Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar
Salalah, Oman

Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar

Outty Ranking 58 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $235
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar worth booking?

Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar is a 9-hour experience in Salalah, Oman, from $235 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
9 hours
From
$235 per person

Discover the spectacular Rub Al Khalil Desert, visit a Bedouin settlement and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi "Dawka". Explore Rub Al Khali, the largest sand desert in the world See the lost city of Ubar and learn about its history Explore the "Frankincense Wadi", also known as Wadi Dawka A German-speaking tour guide can be booked for an additional charge of 100 omr

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the spectacular Rub Al Khalil Desert, visit a Bedouin settlement and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi "Dawka". Explore Rub Al Khali, the largest sand desert in the world See the lost city of Ubar and learn about its history Explore the "Frankincense Wadi", also known as Wadi Dawka A German-speaking tour guide can be booked for an additional charge of 100 omr

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Empty Quarter

      Get picked up directly from your hotel in Salalah or an agreed meeting point to begin your adventure journey through the unique Rub Al Khalil desert. First, it goes over the wonderful Qoura Mountains, from which you can enjoy the wonderful landscape. Then continue until you reach the Bedouin settlement of Thumrait, where you have a moment to rest. Then head towards the desert of Al Nejd, where you will visit the ancient Bedouin city of Ubar. Their remains were discovered by archaeologists in 1992 and are now visited by many visitors. Finally, you will reach the Rub al Khali Desert, which is the largest sandy desert on earth. It stretches from the foothills of the mountains to a huge sandy plain that covers much of the area Your exciting ride goes through the spectacular Al Hasman (Fasad) sand dunes, which are more than 200 meters high.

      120 minutes here

    2. Wadi Dawkha

      See the lost city of Ubar and learn about its history Discover the "Incense Wadi"

      15 minutes here

    3. See the lost city of Ubar and learn more about the history and UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadi "Dawka".

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • English Guide

      Pickup included

    • German speaking guide

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 4 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Secret Arabia

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar, photo 2Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar, photo 3Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar, photo 4

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Aligh72 · December 2022

    Crazy dunes and stunning views!

    It was one of the most beautiful adventures, going to see the sunset and sleeping in the desert and then waking up to see the sunrise over the dunes. The lost city of Ubar is beautiful to see as it is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

    Response from the operator: Merci beaucoup, we thank you for your kind review and are very happy you've enjoyed the night in the desert. Hopefully you come again soon

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $235 to $640
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Secret Arabia, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.1.

    See everything Secret Arabia runs

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)13
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)66
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salalah.

    How much does Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar cost?

    +

    Prices start at $235 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salalah usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salalah is not rushed.

    Is Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Salalah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar?

    +

    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salalah can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salalah and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salalah within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Salalah?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Salalah experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include East Salalah Mountain Safari, Wadi Darbat, Beach, Camels, Dunes, Private Salalah Mountain Safari, West Salalah Tour - Caribbean of Orient - Fazayah Beach with City. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Salalah?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Salalah?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar?

    +

    Included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 47 listed pickup locations in and around Salalah. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What booking options are available for Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including English Guide, German speaking guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Salalah: Rub al Khali desert and the lost Bedouin city of Ubar.

    Pick your date