AlUla (Saudi Arabia) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| AlUla | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Oman |
| 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) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 12,500 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | AlUla | Sharqiya Sands |
|---|---|---|
| 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 and hiking
- you hope to see ibex, gazelles, oryx and ostriches
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, AlUla or Sharqiya Sands?
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. Sharqiya Sands: December to February.
Sources: Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla climate · Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.