Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Oman |
| 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) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 12,500 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Sharqiya Sands |
|---|---|---|
| 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 oryx, gazelles and ostriches
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you are travelling in February to April and September to October
- you want camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see birdlife
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sharqiya Sands is stronger in February to April and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Sharqiya Sands: 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 · Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.