Sir Bani Yas Island (United Arab Emirates) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sir Bani Yas Island | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Oman |
| Type | Island | Desert |
| Approx. area | 87 km² | 12,500 km² |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Zayed International Airport (AUH) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sir Bani Yas Island | 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 Sir Bani Yas Island if
- you are travelling in May
- you want game drives, horseback safaris, canoeing and snorkelling
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles, giraffes, cheetahs and hyenas
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see camels and foxes
Sir Bani Yas IslandSharqiya Sands
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sir Bani Yas Island or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sir Bani Yas Island is stronger in May.
When is the best time for each?
Sir Bani Yas Island: December to February. Sharqiya Sands: December to February.
Sources: Visit Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island · Visit Abu Dhabi – Arabian Wildlife Park · Weather Spark – Ar Ruways climate (nearest mainland reference) · 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.