The Rub' al Khali spans southern Saudi Arabia; on its western edge, 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2023 and covers about 12,750 km². Trips are few and need careful planning and equipment.
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Type
- Desert
- Best time
- December to January
- Suggested stay
- 3–7 days
- Main gateway airport
- Najran Airport (EAM)
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Empty Quarter
- The largest continuous sand sea on Earth
- 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, Saudi Arabia's first natural World Heritage site (2023)
- Last place Arabian oryx were seen in the wild, now a reintroduction site
- Camping under dark skies far from cities
- Bedouin traditions and camel herding
Best time to visit Empty Quarter
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Empty Quarter is December to January.
Desert expedition season, when seasonal winds ease and temperatures are moderate.
Interior temperatures can exceed 50°C; expeditions are not advisable.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 19–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 23–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 26–39 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 28–42 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 28–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 25–39 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| October | 21–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| November | 16–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 13–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Empty Quarter includes oryx, gazelles, foxes, ostriches and camels.
Things to do
Getting there
Najran, Sharurah and Wadi al-Dawasir are the main gateways; the Uruq Bani Zabadah dunes are about 15 km from Najran airport. Trips into the dunes need 4x4 vehicles and experienced guides, and organised expeditions usually last several days.
Trips to Empty Quarter
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Empty Quarter for families
- Empty Quarter for a honeymoon
- Empty Quarter for photographers
- Empty Quarter for a first safari
- Empty Quarter on a budget
- Empty Quarter for luxury travel
Compare with
- Empty Quarter vs AlUla
- Empty Quarter vs Edge of the World
- Empty Quarter vs Liwa
- Empty Quarter vs Mleiha
- Empty Quarter vs Ras Al Khaimah Desert
- Empty Quarter vs Sharqiya Sands
Travelling to Empty Quarter from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Empty Quarter?
Generally December to January. Desert expedition season, when seasonal winds ease and temperatures are moderate.
How many days do I need in Empty Quarter?
Most visitors spend 3 to 7 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Empty Quarter?
Najran, Sharurah and Wadi al-Dawasir are the main gateways; the Uruq Bani Zabadah dunes are about 15 km from Najran airport. Trips into the dunes need 4x4 vehicles and experienced guides, and organised expeditions usually last several days.
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
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.