Sand encroachment in arid regions like Ain Sefra, Algeria, poses significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges, driven by wind erosion and climatic variability. This study investigates sand drift potential (DP) and wind patterns over a 37-year period (1985-2022) using Fryberger's methodology, combined with remote sensing techniques to assess sand dynamics. Meteorological data were analyzed to calculate DP, resultant drift direction (RDD), and migration coefficients, revealing Ain Sefra as an intermediate-energy aeolian environment with a DP of 87 and a migration coefficient of 0.33. Dominant winds from the southwest, with a resultant vector orientation of 233 degrees N, were identified as the primary drivers of sand movement. In addition, the study introduces the Normalized Difference Enhanced Sand Index (NDESI), utilizing Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2 imagery to detect sand dunes and encroachment areas. Temporal analysis from 1988 to 2024 shows fluctuating sand accumulation and dune formation, influenced by climatic conditions, anthropogenic activities, and natural processes. The findings highlight the complex interplay of aeolian processes and environmental factors in shaping sand encroachment patterns. This research provides a robust framework for monitoring sand dynamics and offers insights for mitigating sand encroachment impacts in arid regions. The integration of Fryberger's model with NDESI presents a scalable approach applicable to other vulnerable ecosystems globally.