A practical guide to planning a trip from Riyadh to Mleiha in United Arab Emirates: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 889 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 1.6 hours
- Arrival airport
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
- Airport to destination by road
- 0.75–1 hours approx.
- Time difference
- +1 h
- Local currency
- AED
- Best time
- December to February
Flights from Riyadh
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Riyadh to SHJ, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Riyadh include Saudia, flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air.
Visa and entry
Entry requirements depend on nationality: some travellers are exempt or can get a visa on arrival, while others need a visa in advance through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) smart services or authorised sponsors. Check official sources before travel.
Official e-visa portal for United Arab Emirates
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country. CDC does not list malaria risk for the UAE. Consult a doctor about routine vaccinations before travel.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 4 days in total to enjoy Mleiha without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| February | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 17–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| April | 21–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 26–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 28–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 23–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 18–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| December | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
Mleiha from other cities: Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · Abu Dhabi · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Riyadh to Mleiha?
A non-stop flight would take about 1.6 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Riyadh?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for United Arab Emirates?
Entry requirements depend on nationality: some travellers are exempt or can get a visa on arrival, while others need a visa in advance through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) smart services or authorised sponsors. Check official sources before travel.
Sources: Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security – Smart Services · UAE Government portal · CDC Travelers' Health – United Arab Emirates · Ethiopian Airlines press release (Dec 2025) · flynas news – Jeddah–Entebbe direct flights (Mar 2026) · Ahram Online – EgyptAir Riyadh frequencies (2026) · Arab News – Riyadh Air Cairo service (2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.