How long is the Highway Empty Quarter?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
160 km
250 m
extreme
Year-round
Opened in 2015, the Saudi Arabia-Oman highway, known as Highway Empty Quarter, directly connects both countries through the Rub’ al Khali desert, also known as The Empty Quarter, the largest and most barren sand desert in the world. The road has been called an engineering marvel as it was built through the moving sands of the vast Empty Quarter.
How long is the Highway Empty Quarter?
The road, which snakes through the world’s largest desert, is totally paved. It’s a dual-carriageway that dramatically cuts down the journey times and distances between the two countries.
On the Oman side, it is about 160km long, starting from Tanam in Ibri and ending at the Saudi border. From Saudi Arabia, it stretches 247km from the Omani border to the Shaybah Oil Field and 319km from Shaybah to the Batha-Haradh road, which leads to Riyadh. The new road cuts the distance between Saudi Arabia and Oman by about 800 km.
Is the Highway Empty Quarter challenging?
The highway is one of the longest roads in the Middle East, through one of the harshest, extreme climates in the world, overcoming extreme logistical challenges and achieving demanding service requirements to reach Saudi Arabia’s ambitious infrastructure development program.
The construction was extremely hazardous. Intense heat, farness from the nearest inhabited city, shifting sand dunes, and harsh topography and climate all spelled the difficulties in the construction project. The desert is characterized by steep terrain and sand dunes elevated as high as 250 meters (820ft), and this did not hinder the completion of the road construction project.
Among other difficulties, the workers and machines had to cope with extreme desert temperatures, reaching 50ºC degrees in the day and dropping to below 0ºC at night.
How to get ready to drive the Saudi Arabia-Oman highway?
While the highway provides an essential link between the two countries, travelers need to exercise caution due to the extreme desert conditions, including high temperatures, limited access to services, and the potential for sandstorms.
Proper preparation and adherence to safety guidelines are essential for anyone undertaking a journey along the Saudi Arabia-Oman Highway.
Is the Highway Empty Quarter worth it?
The Rub' al Khali desert is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, covering parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
The highway traverses through this vast and inhospitable desert terrain, making it an engineering marvel. Traveling along this highway offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape, with endless stretches of sand dunes and arid terrain.
The route is also significant for its strategic importance, connecting key cities and regions in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
http://tradearabia.com/news/CONS_287225.html
Driving Saudi Arabia's Highway 10, one of the world's longest straight roads
Is Jebel Al Mebrah harder than Mortirolo and Angliru?
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 160 km
- Max Elevation
- 250 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
hardDriving the paved high road to Pe La in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Pe La: Prepare to be breathless, literally! This ultra-high Himalayan pass climbs to a staggering 5,136m (16,850ft) in Tibet's Ngamring County. Get ready for a smooth, paved road that winds through some of the most dramatic landscapes imaginable, north of the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo river. Think endless high-altitude plains and jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. This vital route connects you towards Sangsang, but don't underestimate the challenge! The air is THIN up here, making everything – including your engine – work harder. Even in summer, the lack of oxygen is real. While the entire 39.4 km (24.48 miles) is paved, making it accessible to most vehicles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting near Sangsang on the famous G219 highway, the road plunges south towards Riwuqixiang, with sections boasting some serious 12% gradients. Those steep climbs combined with the altitude can quickly lead to overheating and altitude sickness. Be prepared for anything when you're this high on the Tibetan plateau. Sudden snowstorms, crazy winds, and freezing temps are totally normal, even in summer. Check the weather before you go. Seriously. Acclimatize well before you even THINK about tackling Pe La; that lack of oxygen at 5,136 meters is no joke. Also, pack smart! There are ZERO services along this 39 km stretch. Make sure your car is in perfect condition, and you've got emergency supplies, oxygen, and proper cold-weather gear.
moderateWhere is the Moreeb Dune?
🌍 Arabian Peninsula
Cruising through the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, you'll find the epic Moreeb Dune, or Tal Moreeb, one of the planet's tallest dunes. This beast is nestled near the Liwa Oasis, right on the edge of the Empty Quarter desert, practically waving to Saudi Arabia. So, what makes it a must-see? For starters, it's the tallest dune in the UAE! We're talking a whopping 5,250 feet long and almost 1,000 feet high, with a seriously steep 50-degree slope. It's not just a pretty face though—it's famous for hosting insane drag races. Getting there is surprisingly easy. The whole 13.6-mile stretch from the Arada - Hamim Road (E90) is paved. As you drive south of Mzeerʻah, the road winds through the desert, treating you to incredible sand dune vistas before you even reach the legendary Tal Mireb ("Horrifying Hill"). The paved road takes you all the way to the base of Tal Moreeb and ends in a parking lot, so no 4x4 needed, thanks to the government's efforts to make this place accessible. Just follow the signs for 'Moreeb Dune' or 'Tal Mireb'. One heads up though: the desert wind loves to blow sand onto the road, so keep an eye out!
hardJiajinshan Pass: a road you really wish you would drive at least once in your lifetime
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Jiajinshan Pass in Sichuan, China! We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 4,102 meters (that's 13,458 feet!). You'll find this beauty nestled in the Jiajin Mountains. The road, also known as 210 Provincial Road (S210), stretches for 193 kilometers from Feixianguanzhen (at 1,018m) all the way up to Daweixiang (at 2,917m). And yes, it's paved, so your ride will be smooth-ish. This pass is generally open year-round, so add it to your list no matter the season. Get ready for a rollercoaster of hairpin turns and curves that'll keep you on your toes. The views? Totally worth it! Be warned: it's a steep climb. Expect grades of 9-11% as you power through those bends!
moderateHaizi Pass: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Haizi La is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a lung-busting 15,383 feet in western Sichuan, China. We're talking Batang County in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture – seriously remote and stunning. You'll be cruising along the legendary G318, the Tibet-Sichuan highway, and thankfully, it's all paved. "Haizi" means "lakes," and legend has it there are over a thousand of them scattered around Haizi Mountain. Think lunar landscape meets shimmering alpine pools. The pass itself stretches for about 33 miles between Dedaxiang and Henixiang, so settle in for the ride. At the summit, there's a little bar (score!) and a viewing platform on the left, offering panoramic views of the breathtaking Sisters Lakes. Seriously, the blue hues of these lakes against the stark landscape will blow your mind.