Empty Quarter (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.
| Empty Quarter | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to January | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | 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 Empty Quarter if
- you want hiking
- you hope to see ostriches
Choose Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you are travelling in February to May and September to October
- you want game drives, sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides and horseback safaris
- you hope to see birdlife
Empty QuarterRas Al Khaimah Desert
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Ras Al Khaimah Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ras Al Khaimah Desert is stronger in February to May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December 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 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.