Comparison · Dubai vs Riyadh · United Arab Emirates / Saudi Arabia
Dubai vs Riyadh
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels, beaches and free sights; choose Riyadh for Diriyah and At-Turaif, Masmak Fortress and a short break. Riyadh is generally less expensive, and the two are about 868 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 868 km
- Less expensive
- Riyadh
- Best time for Dubai
- November–March
- Best time for Riyadh
- November–March
Side by side
| Dubai | Riyadh | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Known for | Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and Shopping malls | Diriyah and At-Turaif, Masmak Fortress and Kingdom Centre |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$380 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 41°C (106°F) | July, 44°C (111°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 20°C (68°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 3 |
| Beaches | Kite Beach | — |
| Airports | DXB, DWC, SHJ | RUH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Dubai for…
Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels, beaches and free sights. Dubai grew from a pearling and trading port on Dubai Creek into a city of skyscrapers stretched along the Gulf coast. The old quarters of Al Fahidi and Deira keep wind-tower houses, gold and spice souks and wooden abras crossing the creek, while Downtown has…
Choose Riyadh for…
Diriyah and At-Turaif, Masmak Fortress and a short break. Saudi Arabia's capital spreads across the Najd plateau, from the mudbrick Masmak Fortress and the National Museum in the old centre to the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah towers on Olaya Street and the glass high-rises of the King Abdullah Financial…
Top sights compared
| # | Dubai | Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa – At the Top | At-Turaif District, Diriyah |
| 2 | Dubai Mall | Masmak Fortress |
| 3 | Dubai Fountain | National Museum of Saudi Arabia |
| 4 | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood | Murabba Palace |
| 5 | Abra ride across Dubai Creek | Bujairi Terrace |
Food compared
| Dubai | Riyadh |
|---|---|
| Shawarma | Kabsa |
| Machboos | Mandi |
| Harees | Jareesh |
| Luqaimat | Marqooq |
Which is cheaper?
Riyadh is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $200–$380 in Dubai (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Riyadh on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 868 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Dubai or Riyadh cheaper?
Riyadh is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $200–$380 (estimates).
+Is Dubai or Riyadh better for a first trip?
Pick Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels, beaches and free sights, or Riyadh for Diriyah and At-Turaif, Masmak Fortress and a short break.
+How far is Dubai from Riyadh?
About 868 km in a straight line.