Edge of the World (Saudi Arabia) and Hatta (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Edge of the World | Hatta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Mountains | Mountains |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 22 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Edge of the World | Hatta |
|---|---|---|
| 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 want stargazing and camel rides
- you hope to see camels
Choose Hatta if
- you are travelling in September
- you want canoeing, birdwatching and cultural visits
- you hope to see foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Edge of the World or Hatta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hatta is stronger in September.
When is the best time for each?
Edge of the World: December to February. Hatta: December to February.
Sources: Visit Saudi – Edge of the World · Arab News – Treading the Edge of the World near Riyadh (2018) · Weather Spark – Riyadh climate · Visit Dubai – Hatta Dam · Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Climate-Data.org – Hatta · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.