What is recognized as the largest desert on the planet?

The Sahara Desert is recognized as the largest hot desert on the planet, covering approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles) and spanning across several North African countries. Its vast expanse includes diverse landscapes such as sand dunes, mountains, and savannas, contributing to its classification as a desert. The Sahara's significant size and climatic conditions, characterized by extremely low precipitation and high temperatures, firmly establish it as the largest of the deserts listed in this question.

While the Gobi, Arabian, and Kalahari deserts are also notable for their vastness and unique ecosystems, they do not reach the same size as the Sahara. The Gobi Desert, primarily located in Mongolia and China, is classified as a cold desert and has different climatic conditions. The Arabian Desert, though extensive, encompasses a smaller area compared to the Sahara. The Kalahari Desert is a semi-arid sandy savanna located in Southern Africa, and while it is large, it is also smaller than the expansive Sahara. Thus, the correct answer highlights the significant scale and prominence of the Sahara Desert relative to other deserts worldwide.