Al Marmoom (United Arab Emirates) and Edge of the World (Saudi Arabia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Al Marmoom | Edge of the World | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 949 km² | — |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1 days |
| Main gateway airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Al Marmoom | Edge of the World |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Marmoom if
- you are travelling in September
- you want birdwatching and cultural visits
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, flamingos and foxes
Choose Edge of the World if
- you want hiking, camping and camel rides
- you hope to see camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Al Marmoom or Edge of the World?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Al Marmoom is stronger in September.
When is the best time for each?
Al Marmoom: December to February. Edge of the World: December to February.
Sources: Visit Dubai – Al Marmoom Reserve · Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Weather Spark – Dubai climate · Visit Saudi – Edge of the World · Arab News – Treading the Edge of the World near Riyadh (2018) · Weather Spark – Riyadh climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.