Al Areen (Bahrain) and Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Al Areen | Empty Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Bahrain | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to January |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 3–7 days |
| Main gateway airport | Bahrain International Airport (BAH) | Najran Airport (EAM) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Al Areen | Empty Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Al Areen if
- you are travelling in February to May and September to October
- you want game drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see birdlife
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you want dune bashing, camping, stargazing, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see foxes, ostriches and camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Al Areen or Empty Quarter?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Al Areen is stronger in February to May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Al Areen: December to February. Empty Quarter: December to January.
Sources: Wikipedia – Al Areen Wildlife Park · Gulf News – Al Areen Reserve renamed after Sheikh Mohamed · Weather Spark – Manama climate · 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
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.