Located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and spanning 650,000 square kilometers, the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali) is the largest sand sea in the world. In this desolate but beautiful place, three women—Janey McGill, Atheer Al-Sabri, and Baida Al-Zadjali—chose to cross by foot, walking 758 kilometers from Ubar to Ibri in Oman’s Empty Quarter. Two Land Rover Discoveries acted as support vehicles, carrying food, fuel, water, and transport in case of emergency.
This expedition was the Omanis’ first, while seasoned explorer McGill led the way. Despite struggling with injury, team dynamics, and temperatures up to 43℃, the team arrived in Ibri after 30 days, overcoming physical challenges and defying traditional stereotypes. “I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the good, the bad. All of it. I don’t think I can go back to living a normal life,” said Al-Zadjali.
Want more from Oman? Watch our Video of the Week: Sultanate of Oman.
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