AlUla (Saudi Arabia) and Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| AlUla | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | AlUla | Ras Al Khaimah Desert |
|---|---|---|
| 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 hiking
- you hope to see ibex and ostriches
Choose Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you want dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides and horseback safaris
- you hope to see camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, AlUla or Ras Al Khaimah Desert?
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. Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December to February.
Sources: Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla climate · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.