Liwa Oasis

A crescent-shaped belt of oases on the northern edge of the Rub al Khali, with the giant Moreeb dunes, ancient forts and desert resorts. It is the purest sea-of-sand experience in the UAE.

Liwa Oasis lies in the Dhafra region in the west of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, about 220 km from Abu Dhabi city. It is a crescent-shaped band of oases stretching more than 100 km east to west along the northern edge of the Rub al Khali (the Empty Quarter), strung together by dozens of villages and date farms, with Mezaira as the central town. This is the birthplace of the Al Nahyan family, which rules Abu Dhabi, and several mud-brick forts and watchtowers still stand here. It is also one of the UAE's most important date-growing regions.

There are three main highlights. First, the desert: just south of the oasis is the world's largest continuous sand sea, where the Moreeb dune rises about 300 m. You can go dune bashing, ride camels and camp under the stars. Second, stay at the Qasr Al Sarab desert resort, deep among the dunes, and enjoy luxury desert living. Third, follow the oasis road past Mezaira Fort, Dafra Fort, Kutuf Fort and Jabana Fort, where date palm groves and dunes meet.

Festivals: from December to January, the Liwa International Festival features dune racing, and the Dhafra Camel Festival is held in North Madinat Zayed. In July, the Liwa Date Festival takes place. Plan to stay 1–2 nights.

The best season is November to March, when days are around 25°C and nights are cool. From May to September it is scorching, often over 45°C. Getting there: you can realistically only drive yourself or hire a car with a driver. From Abu Dhabi, take the E11 and E45 highways for about 2.5–3 hours. Petrol stations are scarce along the way, so fill up before entering the desert. Travel in groups with an experienced driver for off-roading. Local accommodation is mainly a few hotels and desert camps, so book ahead during festival periods. Dress and behaviour should respect conservative Muslim customs.

Top sights

• Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb) – A giant dune on the southern edge of Liwa, about 300 metres high with an extremely steep slope. It is a world-famous dune-climbing racetrac…
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – A luxury resort styled as an Arabian castle, hidden among the Rub' al Khali dunes, offering camel rides, sandboarding, stargazing, and dese…
• Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) Desert Safari & Camping – Just south of Liwa lies the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter), the world's largest continuous sand sea, where visitors can go dune bashing…
• Mezairaa Fort – A mud-brick fort in Mezairaa, the central town of Liwa, and one of the most frequently photographed traditional forts along the oasis belt.
• Dhafeer Fort – A small square fort surrounded by date palms, its earthen walls set against the palm groves. It is the most rustic historic site in Liwa Oa…
• Qutuf Fort – A mud-brick fort and watchtower on the western stretch of Liwa Oasis, set between dunes and date groves, with views over the oasis belt.
• Al Jabbana Fort – A restored fort on the eastern stretch of Liwa Oasis, backed by high dunes. At sunset the dunes and the fort glow golden.
• Liwa Date Festival – A date harvest festival held each July in Mezairaa, with date competitions, markets and displays of traditional crafts.
• Al Dhafra Festival – A large Bedouin cultural festival near Madinat Zayed, famous for its camel beauty contests, camel races and traditional markets.

Where to eat

• Wheeda Restaurant (Liwa Hotel) – The all-day main restaurant at Liwa Hotel on a hillside in Mezairaa, overlooking the oasis and dunes. It is the most fo…
• 28 Degrees Restaurant (Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa Resort) – The main restaurant at a dune resort, serving Arabic and international dishes. It is a meal stop on the way to Moreeb D…