Rub al-Khali - the "Empty Quarter"
The Rub al-Khali still remains one of the most inaccessible regions on earth. In ancient times the frankincense caravans crossed the desert and built rich trading posts, of which today only a few traces are found.
On the border with Saudi Arabia the huge dunes of the Great Central Arabian desert penetrate from far into Omani territory.The sands cover one quarter of the Arabian Peninsula. Since in this desert almost no water there can be found, it is also hardly populated, hence its name Rub Al Khali, the "Empty Quarter". It still remains one of the most inaccessible regions on earth.
Like mountains the sand dunes rise up of the plane. The deeper one goes into this fascinating landscape, the more one is removed from everyday life in Europe, the bustle and noise. You immerse yourself in absulut silence, surrounded by an endless sea of sand dunes. A trip into this desert you should only do with a really knowledgeable local indigenous guide.
In the ancient frankincense caravans crossed the desert and built up rich trading posts, of which today are found only a few traces, like in Shisr.
Georg Popp
What makes this travel guide so special? This book is a product of the long-term personal friendship between the authors, Mr Georg Popp and Mr Juma Al-Maskari and their continuing fascination with the Sultanate of Oman. Combining their insights from European and Omani perspectives, they have produced a guide which is as much about culture and history as it is a practical guide for planning your itinerary.
