Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, is a vast desert region covering over 12,000 square kilometers. Its massive longitudinal dunes can rise up to 100 meters, displaying striking shades of gold, amber, and deep red. This area features a quintessential Arabian desert experience, defined by rolling sand seas and an overwhelming sense of silence. Visitors typically stay in desert camps ranging from basic bedouin tents to high-end luxury glamping sites. Popular activities include adrenaline-pumping dune bashing in 4WD vehicles, sunset camel treks, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world. Many camps also offer cultural exchanges where guests can learn about the bedouin way of life and traditional handicrafts. Driving into the dunes requires a 4WD vehicle and experience with sand driving, including deflating tires before entry. Most travelers enter from the town of Bidiyah. The best season to visit is from October to March when the desert nights are cool and refreshing. Summer temperatures can soar well above 40°C, making daytime exploration challenging.

Nearby cities

Sur

Sur is famous for the traditional construction of dhow boats.

Jalan Bani Bu Ali

Jalan Bani Bu Ali is known for its historical watchtowers.

Kõrgessaare

A tranquil coastal settlement on Hiiumaa island, known for its pristine nature and historic harbor.

Panga Cliff

The highest limestone cliff on Saaremaa, offering dramatic sea views and a historic sacrificial site where legends meet the waves.

Kärdla

Kärdla is Estonia's smallest county town and the center of Hiiumaa.

Leisi

Leisi is a peaceful coastal destination on Saaremaa island in Estonia, offering lush nature and tranquil Baltic Sea shores.

Ibra

Ibra is one of the oldest cities in the Ash Sharqiyah region.

Kihelkonna

Kihelkonna is a peaceful coastal village in Estonia, offering pristine nature and quiet shores.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is Estonia's largest island, famous for its windmills, the medieval castle of Kuressaare, and its rich folklore.

Kaali

A unique field of nine meteorite craters located on the island of Saaremaa.

Orissaare

Orissaare is on Saaremaa and has a calm island-town feel.

Vormsi

Estonia's fourth-largest island, offering a unique blend of coastal Swedish history, mysterious wheel crosses, and untouched pine forests.

Roomassaare

Roomassaare is the main port of Kuressaare on Saaremaa and serves as a gateway to smaller islands like Abruka.

History & landmarks

Wahiba Sands

An expansive desert landscape with copper-colored sand dunes that constantly shift in the wind.

Wadi Bani Khalid

This desert oasis holds water all year round and is lined with date palms.

Kõpu Lighthouse

Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the oldest functional lighthouses in the world and a landmark of Hiiumaa island.

Hiiumaa Island + Kõpu Lighthouse

With the 1504 lighthouse, the second-oldest.

Saaremaa Island

Largest Estonian island, Kuressaare Castle.

Majlis al Jinn Cave

One of the largest underground cave chambers in the world.

Bimmah Sinkhole

Filled with turquoise water, this natural karst depression is located in a coastal park.

Wadi Shab

A spectacular gorge featuring emerald freshwater pools, waterfalls, and hidden caves.

Nature

Viidumäe Nature Reserve

The Viidumäe Nature Reserve on Saaremaa protects the highest elevation on the island and hosts a high number of endemic and rare plant sp…

Saaremaa Wildlife Park

The Saaremaa Wildlife Park on Saaremaa island provides a home for various native animal species in a natural setting.

More places

🗺️

Al Saleel National Park

This nature park protects valuable acacia forests and is an important habitat for the Arabian gazelle in the Ash Sharqiyah region.

Tomb of Bibi Maryam

The Mausoleum of Bibi Maryam is the only structure of the ancient city of Qalhat that has remained largely intact.

Ancient City of Qalhat

Qalhat was a major trading center between the 11th and 15th centuries, controlled by the Kingdom of Hormuz.

Oman LNG Plant

The Oman LNG plant in Sur is responsible for the liquefaction and export of Omani natural gas.

Sur Industrial City

Sur Industrial City in the Ash Sharqiyah South region is a major hub for heavy industry and petrochemical plants.

Bilad Sur Castle

Bilad Sur Castle is located three kilometers inland from Sur.

Sunaysilah Fort

Sunaysilah Fort overlooks the coastal city of Sur and is a nearly square structure dating to the 18th century.

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz is a prominent nesting site for the endangered green turtle, where thousands of females return annually to lay their eggs on …