Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Sir Bani Yas Island (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Sir Bani Yas Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Desert | Island |
| Best time | December to January | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Zayed International Airport (AUH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 87 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Sir Bani Yas Island |
|---|---|---|
| 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 dune bashing, camping, stargazing and hiking
- you hope to see foxes, ostriches and camels
Choose Sir Bani Yas Island if
- you are travelling in February to May and September to October
- you want game drives, horseback safaris, canoeing and snorkelling
- you hope to see giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and birdlife
Empty QuarterSir Bani Yas Island
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Sir Bani Yas Island?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sir Bani Yas Island is stronger in February to May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Sir Bani Yas Island: 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 Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island · Visit Abu Dhabi – Arabian Wildlife Park · Weather Spark – Ar Ruways climate (nearest mainland reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.