Al Areen (Bahrain) and Mleiha (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Al Areen | Mleiha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Bahrain | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Bahrain International Airport (BAH) | Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Al Areen | Mleiha |
|---|---|---|
| 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 want game drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles and birdlife
Choose Mleiha if
- you want cultural visits, hiking, horseback safaris, camping and stargazing
- you hope to see camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Al Areen or Mleiha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see.
When is the best time for each?
Al Areen: December to February. Mleiha: December to February.
Sources: Wikipedia – Al Areen Wildlife Park · Gulf News – Al Areen Reserve renamed after Sheikh Mohamed · Weather Spark – Manama climate · Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.