The Nefud or An-Nafud is a desert area in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula, occupying a great oval depression; 180 mi (290 km) long and 140 mi (225 km) wide. The Nefud is an erg, noted for its sudden violent winds, which account for the large crescent-shaped dunes. Rain comes once or twice a year. In some lowland areas, namely those near the Hejaz Mountains, there are oases where dates, vegetables, barley, and fruits are raised. The Nefud is connected to the Rub al Khali by the Dahna., a corridor of gravel plains and sand dunes, 800 mi (1,287 km) long and 15 to 50 mi (24.1-80.5 km) wide.