Al Marmoom (United Arab Emirates) and Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Al Marmoom | Empty Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Approx. area | 949 km² | — |
| Best time | December to February | December to January |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 3–7 days |
| Main gateway airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Najran Airport (EAM) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Al Marmoom | 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 Marmoom if
- you are travelling in February to May and September to October
- you want birdwatching
- you hope to see flamingos and birdlife
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you want dune bashing, camping and hiking
- you hope to see ostriches and camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Al Marmoom or Empty Quarter?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Al Marmoom is stronger in February to May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Al Marmoom: December to February. Empty Quarter: December to January.
Sources: Visit Dubai – Al Marmoom Reserve · Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Weather Spark – Dubai 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.