Dubai Desert (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.
| Dubai Desert | Edge of the World | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 226 km² | — |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 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 | Dubai Desert | 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 Dubai Desert if
- you are travelling in September
- you want game drives, dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles and foxes
Choose Edge of the World if
- you want hiking
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dubai Desert or Edge of the World?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Dubai Desert is stronger in September.
When is the best time for each?
Dubai Desert: December to February. Edge of the World: December to February.
Sources: Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Protected Planet – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve · 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.