Al Areen (Bahrain) and AlUla (Saudi Arabia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Al Areen | AlUla | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Bahrain | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Reserve |
| Best time | December to February | November to March |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Bahrain International Airport (BAH) | AlUla International Airport (ULH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Al Areen | AlUla |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Al Areen if
- you want birdwatching
Choose AlUla if
- you are travelling in March to June and October to November
- you want hiking, cultural visits and stargazing
- you hope to see ibex, foxes and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Al Areen or AlUla?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. AlUla is stronger in March to June and October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Al Areen: December to February. AlUla: November to March.
Sources: Wikipedia – Al Areen Wildlife Park · Gulf News – Al Areen Reserve renamed after Sheikh Mohamed · Weather Spark – Manama climate · Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.