6 Days · Reverse Crossing

Crossing the Empty Quarter
(Bayda' Allahy) — 6 Days

📅 Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights 📍 Departs: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🌡️ Season: November – January 🏁 Return: 5:00 PM Day 6 👥 Group: 6–12 persons 🌴 Highlight: Bayda' Allahy — Sulfurous Oasis

About This Expedition

Embark on a 6-day adventure across the vast Empty Quarter, starting from the northeastern corner in the Shubaytha area near the Shaybah field and ending at the historic meteorite site in Umm Al-Hadid.

The defining centerpiece of this route is Bayda' Allahy — a remarkable sulfurous oasis adorned with palm trees and diverse flora, serving as an iconic crossroads deep within the desert. Along the way, traverse ancient wells, lush desert oases, and towering sand dunes, experiencing the magical desert sky each night.

🌴 About Bayda' Allahy

A captivating sulfurous oasis with palm trees and desert flora at the intersection of major Empty Quarter routes. Historically used by Bedouin as a rest point and water source during desert crossings. One of the most unique and photogenic locations in the Rub al Khali.

✅ Included

4×4 transportation throughout
All meals
Sleeping bag and tent
Desert equipment
Local expert guide

❌ Not Included

Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses

📌 Trip Info: Departs Riyadh · Season: November – January · Group: 6–12 people · Return: 5:00 PM · Contact: +966563639405

6-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Riyadh to Umm Al-Hadid

Dawn Departure · Al-Kharj Breakfast · Shalfa Dunes · Meteorite Site

4:30 AM — Depart Riyadh at dawn; witness the sunrise over the open desert.

6:00 AM — Breakfast in Al-Kharj city.

10:30 AM — Fuel stop at Um Athla station.

11:00 AM — Enter the Ash-Shalfa area — first encounter with towering dunes.

3:30 PM — Arrive at Umm Al-Hadid (Meteorite Fall Site) — guided history and geology briefing.

6:00 PM — Dinner under the desert sky.

7:00 PM — Campfire, stars, and stories with fellow travellers.

Day 2 — Tawil Al-Khatam

Bir Jalabah · Sulfurous Jacuzzi · Sunset Dune Walk

5:00 AM — Wake-up; Arabic coffee and dates at sunrise.

7:00 AM — Breakfast while watching the desert sunrise from Umm Al-Hadid.

8:00 AM — Journey towards Tawil Al-Khatam.

12:00 PM — Refreshment stop at Bir Jalabah.

3:30 PM — Arrive at Tawil Al-Khatam; sunset dune walks and exploration.

4:00 PM — Soak in the natural sulfurous hot Jacuzzi in the Empty Quarter — a truly unique experience.

5:00 PM — Dune hiking. 6:00 PM — Dinner. 7:00 PM — Campfire under the stars.

Day 3 — Bayda' Allahy

Qulmat Um Quroon · Umm Quroon Jacuzzi · Bayda' Allahy Well

5:00 AM — Wake-up for a vibrant desert morning.

7:00 AM — Breakfast with sunrise.

8:00 AM — Head towards Bayda Allahy.

9:00 AM — Brief stop at Qulmat Um Quroon for panoramic dune views.

11:00 AM — Arrive at Umm Quroon; soak in a natural sulfurous Jacuzzi.

12:30 PM — Coffee and snacks at Umm Quroon.

1:00 PM — Continue towards Bayda' Allahy.

3:30 PM — Camp at Bayda' Allahy. Visit the famous well. Sand walking. Fire kindling. Explore the oasis flora.

6:00 PM — Dinner. 7:00 PM — Campfire and stargazing.

Day 4 — Al-Kudan Area

Qalma Fatimah · Al-Kudan Sunset Camp · Stars

5:00 AM — Wake-up; first to see the magnificent desert sunrise.

7:00 AM — Breakfast in the desert.

9:00 AM — Set off; enjoy the scenery at Qalma Fatimah.

11:30 AM — Coffee, tea, and light meal at Qalma Fatimah.

3:30 PM — Camp at Al-Kudan; breathtaking sunset over the desert horizon.

6:00 PM — Dinner. 7:00 PM — Campfire and stories.

Day 5 — Shubaytha & Ghada Al-Hissan

Fuel Stop · Final Deep Desert Camp

5:00 AM — Wake-up.

7:00 AM — Breakfast.

8:00 AM — Head towards Shubaytha area.

11:00 AM — Arrive Shubaytha; refuel and brief rest.

11:30 AM — Snacks, coffee, and tea.

3:30 PM — Camp at Ghada Al-Hissan; enjoy the beauty and serenity of the deep desert.

6:00 PM — Dinner. 7:00 PM — Final campfire session under the stars.

Day 6 — Return to Riyadh

Final Morning · Haradh Lunch · Arrival

5:00 AM — Final moments in the Empty Quarter.

7:00 AM — Breakfast; share memories and adventures with fellow travellers.

8:00 AM — Begin the return journey towards Riyadh.

3:00 PM — Lunch in Haradh.

5:00 PM — Arrive Riyadh. Expedition complete. Celebrate crossing one of the world's most formidable deserts.

Route: Riyadh → Haradh → Um Athla → Ash-Shalfa → Umm Al-Hadid → Tawil Al-Khatam → Bir Jalabah → Qulmat Um Quroon → Umm Quroon → Bayda' Allahy → Qalma Fatimah → Al-Kudan → Shubaytha → Ghada Al-Hissan → Haradh → Riyadh

Key Geographical Sites

This route is the reverse of the classic northwest-to-southeast crossing — beginning near Shaybah and returning to Riyadh via the northwestern dune fields. It emphasises the oasis-rich eastern interior of the Empty Quarter.

Bayda' Allahy

Sulfurous oasis with palm trees and desert flora — the centerpiece of this route and a historic desert crossroads

Umm Al-Hadid

Ancient meteorite impact site — dramatic geological landmark

Tawil Al-Khatam

Natural sulfurous well with hot-spring Jacuzzi feature

Umm Quroon

Famous desert crossroads well — leads east to Al-Qaad and west to the White Camel area

Qulmat Um Quroon

Elevated viewpoint with panoramic views across the eastern dune fields

Al-Kudan

Remote desert plateau — serene camp area with uninterrupted horizon views

Ghada Al-Hissan

Final deep-desert camp — dune area before the return leg

Shubaytha / Shaybah

Deep desert waypoint near the Shaybah oil field — northeastern terminus of this crossing

Safety Measures & Emergency Protocols

All Vehicles Are Equipped With

CB Radios for real-time convoy communication
GPS Devices with desert terrain mapping
Satellite Phones for remote emergency contact
Full First Aid Kit
Extra fuel reserves (essential for deep desert stages)
Extra water supplies

Expeditions are led by experienced local guides with deep knowledge of the Empty Quarter. Minimum group of 6 ensures convoy safety. Emergency briefing conducted on Day 1. Participants must be in good physical health.