The Great Nefud


The Great Nehud is one of several parts of the Nefud desert, located in the north of Saudi Arabia . Its main features are sudden strong winds, huge crescent shaped dunes and reddish sand. The Great Nephew is an interesting place that demonstrates the stunning contrast between lifeless sands and a green oasis.


The Great Nehud is one of several parts of the Nefud desert, located in the north of Saudi Arabia . Its main features are sudden strong winds, huge crescent shaped dunes and reddish sand. The Great Nephew is an interesting place that demonstrates the stunning contrast between lifeless sands and a green oasis.

What is interesting about the desert?

Desert Nefud is the second largest desert in Saudi Arabia. Large Nefud occupies 103,600 square kilometers. km of its area. This territory has a diverse relief, the main value of which are the mountains . In their lowlands there are real oases, where locals grow vegetables, cereals and fruits. Looking at the map of the desert of the Great Nefud, there are clearly visible small green areas - fields and gardens.

The most picturesque of all the mountains is Hejaz, it is in its surroundings that the most fertile lands are located. This is facilitated by the abundant rain, which takes place here once or twice a year. In other areas, precipitation is a rarity.

Interesting Facts

Big Nefud is known not only for its delightful landscapes, but also for amazing facts:

  1. Nefud in cinematography. During the Arab uprising, under the leadership of a British officer, the Khwites captured the city of Aqaba on the shore of the Red Sea. Their way to the city passed through the Great Nephew. These events formed the basis for the film about Colonel Lawrence, who commanded these troops, and part of the scenes was filmed in Nefoud.
  2. Moving crescents. Sand storms often occur in the region, due to which the dunes, which are crescent shaped, often move and change in size. This greatly complicates the passage through the desert, so in all ages travelers have tried to get around it. This is how the legendary route for the caravans of merchants was formed. He walked from northwest to southeast and connected the oases of Heyd and Al-Jaffal.

Where is the attraction?

Both Big and Small Nefud are in the north of Saudi Arabia. Around the desert pass national roads Nos. 65, 70, 80 and 85. Nearby are several major cities: Hale, Al Mayach and Al-Jandal.