The first is the presence of oases. These are areas in the desert where water is available, usually from a spring or well. Oases provide a place where people can settle and grow crops, and they also serve as stopping points for caravans traveling across the desert.
The second is the presence of mountains. Mountains can help to create rain shadows, which are areas on the leeward side of mountains that receive less rainfall than the surrounding area. This can help to make the desert more habitable, as the lower rainfall reduces the risk of flooding and erosion. Additionally, mountains can help to create a more diverse landscape, which can provide a wider range of habitats for plants and animals.