Drylands cover 45% of Earth's land area and support 40% of the global population, yet they face threats from desertification and climate change. This review summarizes current knowledge on dryland microbiomes, emphasizing their diversity and adaptations. Dryland microbiomes, including free-living and symbiotic microorganisms, play crucial roles in ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and climate regulation. However, these communities are under threat from anthropogenic activities and climate change, leading to potential loss of microbial diversity and ecosystem services. Drylands host a variety of microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, fungi, and algae, which have evolved unique adaptations to extreme conditions. Bacteria and archaea dominate dryland microbiomes, with specific taxa prevalent in different environments. Fungi and algae are also significant, contributing to nutrient cycling and primary production in arid regions. Viruses, though abundant, are less studied in drylands, but their role in microbial interactions and gene transfer is important. Climate and anthropogenic factors significantly influence dryland microbiomes. Aridity, temperature changes, and human activities such as grazing and agriculture affect microbial communities and ecosystem functions. Aridification processes can lead to soil degradation and loss of microbial diversity. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing conservation and restoration strategies. Dryland microbiomes are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and their responses to climate change and human activities are complex. Research is needed to understand the interactions between different microbial groups and their roles in ecosystem functioning. Advances in multi-omics approaches and remote sensing technologies offer new insights into dryland microbiomes, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their diversity and functions. The integration of remote sensing and AI can enhance the study of dryland microbiomes, providing data on microbial composition and environmental conditions. These technologies can help monitor and manage dryland ecosystems, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use. Future research should focus on filling knowledge gaps, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, and developing innovative solutions to address the challenges facing dryland microbiomes.Drylands cover 45% of Earth's land area and support 40% of the global population, yet they face threats from desertification and climate change. This review summarizes current knowledge on dryland microbiomes, emphasizing their diversity and adaptations. Dryland microbiomes, including free-living and symbiotic microorganisms, play crucial roles in ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and climate regulation. However, these communities are under threat from anthropogenic activities and climate change, leading to potential loss of microbial diversity and ecosystem services. Drylands host a variety of microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, fungi, and algae, which have evolved unique adaptations to extreme conditions. Bacteria and archaea dominate dryland microbiomes, with specific taxa prevalent in different environments. Fungi and algae are also significant, contributing to nutrient cycling and primary production in arid regions. Viruses, though abundant, are less studied in drylands, but their role in microbial interactions and gene transfer is important. Climate and anthropogenic factors significantly influence dryland microbiomes. Aridity, temperature changes, and human activities such as grazing and agriculture affect microbial communities and ecosystem functions. Aridification processes can lead to soil degradation and loss of microbial diversity. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing conservation and restoration strategies. Dryland microbiomes are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and their responses to climate change and human activities are complex. Research is needed to understand the interactions between different microbial groups and their roles in ecosystem functioning. Advances in multi-omics approaches and remote sensing technologies offer new insights into dryland microbiomes, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their diversity and functions. The integration of remote sensing and AI can enhance the study of dryland microbiomes, providing data on microbial composition and environmental conditions. These technologies can help monitor and manage dryland ecosystems, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use. Future research should focus on filling knowledge gaps, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, and developing innovative solutions to address the challenges facing dryland microbiomes.