Blooms of flowers appear in the Saudi desert - in pictures

  • Desert covered with purple flowers near the Saudi Arabian town of Rafha, close to the border with Iraq. All photo by AFP
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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.
    Sightseers relax on the carpet of blooms, near Rafha, northern Saudi Arabia.