Dubai Desert (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.
| Dubai Desert | Empty Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Approx. area | 226 km² | — |
| Best time | December to February | December to January |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 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 | Dubai Desert | 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 Dubai Desert if
- you are travelling in February to May and September to October
- you want game drives, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see birdlife
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you want hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dubai Desert or Empty Quarter?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Dubai Desert is stronger in February to May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Dubai Desert: December to February. Empty Quarter: December to January.
Sources: Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Protected Planet – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve · 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.