In the land of sun and sand, scorching hot deserts are the norm and water is a scarce resource but that doesn’t mean that our deserts are barren. Dotting the massive expanse of gold and copper desert sands are numerous green oases, some of which are gorgeously lush and full of life, providing water, food and much-needed shade for those who wander the desert.
From the west coast of Africa to the Arabian sands of Yemen and the UAE, the Middle East is home to some of the world’s most spectacular oases. Keep scrolling to learn more about these surreal desert habitats.
Taghit, Algeria
In the west of Algeria is a hidden gem known as Taghit, a Sahara desert oasis considered a natural wonder in Algeria. It is packed with endless palm trees and huge sand dunes that are akin to sand mountains with some reaching heights of 180 meters. At this special spot, people go sandboarding or skiing down huge Saharan sand dunes that stretch out for more than 600 km.
Chebika, Tunisia
Along with Tamerza and Midès, Chebika is one of the three most famous mountain oasis in Tunisia. For a lot of people, its main attraction is its picturesque fountain that can be found at the bottom of a Berber village. Down there, you will also get to see looming palm trees and a cascading waterfall.
Ubari, Libya
Considered a picturesque gem that lies in the vast and empty Saharan landscape, Libya’s Ubari oasis is home to a massive salt lake surrounded by rich greenery. Tourists come to visit this desert spot and swim in its lake which can be a very pleasant experience especially as it helps them to cool off from its hot weather.
Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Just 50km from the Libyan border, you’ll find the fertile basin known as the Siwa oasis home to crystal clear springs, shady groves, lush greenery of about 300,000 palm trees and slouched mud brick hamlets. There is so much to do at this special oasis whether its swimming in its springs, driving through its dunes or biking around its lakes.
Palmyra, Syria
Amidst the Syrian desert is an oasis by the name of Palmyra, not only home to towering palm trees but also exquisite to ancient ruins. Dating back to the 1st and 2nd Century, its looming columns and rich architecture are all part of an ancient civilization that blends together Greco-Roman and Persian influences.
Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Home to shady palm groves and crystal clear springs, the Al Ahsa Oasis is Saudi’s fertile ground onto which traders and caravans travelled to pass through the Arabian Peninsula. It also acted as a stopping point for early pilgrims journeying to Mecca. Today, it is a World Heritage Site home to evocative historical sites and bustling markets. If you drop it a visit, be sure to climb its popular Al Qarah Mountain or get adventurous, hire an SUV and drift down its sandy dunes.
Socotra Wadi, Yemen
For a while now, Socotra, Yemen’s group of small islands, have become on everyone’s radar because of their unique and out-of-this world landscape. Some have referred to Socotra as “the most alien-looking place on Earth” because of its mushroom-shaped trees as well as its reptile and plant species, some of which are only found on those group of islands. Socotra is also home to a picturesque wadi called Kalisan, home to crystal blue waters, waterfalls and spectacular rock formations.
Wadi Bani Khaled, Oman
One of the most popular oasis of Oman is Wadi Bani Khaled, home to large pools of emerald green water surrounded by towering palm trees. What’s great about it is that it is known to have a constant flow of water throughout the year. With it being located just 2.5 km from Muscat, many hikers pass by to traverse its rocky landscape as well as foodies as it is known as a popular picnic spot.
Liwa, UAE
The Liwa Oasis sits at the edge of the UAE’s biggest uninterrupted desert called Rub Al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. This quaint and tranquil spot was once home to the leaders of Abu Dhabi emirate the Nahyan family. Back then and to this day, it is still a spot home to date-palms that are cultivated by Bedouins, one of the most popular being Bani Yas. Hitting up Liwa Oasis, you can expect adrenaline fueled adventures like dune bashing as well as exciting desert safaris.
Beyond oases being unique tourist spots, these havens of nourishment and safety are used by humans and animals alike, not only as a respite from the harsh climate of the desert, but also as rest-stops on longer journeys that sometimes stretch across continents. If not for the oases, the journey pilgrims used to take to Mecca from West Africa would likely not have been possible. So remember that if you ever drop any of these oases a visit.