes it easier to reach.
For photographers and adventure enthusiasts, an SUV can help capture the beauty of the desert. The wide views provided by the elevated height of an SUV allow you to shoot from different angles. Additionally, SUVs make it easier to reach vantage points for stunning desert photography and thrilling activities such as sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding.
Here are the best deserts you shouldn’t miss when visiting Saudi Arabia:
The Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. Stretching over 250,000 square miles, this desert is home to vast, sweeping dunes reaching 800 feet high, creating a mesmerizing and serene landscape. The endless horizon and extreme isolation offer a unique, peaceful experience away from the city, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and solitude.
The Empty Quarter is also a haven for wildlife and ancient Bedouin culture, providing visitors with a chance to connect with the desert's rich history and heritage.
How to Reach Rub' al Khali
To explore Rub' al Khali, head south from Riyadh towards the city of Al-Kharj. From there, take the road toward Al-Quway’iyah and follow signs for the Rub' al Khali. The terrain can be challenging, so ensure your SUV has off-road capabilities and plenty of fuel for the journey. Drive cautiously through the sandy stretches and dunes, and be prepared for an adventure with limited mobile reception.
The Al-Ula Desert is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic rock formations, ancient tombs, and petroglyphs. Visitors can explore the Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr) tombs, carved into the sandstone cliffs and dating back to the Nabatean Kingdom. The desert landscape is dotted with towering rock formations and unique sandstone mountains.
How to Reach Al-Ula
To get to Al-Ula from Medina, take Route 60 south and then connect to Route 80. The drive is mostly paved. The roads may become more rugged as you approach the desert area. In an SUV, you can handle the occasional rocky or sandy paths leading to the archaeological sites and desert viewpoints. Plan your trip during daylight hours, as some routes are less well-marked in the desert.
Located in central Saudi Arabia, the Dahna Desert is famous for its striking red sand dunes. It is perfect for those seeking a remote experience. This desert is part of the larger Rub' al Khali and provides a more accessible entry point into Saudi Arabia’s vast sandscapes. The Dahna's deep red sands create an otherworldly environment. Its dunes, which stretch for hundreds of miles, offer a perfect setting for dune bashing, camel riding, and stargazing at night.
How to Reach Dahna Desert
From Riyadh, head east on Route 80 towards Al-Muzahimiyah. You’ll need to turn off onto smaller desert roads to enter the heart of the Dahna Desert. A 4x4 SUV is ideal for tackling the dunes. The journey is about two hours, and it's best to go with a guide or a well-marked map to navigate the desert terrain safely.
Al-Naqab is located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia. The desert is marked by rocky plateaus, deep valleys, and scattered sand dunes, making it a favorite among hikers and adventure seekers. What sets Al-Naqab apart is its stark, barren beauty, with few signs of human habitation, which is an ideal spot for solo adventurers. The desert is also home to some of the most incredible sunsets.
How to Reach Al-Naqab Desert
To reach Al-Naqab from Tabuk, take Route 70 to the east. Once you approach the edge of the desert, the terrain becomes rough. You’ll need a reliable 4x4 SUV to navigate the rocky paths. Make sure to stock up on water and provisions, as services are sparse in this remote area. Follow the desert roads and watch for natural landmarks to help guide your way deeper into the desert for a true adventure.
Tayma, located northwest of Saudi Arabia, is home to ancient ruins and archaeological sites that date back to the Nabateans and the Greeks. Among the desert’s highlights are the Al-Layla Oasis and the Qasr al-Bint ruins, as well as petroglyphs and inscriptions that glimpse the area’s past. Tayma’s desert terrain and historical sites make it a great destination for explorers and history buffs.
How to Reach Tayma
From Medina, take Route 65 towards Tayma. As you leave the main highway, the road conditions become more challenging, so having a high-clearance SUV is recommended. The desert roads can be rocky and sometimes sandy, but a well-equipped SUV will make the journey easier. Once you arrive, several off-road tracks lead to the historical sites.
An SUV is the ideal vehicle for exploring this stunning country's vast desert landscapes. It has powerful engines, higher ground clearance, and the ability to access remote desert locations.
For your Saudi Arabian adventure, consider renting an SUV with Finalrentals. With our wide selection of vehicles and easy booking process, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with no hidden charges and free cancellation.
