There are two major sand deserts in Oman: the Eastern Sands and the Empty Quarter. In floristic terms, there aren’t many differences but there are clear differences in dune geomorphology. Dune shape is largely based on prevailing wind patterns and the dunes of the Omani sand deserts are divided into three distinct types:

Linear dunes with parallel ridges up to several hundred meters long (Eastern Sands), crescent massif dunes (Empty Quarter and Eastern Sands) and star shaped dunes (Empty Quarter). While there are relatively few plant species that can tolerate the harsh conditions, plants of note include: Prosopiscineraria, Tetraenaqatarense, Calligonumcrinitum, Dipterygiumglaucumand Cyperusconglomeratus.