Edge of the World (Saudi Arabia) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Edge of the World | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Oman |
| Type | Mountains | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | King Khalid International Airport (RUH) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 12,500 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Edge of the World | Sharqiya Sands |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Edge of the World if
- you are travelling in May
- you want hiking
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you are travelling in September
- you want dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking, hot-air balloon flights and cultural visits
- you hope to see foxes
Edge of the WorldSharqiya Sands
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Edge of the World or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Edge of the World is stronger in May. Sharqiya Sands is stronger in September.
When is the best time for each?
Edge of the World: December to February. Sharqiya Sands: December to February.
Sources: Visit Saudi – Edge of the World · Arab News – Treading the Edge of the World near Riyadh (2018) · Weather Spark – Riyadh climate · Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.