Atlantis of the Sands feat HIGHEST DUNE IN THE WORLD | Empty Quarter of Oman

Name: Atlantis of the Sands feat HIGHEST DUNE IN THE WORLD | Empty Quarter of Oman
Start: 2026-01-30T16:00:00+04:00
End: 2026-02-01T22:30:00+04:00
Location: Dubai International Airport

Schedule

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm to Sun, 01 Feb, 2026 at 10:30 pm

UTC+04:00

Location

Dubai International Airport | Dubai, DU

Named after your ex-girlfriend heart, the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali) of Oman is known for its harsh desert climate filled with endless sand dunes as far as the eye can see.
The Empty Quarter, which encompasses most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Yemen, has ancient remains only recently discovered by archaeologists in 1992 using remote sensing equipment.
The city of Ubar, once a trade port along the fabled frankincense route through ancient Arabia, dates to 2,800 BC. And based on excavations and satellite imagery it is also believed to be the Iram of the Pillars, mention in the Quran as a wicked and many-towered city eventually swallowed up by a massive sandstorm – a place sought out by adventurers and explorers for over a century!
Ramlet Jedelah - Some 12 kilometers from the Yemen-Oman border is a home to the highest dune in the world. The summit has been measured at 455m, surpassing the previous record holder - BIG DADDY. You may know BIG DADDY from our trekkup to Namibia, standing on 418m.
And on this weekend, we will take a deep dive into this mysterious area, not far from Salalah, trekking the dry canyons, exploring lost Bedouin cities, and discovering ancient archaeological sites. And as the sun sets on the vast dunes of Arabia, we will get settle into our desert camp for Salalah-style delicacies, served by a campfire.
https://vimeo.com/1005835391
Lets go!
Day 1: DEPARTURE
Meeting at airport at 4pm for direct flight to Salalah, immigration formalities. Check-in to beach resort. Relax or explore surroundings.
Day 2: EMPTY QUARTER - RAMLET JEDELAH
After an early breakfast, the expedition begins! Board our 4×4s and set out toward the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), the world’s largest sand desert, known for its endless dunes and ancient legends of lost cities.
The route passes abandoned settlements and camel farms, offering a glimpse into the traditional desert life. Soon the dunes appear on horizon, and we start exploring their golden waves and vast panoramas.
Continue drive to Ramlet Jedelah - highest dune in the world with elevation 455m, even higher than Namibia's own Big Daddy. After short climb and several hundred selfies, we’ll visit a nearby geode plateau, where hollow stones sparkle with crystals.
As the sun sets, we drive across dunes to our campsite. BBQ dinner under a sky full of stars. Overnight in tents.
DAY 3: LOST CITY OF UBAR - WESTERN DHOFAR
Today we headfirst to the Lost City of Ubar, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site steeped in mystery and legend. Often called the “Atlantis of the Sands,” Ubar was once a thriving trade hub before it vanished beneath the desert.
Although it’s time to head back to Salalah, brace yourself for another set of stunning views! We will visit Rakhyut pools, Shaat view point, Mughsayl blowholes, where seawater shoots high through natural limestone vents.
In the evening, we set compass to the airport for our flight home, with pockets full of memories of Oman’s desert magic.
Level of Difficulty:
Easy & relaxing, available to everyone. Stunning views ahead!
Duration: Weekend
Activities:
Camping, dune bashing, dune trekking, sightseeing, discovering ancient cities.
Accommodation and meals:
Camping, equipment provided - bring your own sleeping bag. Camping meals included.
Cost: AED 3290 all incl. flights until JAN 07th.
Specifically excluded: restaurant meals in Salalah, visa (GCC residents are visa free), insurance.
Clip: https://vimeo.com/1005835391
See yah at Empty Quarter x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / [email protected]
[Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)