AlUla (Saudi Arabia) and Dubai Desert (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| AlUla | Dubai Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Reserve | Reserve |
| Best time | November to March | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | AlUla International Airport (ULH) | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 226 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | AlUla | Dubai Desert |
|---|---|---|
| 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 AlUla if
- you are travelling in March to June and October to November
- you want hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see ibex and ostriches
Choose Dubai Desert if
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see camels
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, AlUla or Dubai Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. AlUla is stronger in March to June and October to November.
When is the best time for each?
AlUla: November to March. Dubai Desert: December to February.
Sources: Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla climate · Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Protected Planet – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Weather Spark – Dubai climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.