AlUla (Saudi Arabia) and Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| AlUla | Empty Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Best time | November to March | December to January |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–7 days |
| Main gateway airport | AlUla International Airport (ULH) | Najran Airport (EAM) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | AlUla | 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 AlUla if
- you are travelling in February to June and September to November
- you want game drives
- you hope to see ibex and birdlife
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you want dune bashing and camping
- you hope to see camels
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, AlUla or Empty Quarter?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. AlUla is stronger in February to June and September to November.
When is the best time for each?
AlUla: November to March. Empty Quarter: December to January.
Sources: Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla 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.