After being stranded for three days in the Saudi desert, the Emiratis are located.
An Emirati man, Ahmed Al Menhali, who went missing in the vast Saudi Arabian desert, was successfully located after three days of intensive search operations
An Emirati man, Ahmed Al Menhali, who went missing in the vast Saudi Arabian desert, was successfully located on Tuesday after three days of intensive search operations. The 39-year-old was stranded in the desert region bordering the UAE and Saudi Arabia when his car ran out of fuel during a journey to his farm in the Saudi part of the Empty Quarter, one of the world's largest sand deserts.
Ahmed Al Menhali had last been seen at a fuel station in the Taweelah area at around 10 pm on Saturday. His white Nissan Patrol ran out of fuel approximately 350 km into the desert, leaving him without communication. Fortunately, Mr. Al Menhali's decision to stay by his car proved crucial to his survival.
The search and rescue efforts involved dedicated teams combing through the challenging terrain. His brother, Hasan Al Menhali, expressed relief, stating, "He is in good health, and we found him after three days." The family, staying at the farm located 400 km from the main road inside the desert, had been on an emotional rollercoaster during the search.
Mr. Al Menhali's survival hinged on water and some food stored in his car. Despite the lack of mobile phone coverage in the Empty Quarter, communication was eventually established via a Thuraya satellite phone with the rescue team.
Saudi search and rescue organization FAO collaborated with hundreds of volunteers, providing them with fuel, food, and tools for the extensive search. After being found, FAO shared the news on social media, congratulating the family on Mr. Al Menhali's safe return.
Expressing gratitude for the successful rescue, Hasan Al Menhali stated, "Thanks to everyone, my brother was found alive and safe." Ahmed Al Menhali is expected to return to his home in Abu Dhabi later in the week, marking the end of a challenging and dramatic chapter in the vast desert landscape.





