Jeep safari in the desert

Many well-known films have already been shot in the desert near our B&B.

From well-known westerns (the good, the bad and the ugly) to recent blockbusters (Game of Thrones, The Crown, ...)

But why is the desert so suitable for shooting? And how did this desert actually come about? Where does all the water come from here and is it drinkable? (how) can humans and animals survive here?