In Newsdesert
Rub' al Khali
Southern Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Yemen)
Why in news
Aug 2026
Oman and Saudi Arabia signed a cross-border freight corridor deal through the world's largest continuous sand desert as an alternative to chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
Key facts
- The Empty Quarter is the world's largest contiguous sand desert, spanning Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Yemen.
UPSC relevance
Prelims
Prelims may ask its location and extent.
Mains
Mains (GS-1): physiography and desertification.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rub' al Khali in the news?
Aug 2026: Oman and Saudi Arabia signed a cross-border freight corridor deal through the world's largest continuous sand desert as an alternative to chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
Why is Rub' al Khali important for UPSC?
Prelims may ask its location and extent. Mains (GS-1): physiography and desertification.
Last updated: 2026-10-09