Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) and White Desert (Egypt) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ras Al Khaimah Desert | White Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Egypt |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) | Cairo International Airport (CAI) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 3,010 km² |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | White 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 Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you are travelling in September to May
- you want game drives, dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking and camel rides
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, camels and birdlife
Choose White Desert if
- you want hiking
Ras Al Khaimah DesertWhite Desert
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ras Al Khaimah Desert or White Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ras Al Khaimah Desert is stronger in September to May.
When is the best time for each?
Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December to February. White Desert: January to March.
Sources: Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah climate · Egyptian Tourism Authority - The White Desert · EEAA - White Desert Protected Area Management Plan · Wikipedia - Farafra (NOAA 1961-1990 climate normals) · Japan Meteorological Agency - Farafra climate normals
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.