The Wahiba Sands, in the Al-Sharqiya region of Oman, are located to the east of the capital city, Muscat. This desert is a popular destination for both tourists and Omanis, as it offers a great desert experience in the middle of nature and tranquillity. I have visited the area several times, either staying in one of the many camps or camping myself. As with many other places in Oman, the Wahibas are becoming crowded, so I recommend heading as far into the interior as possible. Of course, deflated tyres and a four-wheel drive are required to navigate along, and sometimes across, the dominating north–south-oriented dunes.
The best time to visit is during the winter months, with milder temperatures. The best time to photograph is during the golden hours, both at sunset and sunrise. This photo was taken at sunrise, as I was climbing one of the large dunes. The sun had just crested the eastern sand dunes, and the low-angle, warm light started to illuminate the dune where I was standing. A simple shrub provided some interest in the foreground of my composition, and the sand ripples and patterns were highlighted from front to back. I set the camera and 16mm lens on the tripod and shot a few frames. All the while, I was enjoying the cold sand in my bare feet, the crisp early morning air, and the complete silence. Being in a desert like this is truly unique. After a while, I returned to my tent for a well-deserved breakfast.
