Dubai Desert (United Arab Emirates) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Dubai Desert | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Oman |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Approx. area | 226 km² | 12,500 km² |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Dubai Desert | 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 Dubai Desert if
- you are travelling in May
- you want game drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see oryx and gazelles
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you want cultural visits
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dubai Desert or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Dubai Desert is stronger in May.
When is the best time for each?
Dubai Desert: December to February. Sharqiya Sands: 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 · 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.