Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Ras Al Jinz (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Ras Al Jinz | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Oman |
| Type | Desert | Coast |
| Best time | December to January | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 1 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 120 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Ras Al Jinz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 are travelling in November to March
- you want dune bashing, camping, stargazing and hiking
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, foxes, ostriches and camels
Choose Ras Al Jinz if
- you are travelling in April to October
- you want turtle watching
- you hope to see sea turtles and birdlife
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Ras Al Jinz?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Empty Quarter is stronger in November to March. Ras Al Jinz is stronger in April to October.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Ras Al Jinz: June to September.
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 · Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (official) · Omran – Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve · Oman Observer – The birthing phenomenon in Ras al Jinz · Weather Spark – Sur climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.