A practical guide to planning a trip from Dubai to Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 1,189 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 2 hours
- Arrival airport
- Najran Airport (EAM)
- Airport to destination by road
- 0.5–4 hours approx.
- Time difference
- -1 h
- Local currency
- SAR
- Best time
- December to January
Flights from Dubai
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Dubai to EAM, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Dubai include Emirates and flydubai.
Visa and entry
Entry requirements depend on nationality, and many travellers can apply for a tourist e-visa through the official portal. Check the portal for current rules before travel.
Official e-visa portal for Saudi Arabia
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country. Malaria is present in certain areas but, according to CDC, not in Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh or Ta'if. Additional vaccinations may be required for Hajj and Umrah. Consult a doctor before travel.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 9 days in total to enjoy Empty Quarter without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 19–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 23–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 26–39 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 28–42 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 28–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 25–39 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| October | 21–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| November | 16–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 13–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
Empty Quarter from other cities: Riyadh · Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · 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 Dubai to Empty Quarter?
A non-stop flight would take about 2 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Dubai?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Entry requirements depend on nationality, and many travellers can apply for a tourist e-visa through the official portal. Check the portal for current rules before travel.
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 · Saudi eVisa portal · Visit Saudi – Saudi Tourism Authority · CDC Travelers' Health – Saudi Arabia · Emirates media centre – Cape Town third daily service (Jul 2026) · Capital FM – Emirates restores 96% of network (May 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.