Edge of the World (Saudi Arabia) and Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Edge of the World | Empty Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Mountains | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to January |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 3–7 days |
| Main gateway airport | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) | Najran Airport (EAM) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Edge of the World | Empty Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Edge of the World if
- you are travelling in February to May and October
- you want camel rides
- you hope to see birdlife
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you want dune bashing and cultural visits
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, foxes and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Edge of the WorldEmpty Quarter
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Edge of the World or Empty Quarter?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Edge of the World is stronger in February to May and October.
When is the best time for each?
Edge of the World: December to February. Empty Quarter: December to January.
Sources: Visit Saudi – Edge of the World · Arab News – Treading the Edge of the World near Riyadh (2018) · Weather Spark – Riyadh climate · Arab News – Saudi desert gateway fast becoming the next tourist hotspot (2021) · Wikipedia – 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid · Visit Saudi Booking – Empty Quarter expedition · Weather Spark – Sharurah Domestic Airport climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.