Desert Yellow vs Arabic Shadow

How close are they?

ΔE 7.2, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Arabic Shadow is a little darker, more saturated than Desert Yellow.

Can I use Arabic Shadow instead of Desert Yellow?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 7). Arabic Shadow is a little darker, more saturated than Desert Yellow.

Can I use Desert Yellow instead of Arabic Shadow?

The same difference applies the other way round: Desert Yellow is a little lighter, more muted.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.