Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Mleiha (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Mleiha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to January | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Mleiha |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Empty Quarter if
- you want dune bashing
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, foxes and ostriches
Choose Mleiha if
- you are travelling in February to May and September to October
- you want horseback safaris
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Mleiha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Mleiha is stronger in February to May and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Mleiha: December to February.
Sources: 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 · Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.