RIYADH: In a heartbreaking incident, Mohammad Shehzad Khan, a 27-year-old man from Telangana, lost his life due to dehydration in Saudi Arabia’s Rub’ al Khali desert.

Shehzad, who had been working in Saudi Arabia for three years, was stranded in the vast Empty Quarter along with a Sudanese national. The pair found themselves in a dire situation after their GPS malfunctioned, their vehicle ran out of fuel, and they were left without food or water.

The Rub’ al Khali, known for its extreme temperatures and unforgiving terrain, proved to be a deadly challenge for the two men.

Despite their efforts to survive, they succumbed to severe dehydration and exhaustion. Their bodies were discovered four days later on August 22, 2024, lying beside their vehicle amid the sand dunes.

The Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is one of the largest and hottest deserts in the world, stretching across Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Yemen. It covers about 1 million square kilometers and is famous for its vast sand dunes and extreme heat, which can exceed 50°C (122°F) during the day. The desert gets very little rain, and there is hardly any vegetation, making it incredibly dry and tough to survive in. Its harsh conditions make it challenging for anyone who tries to travel through it, as the intense heat and lack of water can be life-threatening. Despite this, the Rub’ al Khali is still of great interest to scientists and adventurers because of its unique and severe environment.

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Although tour operators offer guided tours for those looking to experience the desert’s beauty and isolation, often providing necessary equipment and safety measures. However, given the harsh conditions, these visits are usually well-planned and require careful preparation. Most travelers go with experienced guides who ensure they have adequate supplies and navigate safely through the challenging terrain.