The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter)

The Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, is the world's largest continuous sand desert, covering parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Yemen. It spans around 650,000 square kilometers (250,000 square miles), featuring vast, shifting sand dunes that can reach heights over 250 meters (820 feet). The area is largely uninhabited due to extreme temperatures, scarce water, and harsh conditions, making it one of the most desolate environments on Earth. Despite its inhospitable nature, it holds significant archaeological and geological interest and is part of the Arabian Peninsula's historic trade routes.