Overview
Wahiba Sands, officially known as Sharqiyah Sands, is a vast desert region in northeastern Oman covering approximately 12,500 square kilometres. The desert features towering sand dunes that can reach heights of over 100 metres, creating a dramatic landscape that shifts from golden to red hues throughout the day. Wahiba Sands is home to Bedouin communities who have maintained traditional desert lifestyles for generations, raising camels and goats and navigating the dune landscape with inherited knowledge. The area has become one of Oman’s most popular tourism destinations, offering desert camping experiences, dune driving, camel riding, and cultural encounters with Bedouin hospitality.
Key Facts
- Desert region covering approximately 12,500 square kilometres
- Located in Al Sharqiyah region of northeastern Oman
- Features sand dunes exceeding 100 metres in height
- Home to Bedouin communities maintaining traditional lifestyles
- Popular for desert camping, dune bashing, and camel trekking
- Supports a unique ecosystem of desert-adapted flora and fauna
- Accessible from Muscat within a three-hour drive
Significance for Vision 2040
Wahiba Sands contributes to Vision 2040’s tourism diversification objectives by offering an authentic Arabian desert experience that appeals to international visitors seeking adventure and cultural immersion. The desert tourism sector provides income opportunities for Bedouin communities through guided tours, traditional hospitality camps, and cultural demonstrations, supporting Vision 2040’s inclusive growth principles. Sustainable management of desert tourism is essential to prevent environmental degradation of the fragile dune ecosystem while maintaining the authentic character that attracts visitors. Vision 2040’s tourism strategy emphasizes the development of experiential tourism products that highlight Oman’s geographic diversity, and Wahiba Sands represents a key asset in this portfolio alongside mountain, coastal, and urban destinations.