A feat of modern engineering has conquered one of the world’s most formidable landscapes to connect Oman and Saudi Arabia directly for the first time. A new highway, stretching over 800 kilometers, now cuts through the heart of the Rub’ al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on earth. Your journey across this border is an expedition through an immense and isolated wilderness.
There is only one crossing on this route: the Ramlat Khaliya border point, located in the middle of this vast desert. Opened in late 2021, this is one of the newest and most remote international borders you can cross anywhere. It has dramatically shortened the land journey between the two countries, which previously required transiting through the UAE.
Traveling this route requires serious preparation. The road is a modern marvel, but the distances are huge, and services are nonexistent for long stretches. You must ensure you have a full tank of fuel, extra water, and supplies before setting out. The border post itself is a new, isolated facility built to serve this pioneering route.
This crossing is a strategic game-changer for trade and travel, creating a direct link that fosters closer economic ties. For you, the traveler, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the stark beauty and profound emptiness of the Empty Quarter on a road that did not exist just a few years ago.