Dubai Desert (United Arab Emirates) and Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Dubai Desert | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Approx. area | 226 km² | — |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Dubai Desert | Ras Al Khaimah 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 Dubai Desert if
- you want hot-air balloon flights
Choose Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you want horseback safaris and cultural visits
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Dubai DesertRas Al Khaimah Desert
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dubai Desert or Ras Al Khaimah Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see.
When is the best time for each?
Dubai Desert: December to February. Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December to February.
Sources: Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Protected Planet – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Weather Spark – Dubai climate · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.