For Rafale:
1) Available now.
2) French. (And therefore less likely to be affected by arms embargoes).
3) Being marketed energetically, and with strong Government support, by people who don't see export campaigns as an unwelcome diversion of effort, and who can ensure that a bid is on time, with credible pricing, spec, and timescales (unlike the Typhoon bid in Singapore, in other words).
4) AESA radar promised.
5) Will have a robust A-G capability before Typhoon has an austere one.
Against Rafale:
1) Not as agile as Typhoon.
2) A half generation behind Typhoon, especially in terms of the MMI.
3) AESA radar is far from production, and in its likely initial incarnation will be less effective than a modern mechanically scanned antenna.
4) Probably more expensive than Typhoon (depending on discounts) and certainly more expensive to operate.
5) Typhoon is the favoured aircraft of the RSAF, and contract signature for the first 24 was very, very close, months ago......
I believe that reports that Saudi has signed an MOU for Rafale are incorrect, and Dassault and French Government sources have denied them. I do believe, however, that, the aircraft is now being looked at very seriously, and that UK support for ops in Iraq may have dealt Typhoon a body blow.