Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and White Desert (Egypt) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | White Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Egypt |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to January | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Cairo International Airport (CAI) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 3,010 km² |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | White 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 Empty Quarter if
- you are travelling in October to April
- you want dune bashing and cultural visits
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, ostriches and camels
Choose White Desert if
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or White Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Empty Quarter is stronger in October to April.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. White Desert: January to March.
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 · Egyptian Tourism Authority - The White Desert · EEAA - White Desert Protected Area Management Plan · Wikipedia - Farafra (NOAA 1961-1990 climate normals) · Japan Meteorological Agency - Farafra climate normals
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.