AlUla (Saudi Arabia) and Mleiha (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| AlUla | Mleiha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Best time | November to March | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | AlUla International Airport (ULH) | Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | AlUla | Mleiha |
|---|---|---|
| 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 AlUla if
- you are travelling in March to June and October to November
- you want game drives
- you hope to see ibex, gazelles, oryx, foxes and ostriches
Choose Mleiha if
- you want horseback safaris and camping
- you hope to see camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, AlUla or Mleiha?
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?
AlUla: November to March. Mleiha: December to February.
Sources: Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla climate · Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.