A practical guide to planning a trip from Abu Dhabi to Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 1,082 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 1.9 hours
- Arrival airport
- Najran Airport (EAM)
- Airport to destination by road
- 0.5–4 hours approx.
- Time difference
- -1 h
- Local currency
- SAR
- Best time
- December to January
Flights from Abu Dhabi
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to EAM, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Abu Dhabi include Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
Visa and entry
Entry requirements depend on nationality, and many travellers can apply for a tourist e-visa through the official portal. Check the portal for current rules before travel.
Official e-visa portal for Saudi Arabia
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country. Malaria is present in certain areas but, according to CDC, not in Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh or Ta'if. Additional vaccinations may be required for Hajj and Umrah. Consult a doctor before travel.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 9 days in total to enjoy Empty Quarter without rushing.
Best time to go
| 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 |
Empty Quarter from other cities: Riyadh · Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Abu Dhabi to Empty Quarter?
A non-stop flight would take about 1.9 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Abu Dhabi?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Entry requirements depend on nationality, and many travellers can apply for a tourist e-visa through the official portal. Check the portal for current rules before travel.
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 · Saudi eVisa portal · Visit Saudi – Saudi Tourism Authority · CDC Travelers' Health – Saudi Arabia · Etihad news – 20 years of Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg (Jan 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.