Eastern (Arabian) Desert of Egypt is the largest desert in eastern Egypt. Covering
an area of about 85,690 sq miles, this largest desert of Eastern Egypt originates
from southeast of the Nile River Delta. It extends up to northeastern Sudan in
southeast direction and from the Nile river valley eastward to Gulf of Suez and
Red Sea.
Also known by the name of "Arabian Desert", the Eastern Desert of
Egypt is well dissected. In the east it rises up to a formidable range of mountains
some of them achieving height of 6,600 ft and 7,176ft. But there is a considerable
decrease in the height in stages at the Red Sea. Numerous dry valleys divide
this hilly desert terrain of Egypt. But during the rainfall season, these dry
valleys give birth to luxuriant vegetation.
The caravan routes across the desert between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea
had served as a trade route used for trading purpose with Sinai, Arabia, India
and with the countries located on the east coast of African Continent. Later
Egyptian pilgrims for reaching Mecca followed these routes after the arrival
of Islam.
The Eastern (Arabian) Desert of Egypt comprises of almost one-fourth of total
land surface of Egypt. The northern tier of the Arabian Desert is a limestone
plateau that stretches from the Mediterranean coastal plain to a point opposite
Qina.
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