Purple desert: Lavender fields blanket Saudi sand dunes - in pictures

Following heavier-than-usual winter rains, northern Saudi sands are carpeted in purple flowers

Desert covered with purple flowers near the Saudi Arabian town of Rafha, close to the border with Iraq. All photo by AFP

Visitors make a cup of tea in a stretch of desert covered with blooms, near Rafha

The spectacular show was triggered by heavier-than-usual winter rains

Visitors have travelled from across the country and wider region to see the sea of purple before the blooms wilt

Taking a stroll among the flowers, known locally as wild lavender, near Rafha

Sightseers relax on the carpet of blooms, near Rafha, northern Saudi Arabia.

More from The National:

First look at the newly renovated Emirates Palace – in pictures

50 Years of hip-hop – in pictures

Tour of Oman cycling competition – in pictures

World Skateboarding Championships in Sharjah – in pictures

Llama racing in the clouds – in pictures