Wadi Disah - Saudi Arabia

Near Tabuk in northern Saudi Arabia, Wadi Disah resembles an otherworldly mix of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley - an epic collection of sandstone columns, where the dusty amber desert landscape is punctuated by a valley of swaying tall grass and palm trees. Whether you visit the valley on foot or in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, make sure you're here when the sun casts a beautiful glow over the rock formations. The best time to visit Wadi Disah is in winter, when there is more chance of water in the wadi.

Wadi Disah, vertical red cliffs, swaying tall grass and palm trees

Wadi Disah is sandwiched between the volcanic lava fields of Harrat Ar Raha to the east and the desert sands to the west. The desert slowly transforms and gradually becomes greener as tall red mountains begin to appear. After passing the sleepy village of Al Disah, where many ancient historical and prehistoric artifacts can be found, the road ends abruptly and you are confronted with a wall of red rocks, tall waving grass, bright blue sky and fragrant flowers. Wadi Disah means "Valley of Palm Trees," and when you enter the wadi you will understand why.

The road is a riverbed, and traversing this terrain without a four-wheel-drive vehicle is nearly impossible. On both sides, the vertical red cliffs are hundreds of meters high. The rock in this area consists mainly of Quweira sandstone, worn down by the forces of nature over the centuries into imposing stone columns. On top, loose boulders can be seen balancing precariously, seemingly ready to fall down at the slightest gust of wind.

The highlight during a tour through Saudi Arabia

The flowing water makes this place a haven for flora and fauna. Tall grass grows in abundance here - in some places the grass is so dense that it is easy to miss the path and take a wrong turn. Palm trees provide a dense canopy along the banks of the flowing water. Pink oleanders grow wildly among the red rocks.

The unfamiliarity of this place as a tourist destination is baffling. What is certain is that this place is as grandiose as the other better-known valleys out there. Wadi Disah could even be labeled as one of the most beautiful highlights of Saudi Arabia. An oasis in the desert is perhaps the pinnacle of a tour of Saudi Arabia.

How to get there from Tabuk?

The ride from Tabuk to Al Disah takes about 3 hours (250 km) via Route 8900. The beginning of the drive is smooth on wide highways, changing to smaller roads through villages and a few hills as you get closer to Disah. It is technically possible to enter the Wadi from the other side (AlUla), but you will definitely need a 4×4 vehicle to do so. You will then drive through the village of Al Disah and follow the road for about 10 km to the entrance of the wadi.