Crossword Genius

A couple of Scotsmen leave Middle Eastern expanse (7,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arabian desert

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'middle eastern expanse' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a couple of scotsmen leave' is the wordplay.
'a couple of scotsmen' becomes 'arabian' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'leave' becomes 'desert' (desert can mean to leave or abandon).
'arabian'+'desert'='ARABIAN DESERT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for arabian desert that I've seen is " Region between the Nile and Red sea".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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