Rub’ al Khali
Rub’ al Khali, also known as the “Empty Quarter,” is a large desert located in the southern Arabian Peninsula. It covers an area of approximately 650,000 square kilometers (250,000 square miles) and is one of the largest sand deserts in the world.
The Rub’ al Khali is known for its extreme temperatures and harsh climate, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 50°C (122°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping to below freezing.
Despite its inhospitable conditions, the desert is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including the Arabian Oryx and the sand gazelle
The history of Rub’ al Khali, also known as the “Empty Quarter,” dates back thousands of years. The desert has played an important role in the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula, serving as a trade route for caravans traveling between the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
The Bedouin tribes, who are nomadic people that have lived in the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, have long relied on the desert for their livelihood. They have developed a deep understanding of the environment and the resources it provides, including water sources, plants, and animals. The Bedouin were skilled navigators, using the stars to guide them through the vast and inhospitable terrain.
In the early 20th century, the Rub’ al Khali became the site of several expeditions by European explorers, including Bertram Thomas, who became the first person to cross the desert from west to east in 1930.
After the war, Thomas became interested in exploring the Arabian Peninsula and began studying Arabic and Islamic culture. In 1928, he was appointed as a political officer in the British government and was sent to the Arabian Peninsula to establish diplomatic relations with the local tribes.
While in the region, Thomas became fascinated by the Rub’ al Khali, which was one of the few unexplored areas of the Arabian Peninsula
In 1930, he set out on an expedition to cross the desert from west to east, with the support of the British government and the Saudi Arabian authorities.
The expedition was a grueling and dangerous journey, with the team facing extreme heat, sandstorms, and a shortage of water. Despite these challenges, Thomas and his team successfully crossed the desert, becoming the first people to do so from west to east.
After his expedition, Thomas wrote a book about his experiences, titled “Arabia Felix: Across the Empty Quarter of Arabia.”
Today, the Rub’ al Khali is an important area for oil exploration, with several oil fields located within the desert. It is also a popular destination for tourists interested in desert exploration and adventure. Despite its harsh conditions, the Rub’ al Khali remains an important and fascinating part of the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula.
