Exploring the Ancient Arabian City Buried Beneath the Desert

For centuries, travelers spoke of Ubar a wealthy city in the Arabian desert said to have vanished beneath shifting sands. Known as the “Atlantis of Arabia,” the search for Ubar blended legend and archaeology.

A City of Incense and Trade

Ubar thrived along the Incense Route, a network that transported frankincense and myrrh from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean. Traders described it as a hub of wealth, caravans, and towering fortifications.

Lost to the Desert Winds

According to tradition, Ubar collapsed into a massive sinkhole or was swallowed by dunes due to overuse of its water system. Its disappearance turned it into a story of divine punishment and human pride.

Modern Rediscovery

Satellite imaging in the 1990s revealed ancient caravan trails converging on a single spot in Oman. Excavations uncovered a fortified settlement with collapsed towers—evidence matching descriptions of Ubar.

Myth and History Intertwine

While not a massive city, Ubar was likely a significant outpost whose dramatic fall inspired centuries of legend.