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All Saudi Arabia Al-Ahsa The Judah Thumb

The Judah Thumb

In the middle of a barren desert, a massive, solitary rocky thumb juts out.

Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

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Ronnie McDonald
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  MickeyD302 / Atlas Obscura User
South West face of the rock   neeshakhanmalik / Atlas Obscura User
Range facing Judah   neeshakhanmalik / Atlas Obscura User
Judah’s Thumb - Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia   anandsharmams / Atlas Obscura User
East face of the rock   neeshakhanmalik / Atlas Obscura User
Judah’s Thumb - Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia   anandsharmams / Atlas Obscura User
Judah’s Thumb - Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia   anandsharmams / Atlas Obscura User
Judah’s Thumb - Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia   anandsharmams / Atlas Obscura User
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Between Riyadh and Dammam in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia lies the city of Judah and its massive thumb. It is also often called the "Devil's Thumb"—rumor has it that the nickname came from a local Boy Scout troop. In a rather desolated area, this rock truly sticks out like a sore thumb. This towering rock formation stands in the An Nafud region of the Arabian Desert, a vast expanse with an area of 25,000 square miles (65,000 square km).

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Rock Formations Geology Deserts

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The pathway there is not paved. While it is composed of compressed rock and sand, a vehicle with plenty of clearance is strongly recommended. Camping is allowed and the area is known for its starlit nights. There are no facilities at the site; however, there are stores nearby in Judah. While it is difficult for this area to get crowded, most people visit during the day with early mornings and late afternoons tending to be more solitary.

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MickeyD302

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anandsharmams, neeshakhanmalik

  • anandsharmams
  • neeshakhanmalik

Published

June 12, 2021

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The Judah Thumb
Unnamed Road
Al-Ahsa, 33545
Saudi Arabia
25.866985, 48.766614
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