A landmark of the NEOM Region
The Great Arch is one of the most impressive natural formations in the NEOM region of Saudi Arabia. It’s located deep in the Bajdah desert. Getting there takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it.
The arch is massive, carved by wind and time, and it really stands out against the desert around it. I had seen photos before, but seeing it in person gave me a better sense of its scale and how isolated it is. I came back multiple times, and one day it was even raining! The only thing I regret is not having been when the sun rises or at sunset. I went camping a few times in the desert but never by the Great Arch.
There is a marked hiking route around the Great Arch, offering beautiful views of the surrounding rock formations.
But what I love most about the Hisma Desert is how much of it can still be explored freely. I went on a few unmarked hikes, and there’s something special about tracing your own path, as long as you stay safe, avoid anything too steep or unstable, and always remember where you parked your car. There’s barely any network coverage out here, so it’s essential to be prepared and know your way back.
The Bajdah desert and the Hisma landscape
Bajdah is truly a remarkable place. It is part of the Hisma Desert, a dramatic landscape that stretches across the border into Jordan’s Wadi Rum.
And that’s no coincidence. The Hisma Desert and Wadi Rum share the same ancient sandstone. Together, they form one of the largest connected sandstone desert in the Middle East. The colour of the sand and the shapes of the mountains make the whole place feel surreal, especially at sunset, when the landscape starts to look like something from Mars. It’s a region made for exploration!
This region was once part of ancient trade routes crossing the Arabian Peninsula. Landmarks like the Great Arch have served as navigation points for travelers and caravans.
How to get to the Great Arch
There are a few ways to reach the Great Arch. You can use the coordinates below to find the exact location: MH5X+CGR, Algtaar 49872, Saudi Arabia
Reaching the Great Arch requires a 4×4 vehicle, and you’ll be driving off-road for part of the way. It’s best to go with someone who knows the area or use a local guide if it’s your first time.
