As of today, peak season now, through ~June 30. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Barchan dunes in the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) translate downwind as sand is eroded from their stoss (windward) sides and deposited on lee slipfaces.
Migration is a continuous process but is measurably fastest during the region's strong seasonal Shamal wind episodes.
Rates vary by dune size and sand supply, from a few metres per year for large megadunes to tens of metres per year for smaller barchans.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb), Liwa Oasis |
| Qasr Al Sarab (Anantara) - Liwa desert viewing access |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.