Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Khor Al Adaid (Qatar) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Khor Al Adaid | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Qatar |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to January | November to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Hamad International Airport (DOH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Khor Al Adaid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Empty Quarter if
- you want stargazing, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see ostriches
Choose Khor Al Adaid if
- you are travelling in February to May and October to November
- you want sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides, canoeing and fishing
- you hope to see dugongs, sea turtles, flamingos and birdlife
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Khor Al Adaid?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Khor Al Adaid is stronger in February to May and October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Khor Al Adaid: November to February.
Sources: 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 · Visit Qatar – Khor Al Adaid · UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Khor Al-Adaid natural reserve (Tentative List) · Weather Spark – Mesaieed (Musay‘id) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.