Embracing the Beauty of the Desert: The Empty Quarter Festival 2023

The 2nd edition of the Empty Quarter Festival is underway in Al Khadf in the Wilayat of Thumrait in the Dhofar Governorate.

The festival is organized by the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism and is aimed at promoting winter tourism and attracting investment in the area.

The festival features daily events such as heritage, tourism, entertainment and sports activities, sand competitions, art concerts, and shooting championships using traditional weapons.

​The festival site, known as the "festival oasis," has been expanded and offers visitors various events, public facilities, and parking. The heritage village is also open to visitors and showcases Bedouin life and crafts. Prominent events so far include the Empty Quarter desert running race and the "Discover the Empty Quarter" tourist convoy. The festival is located 200 km from Salalah, with 173 km being an asphalt road and 24 km a dirt road to Al Khuf, a popular tourist destination in the Dhofar desert.