The Empty Quarter, or Rub’ al Khali, is a captivating expanse that beckons adventurous travelers. This vast desert landscape is home to the ancient lost city of Ubar, a legendary site steeped in mystery and intrigue. Exploring the ruins of this once-thriving civilization offers a unique glimpse into the past, while the thrill of navigating the rugged terrain in a 4×4 vehicle adds an exhilarating element to the journey. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the Empty Quarter and Ubar promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

Empty Quarter And Lost City Of Ubar - Key Points

  1. The tour explores the Nejd region of Dhofar, including the captivating sand dunes and the immersion into the world’s largest sand desert, the Empty Quarter.
  2. The highlight of the tour is the discovery of the ancient lost city of Ubar, an archaeological site with historical significance.
  3. The tour offers a thrilling 4×4 driving experience over the rugged desert terrain, allowing visitors to soak in the unique desert landscapes.
  4. The tour is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or accessibility needs, and a moderate fitness level is required.
  5. The tour includes fuel surcharge, local taxes, National Park fees, bottled water, and round-trip transfers, with a maximum capacity of 3 in a sedan or 6 in a 4×4 vehicle.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour in southern Oman departs from Salalah, allowing visitors to explore the Nejd area of Dhofar, the rolling sand dunes, Thumrait, the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), and the lost city of Ubar.

Travelers will embark on this journey in a private vehicle with a knowledgeable guide, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

The tour includes fuel surcharge, local taxes, National Park fees, bottled water, and round-trip private transfers.

With a maximum capacity of 3 in a sedan or 6 in a 4×4 vehicle, this excursion offers a personalized adventure.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes a fuel surcharge, local taxes, National Park fees, bottled water, and round-trip private transfers to provide a hassle-free experience for guests.

The maximum capacity is 3 seats for a salon car or 6 seats for a 4×4 vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and personalized journey.

Pickup is available between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, with cruise ship passengers needing to provide specific details at the time of booking.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or accessibility needs, and a moderate level of fitness is required.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour with no penalty, providing flexibility in their travel plans.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Empty Quarter And Lost City Of Ubar - Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup is available from 7:00 to 9:00 AM, and travelers must confirm the exact time with the local provider. Cruise ship passengers will need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking.

Pickup Details
Pickup Time 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Confirmation Required
Cruise Ship Passengers Must Provide Ship Info
Disembarkation Time Required
Re-boarding Time Required

Ensuring a smooth start to the journey, the tour provider offers flexible pickup arrangements and accommodates cruise ship passengers by requiring key details at the time of booking.

Health and Accessibility

Given the nature of the tour, it’s not recommended for those with certain health conditions or accessibility needs. Individuals with heart problems, serious medical issues, pregnant travelers, or those with back problems should avoid this experience.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Children must be accompanied by an adult, as the child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.

The tour’s challenging terrain and activities may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or stamina. Participants should ensure they’re physically capable of the demands of the day-long journey through the Omani desert and ancient ruins.

Tour Highlights

Exploring the Nejd area of Dhofar, travelers embark on a journey through rolling sand dunes, encountering the vast expanse of the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) before uncovering the lost city of Ubar.

The tour highlights include:

  1. Trekking through the Nejd region, a captivating landscape of undulating sand dunes.

  2. Venturing into the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert, for an immersive desert experience.

  3. Discovering the ruins of the ancient lost city of Ubar, a remarkable archaeological site.

  4. Experiencing the thrill of 4×4 driving over the sand as the guide navigates the remote and rugged terrain.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the Nejd region, where travelers are immersed in the captivating landscape of undulating sand dunes.

From there, the journey ventures into the vast expanse of the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), allowing participants to experience the thrill of 4×4 driving over the remote and rugged terrain.

The highlight of the day is the discovery of the lost city of Ubar, a remarkable archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the ruins, learn about the site’s significance, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this unique desert destination.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have provided mixed feedback on the Empty Quarter and Lost City of Ubar tour, with some praising the experience while others expressing concerns.

Some key points from reviews include:

  1. Long travel time to the desert, with one traveler noting the experience felt more like paying for a private driver rather than engaging activities.

  2. Limited dune bashing, leaving some visitors disappointed with the lack of adventurous elements.

  3. Perceived high cost for the overall experience, with some feeling the tour was overpriced for the activities included.

  4. Despite these criticisms, the tour has maintained an overall rating of 4.5 stars, suggesting many travelers still found the journey worthwhile.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Empty Quarter and Lost City of Ubar tour is a hassle-free process, with tour operators offering convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services. Customers can easily reserve their spot online or by contacting the provider directly, and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour start time. The tour caters to a range of group sizes, with salon cars accommodating up to 3 passengers and 4×4 vehicles seating up to 6. Whether you’re a cruise ship passenger or staying in Salalah, the tour provider ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

Tour Details Salon Car (3 seats) 4×4 Vehicle (6 seats)
Max Capacity 3 6
Pickup Time 7:00 – 9:00 AM 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Cancellation Free up to 24 hrs Free up to 24 hrs
Hotel Pickup Included Included
Cruise Ship Must provide details Must provide details

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cultural Significance of the Lost City of Ubar?

The lost city of Ubar has significant cultural value as an ancient oasis settlement and trading hub in the Arabian Peninsula. It provides insight into pre-Islamic Arabian civilizations and their adaptations to the harsh desert environment.

How Much Time Is Typically Spent Exploring the Rub Al Khali Desert?

The tour typically spends 2-3 hours exploring the Rub Al Khali desert, also known as the Empty Quarter. Visitors can experience the vast, rolling sand dunes and get a sense of the immense scale of this remote desert landscape.

Are There Any Opportunities to Interact With Local Bedouin Communities?

The tour doesn’t appear to include specific opportunities to interact with local Bedouin communities. The focus seems to be on exploring the desert landscapes and visiting historical sites rather than culture experiences.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Empty Quarter Region?

The best time to visit the Empty Quarter region is during the cooler months from October to April. Temperatures are milder, making it more comfortable to explore the vast, arid sand dunes and desert landscapes.

Are There Any Optional Add-On Activities Available for This Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t mention any optional add-on activities. The focus seems to be on the main highlights of the tour, such as exploring the sand dunes and visiting the lost city of Ubar. Customization options may be available, but aren’t explicitly listed.

The Sum Up

Explore the vast and captivating Empty Quarter, where the lost city of Ubar awaits.

This thrilling adventure offers a chance to uncover ancient ruins, immerse in the desert’s unique ecosystem, and experience the thrill of 4×4 driving.

Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Dhofar’s breathtaking landscapes.