Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ras Al Khaimah Desert | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Oman |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) | 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 | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | 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 Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you are travelling in May
- you want game drives, horseback safaris and birdwatching
- you hope to see oryx and gazelles
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you want hot-air balloon flights
Ras Al Khaimah DesertSharqiya Sands
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ras Al Khaimah Desert or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ras Al Khaimah Desert is stronger in May.
When is the best time for each?
Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December to February. Sharqiya Sands: December to February.
Sources: Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah 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.