Edge of the World (Saudi Arabia) and Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Edge of the World | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Mountains | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Edge of the World | Ras Al Khaimah Desert |
|---|---|---|
| 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 hiking
Choose Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you are travelling in September
- you want game drives, dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking and horseback safaris
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles and foxes
Edge of the WorldRas Al Khaimah Desert
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Edge of the World or Ras Al Khaimah Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ras Al Khaimah Desert is stronger in September.
When is the best time for each?
Edge of the World: December to February. Ras Al Khaimah Desert: 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 Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.