Discover the Best Things to Do in Liwa Desert Abu Dhabi (2024)

By Alison Watt On

Last winter, I took a solo trip to the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi, a place that’s always intrigued me with its vast dunes and deep-rooted traditions. My journey brought me to the heart of Liwa, where I attended the annual Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival, camped under the stars, and explored some of the lesser-known corners of this desert oasis.

Liwa is more than just festivals, though. Other things to do in Liwa include both the relaxing and the invigorating. For some thrill and adventure, hit the giant dunes or for something quieter, explore its historic forts, wander around its small town, visit the huge Liwa sign and find a more peaceful spot in the desert.

In this guide to Liwa, I’ll be sharing my experiences of the Moreeb Dune Festival, Liwa Village, the fort trail and the joy of camping out in the desert, along with some recommendations on where to stay—whether you’re looking for a simple hotel or something more luxurious. I’ll also cover some of the best tours to help you make the most of your time in this extraordinary part of the UAE.

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⏳ Short on time?: My top recommendations for your trip to Liwa Desert include:
⭐ Best Desert Resort: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
🏨 Best Town Hotel: Liwa Western Hotel
🚙 Recommended Tours:
🚘 Liwa Full Day Desert Safari
⛰️ 2-Day Liwa Oasis Overnight Safari

Open the Table of Contents if you’re looking for something specific. ⬇️

About Liwa Oasis Abu Dhabi

Liwa Desert and Oasis

The image captures a vast expanse of sand dunes in the Liwa Desert, stretching out under a clear blue sky. The dunes have smooth, flowing curves, with varying shades of golden-brown sand highlighted by the sunlight. The serene landscape conveys the vastness and tranquillity of the desert environment.

The Liwa Oasis lies on the northern edge of the Rub’ al Khali, or The Empty Quarter, and is one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the UAE. The Empty Quarter stretches over three countries (Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE) and is home to some of the tallest dunes in the world, like the famous Moreeb Dune, which is over 300 metres high.

Liwa has been an important hub for the Bedouin tribes for centuries, particularly the Bani Yas, and it is known for its agriculture and date palm cultivation, which is still a major business today.

Driving through Liwa, you’ll notice small settlements dotted along the main road, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. The area is popular for dune bashing, desert safaris, and exploring traditional forts, making it a great starting point for those keen on discovering the natural beauty and heritage of Abu Dhabi’s vast desert landscape.

Best Things to Do in Liwa Abu Dhabi

Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival

Moreeb Dune is not only one of the tallest sand dunes in the world but it also has a steep 50-degree incline. This makes it a favourite spot for car enthusiasts to gather and show off their skills racing up his steep slope.

During the Moreeb Dune Festival, you’ll see many four-wheel drives, quad bikes, and specially modified vehicles battle it out with others up and down its slopes while spectators gather at the bottom to watch.

A towering sand dune known as Moreeb Dune under a clear blue sky, with a long track running up its steep slope, flanked by UAE flags and illuminated by tall floodlights. The foreground features fenced-off areas and small shelters, indicating a setup for events or gatherings at the base of this impressive desert formation.

Further down the road, others show off their driving skills in the dedicated drifting arena. Those interested in joining the action can pay to enter but be sure to bring an old car that can handle the challenge and any damage!

For those like me who prefer to watch, park your vehicle, sit back and enjoy the show. For something a bit tamer, visit the large go-karting track near Liwa Village.

There’s more to the festival than just motorsports though. The huge festival complex has cafes, food trucks, and small shops selling camping gear and so on. There’s a small supermarket for any last-minute supplies and serviced public toilets and showers.

A panoramic view of a festival village set in a vast desert landscape, featuring numerous white tents and temporary structures spread across the sandy terrain. Rolling sand dunes extend into the distance under a clear sky, framing the village's organized layout with roads and open areas for events.
Liwa Festival Complex

Liwa Village

Liwa Village is an open-air venue in the festival complex that comes to life during festival times. It also provides many great photo ops and offers a taste of traditional Emirati culture and hospitality.

The image shows the entrance to Liwa Village, illuminated at night with vibrant orange and pink neon lights outlining a series of arches, creating a tunnel effect. Several people are walking through the arched pathway, which is set against a backdrop of textured walls with glowing logos and signs. The warm lighting and modern design elements provide a welcoming and visually striking entrance to the village.

The village is a hub of activity with small shops where you can find local snacks, refreshments, handicrafts, and luxury items. You can also dine in the open-air restaurant.

What makes Liwa Village special is its emphasis on heritage. The village hosts a range of traditional activities, such as Emirati dances, music performances, and cultural demonstrations, which give you an insight into the Bedouin way of life.

Watch a lively performance of the Al Ayala dance or artisans practising their traditional crafts and connect with the rich cultural roots of the Liwa region.

The image shows a traditional dance performance at Liwa Village, with a group of men dressed in white robes, gathered in a circle and engaged in rhythmic drumming and singing. The backdrop features an illuminated traditional-style building with an upper terrace where a few people are seated, watching the performance. Palm trees and decorative lighting add to the vibrant ambiance of this cultural evening event.

Apart from that, it also has games and rides, virtual games, a large screen with Fatboys nearby to lie back on and watch whatever is showing and a large gazebo with a water feature.

With its open-air setting under the desert sky, Liwa Village is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy some authentic Emirati food while soaking in the surroundings.

Liwa Festival Camping

There is a free camping area near one end of the village. It’s convenient if you want to be near all the activities but it will be noisy well into the night. Personally, I preferred to camp further away, where it was quieter. Just make sure you’re not in an area where cars or quad bikes are likely to race through.

If you don’t mind the noise, there are also caravans you can rent out. You can find their contact number and see photos and reviews under Liwa Caravan Rental on Google.

The atmosphere at the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival is lively and vibrant, filled with the sounds of roaring engines, drifting tyres and excited spectators. You’ll find many Emiratis here, making it a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and feel like part of the community.

Whether you’re watching the cars tackle the dunes, enjoying the traditional dances, or just relaxing with some food, everyone can join in the fun. Make sure to add it to your calendar! In 2024, the festival will open on the 8th of December with a car parade and run to the 31st when it closes with a fireworks display.

Dune Bashing

One of the most-loved activities in the desert is dune-bashing. If you don’t want to attempt this yourself, join an organised tour which usually includes some extra fun or a barbecue in the desert. Even if you’ve already done this in the Northern Emirates, the Liwa Desert is quite different, so why. not give it a try?

A black 4WD vehicle ascending a massive golden sand dune in the vast Liwa Desert, leaving a trail of kicked-up sand behind it. The scene captures the dramatic curves and smooth texture of the dunes under a soft, diffused light, showcasing the thrill of off-road adventure in an expansive desert landscape.

Enjoy a day full of excitement and fun on this Liwa Full Day Desert Safari that includes dune-bashing, sandboarding, camel farm visits, fort visits and learning about Emirati heritage. If you’re staying in Abu Dhabi, it includes pick up and drop off from your hotel or other location. With only 5-star reviews, it looks like a great choice! Book the full-day Liwa Desert Safari now.

For a longer adventure, why not book this Liwa Overnight Safari with lots of 5-star ratings on Viator?

Take a more gentle drive through the Liwa Desert

If you’re looking for more calm than thrill and you have your own 4WD, gather your friends and family together and head off into the vast desert. My friend Marina, aka the Desert Diva, who’s an old hand at desert driving and also an Abu Dhabi Desert Marshall, says:

“The Rub Al Khali spreads across Saudi, Oman and the UAE, and it is here in Liwa that it is most accessible. Liwa has long been synonymous with advanced-level offroading, but there are a number of tracks leading deep into the desert, where less experienced offroaders can venture in small groups, with the right cars and equipment, of course.

It is a wonderful feeling to see the sun set over the Rub Al Khali’s spectacular red dunes and guests signing up for my Rub Al Khali Retreat on 11th-13th October 2024 have that, as well as easy offroading and a 2-night hotel stay to look forward to!”

Three off-road vehicles—two white and one red—drive across a vast expanse of golden sand dunes in the Liwa Desert. The vehicles are set against a backdrop of rolling dunes and a wide, open landscape, highlighting the adventure and exploration of desert terrain under the bright sun.

Marina’s tips:

  • If you are planning on dune-driving, you will usually need to deflate your tyres to around 15 psi (1.1 bar). Make sure you have a reliable tyre gauge and a compressor to reinflate once you return to the road.
  • Always make sure your car is in tip-top condition as it will be under more strain in the desert.
  • Take at least three litres of water per person.
  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. You won’t always have a phone signal out in the desert.

See more of Marina’s guided self-drive tours here. I’ve been on her trip to Al Dhafra and loved it!

Ride through the Dunes on Liwa Cycle Track

This has to be one of the most beautiful cycling tracks I’ve seen! The well-paved path passes through beautiful dunes with stunning shapes and ripples and is lit with solar lights.

When I visited the Liwa Cycle Track, it still had crash barriers across it but I believe it’s open now. I saw a couple of cyclists on it at the time, but I haven’t been able to find out any up-to-date information. It seems it will be part of the UAE Cycle Tour route and is one of several fairly new long-distance cycling paths, such as the one at Al Wathba Abu Dhabi.

A winding paved cycling track cutting through the golden sand dunes of the Liwa Desert, bordered by streetlights and surrounded by vast, undulating terrain under a clear blue sky. The smooth, rippling patterns of the dunes contrast with the modernity of the road, creating a striking scene of natural beauty and human infrastructure.

Liwa Date Festival

The Liwa Date Festival is a lively annual event held in July at the height of the date season. It’s not just about dates but also celebrates the date palm itself, which features in so many aspects of Emirati culture and heritage.

Date farmers from across the country showcase their best produce and hope to win big prizes in different competition categories. Auctions are also held with some hih prices being paid out for the best dates.

The Liwa Date Festival includes cultural events, traditional market stalls, and activities that involve Emirati traditions and crafts.

Next summer, plan a trip to sample and buy delicious dates of many kinds, learn the ins and outs of date farming and enjoy the vibrant, traditional atmosphere of the Liwa Date Festival. Don’t worry about the heat as it’s held indoors in Mezaira.

The entrance gate to the Liwa Date Festival, featuring a rustic archway with Arabic and English text, flanked by palm trees and decorated with festival logos. Several flags, including the UAE flag, and banners are displayed around the entrance, welcoming visitors to the popular cultural event in a sunny outdoor setting.

Visit the Liwa Sign – Biggest Sign in the World!

The Liwa Sign is a new landmark in the Liwa Desert, recently gaining fame as the world’s largest sign according to the Guinness Book of Records in 2024.

This Hollywood-style sign stands tall atop a small mountain on a plateau, making it visible from all around and adding a fun touch to the local landscape.

The image shows a massive sign with the word "LIWA" in large, bold letters, standing in a desert landscape under a clear blue sky. The sign is reminiscent of the famous Hollywood sign, with each letter supported by metal structures. The barren, sandy terrain contrasts with the bright white letters, emphasizing the sign's prominence.

A few cafes and food trucks on the plateau open in the late afternoon, providing a perfect place to sit and enjoy a coffee or meal while overlooking the town of Liwa below on one side and the farms in the oasis on the other.

The best time to go is before sunset when the desert takes on its warm, golden shades in the low sun and then stay around for the pink skies as the sun dips below the horizon.

The Liwa Sign is a great stop for getting fabulous Instagram shots or just for a relaxing break from driving. You can drive up in any car and park at the top.

Have family fun at Liwa Square

Liwa Square is a nice place to stop off in the town, enjoy a bit of nature, maybe a snack, take some selfies and if you have children, they’ll love to run around here. A path takes you through landscaped areas that reflect the local habitat. It runs between a large pond and a large artificial waterfall on the hillside that flows into a heart-shaped pond.

  • A winding, cracked pathway leading through a desert landscape filled with various shrubs, trees, and native vegetation under a clear blue sky. A flagpole with the UAE flag stands tall amidst the greenery, with a solar-powered light nearby, adding a touch of sustainability to the scenic environment.
  • A serene pond surrounded by white rocks and lush greenery, featuring palm trees and well-maintained bushes. The water reflects the clear blue sky, with colorful structures and a garden area visible in the background, creating a peaceful park setting.

Explore the Fort Trail in Liwa

Liwa Oasis has an abundance of forts and most are accessible and also free to visit. These were critical lookout points for the local tribes to identify any approaching danger. Most of them were built near oases that provided essential water and food sources and, therefore, needed protection.

Although originally built in the late 19th or early 20th century, some have been restored but most have been completely rebuilt under the instructions of the late ruler, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. As much as I love to see untouched ruins, the rebuilt forts allow you to see much more and to imagine life in the fort at the time more clearly.

A historic desert fort with tall, rounded towers and crenellated parapets, set against a backdrop of golden sand dunes and a clear blue sky. The fort is surrounded by a wide, sandy plain with scattered palm trees, evoking a sense of isolation and heritage in the arid landscape.
Yabbana Fort, the easternmost fort

As a bit of a fort nerd, I intended to visit all of them but eventually got to the stage where I’d had quite enough of forts! I went to most of them, but you could easily pick a few, as many are very similar.

They’re mostly dotted at various locations along the road intersecting with Liwa town. I found the route to the Saudi border the most scenic and enjoyed those forts more. It’s also ideal if you’re planning to camp somewhere quiet. Umm Hosn Fort, the last fort before the border, was among my favourites. Nearby, the original fort, which is in ruins, is fenced off.

  • A traditional desert fort with a prominent circular tower, topped with crenellations and a flagpole flying the UAE flag. The fort's walls are made of adobe, blending seamlessly with the surrounding sandy landscape, and are set against a backdrop of rolling dunes under a bright blue sky.
  • The interior of a traditional fort tower, featuring a central support pillar made from palm tree trunks and a rustic wooden ceiling with exposed beams. A narrow, stepped staircase ascends along the curved wall, which is punctuated by small, round windows that allow light to filter into the circular room.

One of the most scenic settings is at Khannur Fort, however, it was under restoration.

A picturesque sunset view with a sky painted in shades of orange and pink, framed by the silhouettes of palm trees. In the distance, a historic fort tower is partially visible, adding a touch of heritage to the serene desert landscape.
Khannur Fort

As the trend now is to set up outdoor cafes in scenic places, a few forts were no longer accessible. I even got stopped by security for taking a photo of one! If you enjoy these kinds of cafes and restaurants, visit Mezaira’a Fort in Liwa and Qutuf Fort on the road to Arada. No doubt, more cafes will pop up at other forts too though.

  • A historic fort with tall, round towers featuring battlements, set in a sandy area under a bright blue sky. The entrance is flanked by colorful, oversized ceraumic pots belonging to the adjacent cafe. The UAE flag is flying above the main gate.
    Mezaira’a Fort and cafe
  • A traditional fort with crenellated walls and a round tower, partially covered by a modern wooden pergola structure, blending old and new architectural elements. The fort is set on a slightly elevated sandy platform, surrounded by a few palm trees under a clear blue sky.
    Qutuf Fort with cafe

If you want to just visit one fort on your way through the town, go to Dhafeer Fort.

  • A historic fort with a rectangular main structure and crenellated parapets, featuring an entrance gate surrounded by smaller crenellated walls in a sandy desert setting. The UAE flag flies atop the fort, while large clay pots and a signboard are positioned near the entrance, with palm trees visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
    Dhafeer Fort Liwa
  • The interior of a traditional fort room with thick, mud-plastered walls, featuring small, narrow windows and triangular ventilation openings that allow light to filter through. The room has a simple, rustic design with uneven textures and a few alcoves, creating a sense of historic authenticity and minimalist architecture.
    inside Dhafeer Fort

Here are a couple more I visited.

  • The image shows Al Mariah Al Gharbiya Fort in Liwa, featuring a traditional mud-brick structure with crenellated walls and a prominent circular watchtower. The fort is adorned with a flag on top of the tower and has a simple, arched entrance gate that leads into the enclosed area. A signboard in front provides historical or visitor information, while the fort stands against a backdrop of a clear evening sky, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
    Al Marya Al Gharbiya
  • The image depicts Attab Fort in Liwa, Abu Dhabi, characterized by its traditional desert architecture with two cylindrical towers on either side of a fortified wall. The fort, built with beige mud bricks, features crenellations along the top of the walls and the towers, which display a flag at the center. The fort is set against a blue sky, with the surrounding desert landscape visible in the background, evoking a sense of the region's historical and cultural heritage.
    Attab Fort

Exploring these forts is a great way to learn about Liwa’s cultural heritage and understand the importance of these strategically placed forts and towers in days gone by.

Tip: Although entry to the forts is free, you may consider tipping the caretakers who let you into the forts in the more remote areas.

Explore the Oasis

Take a slow drive down towards the Saudi border (not an open border crossing) from Liwa, go down side roads, drive through villages and agricultural areas to see a different side of life, stop and walk around, take a picnic and definitely take your camera. The desert away from the town is one of the quietest places you can find yourself.

The image shows a scenic view of the Liwa Oasis, where a sandy path bordered by lush green vegetation leads toward vast golden sand dunes in the background. The contrasting colors of the green oasis and the golden desert under a bright blue sky highlight the unique landscape of the region. Palm trees and dense shrubs line the path, emphasizing the transition from fertile oasis to the expansive desert beyond.

Before reaching Liwa, look out for camel and camel farms along the way. You can often say baby camels in the winter.

Don’t feel afraid to strike up conversations with people you see but make sure to respect local culture. Dress appropriately, avoid contact with the opposite gender and just be friendly.

Visit Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Surely, the most luxurious way to enjoy Liwa Oasis is by visiting Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. Even if you’re not staying there, you can still book a table in one of their many restaurants or attend other events like New Year Fireworks and dinner or the arrival of Santa Claus in the desert!

If you decide to stay, book the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort directly to get free spa credit.

qasr al sarab hotel with a deep dune along the side

Stargazing in Liwa Oasis

Liwa Desert is a perfect place for stargazing. You’ll need to make sure you’re far enough away from the town or festival area so there is no light pollution. You might be lucky to see the Milky Way too so don’t forget your camera.

Where to stay in Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi

If you’re planning a camping trip, the desert is pretty much your oyster as long as you stay away from places with racing 4WDs and quad bikes and off private property. But if you’re not camping, there are several places to stay in Liwa and nearby.

When it comes to hotels, there’s the gorgeous Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort with stunning desert views. Facilities include a spa, multiple restaurants, a traditional farm with animals and an adults-only infinity pool with desert views.

You can book a villa, room or suite at Qasr Al Sarab and if you book direct, you get AED 200-300 spa credit. if you book at least 30 days in advance, you can also get 15% off and complimentary breakfast. Book the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort now.

Bab Al Nujoum Bateen Liwa is possibly the most expensive in the area, but if you’re going with your family and want a luxurious desert experience with a villa, private pool, and activities, this might be the one for you.

Another desert glamping experience with an exceptional rating on booking platforms is the family-run Liwa Nights, which has luxury tents with proper beds, free bikes, a play area, restaurants, and breakfast.

In the town of Liwa, the 5-star Liwa Hotel has all you need including a pool and views over Liwa Oasis. The 4-star Western Hotel offers the same but with better ratings on booking platform reviews.

For something quieter, one I’ve added to my list is the new Al Artaa Resort in a quiet area near Qataf Fort. They offer entire homes with one or two bedrooms and the rate includes breakfast. Book Artaa Resort or see more.

I also discovered this three-bedroom villa Botanical House with lush gardens on Booking. It doesn’t have any reviews yet but I’ve added it to my wish list too! Check it out or book Botanical House, private villa, Liwa. Another new one that looks great is Damas Resort, which has a rooftop pool.

In the festival area, you can also book caravans in a small private area. Keep in mind that it will be noisy during the festival.

My top pick is Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. It wins on views, facilities and comparative value for money.

Book your luxury stay direct at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort now

My pick for a camping spot would be either about 15 minutes away from the Moreeb festival complex or Arada, near the road to the Saudi border. This is about 45-60 minutes from the festival area and there are no shops or cafes, so come prepared! This is where I went near the border. ⬇️

The image shows a sweeping view of the Liwa Desert's western side, featuring gently rolling sand dunes under a clear blue sky. The dunes display a mix of smooth curves and ridges, with the sun casting soft shadows that accentuate their natural shapes. Small clusters of green vegetation sparsely dot the landscape, adding subtle colour variation to the otherwise golden-brown expanse of the desert.

Is Liwa worth visiting?

If you love something different, a combination of culture, adventure and tranquillity, or just one of these, Liwa is worth visiting. Even if you’ve been to other deserts, the Liwa desert and the wider Empty Quarter look quite different and you’ll find a different way of life.

Whether you visit in your car and camp or book a guided tour and hotel, I think it’s one you should add to your UAE winter itinerary. If you’re looking for flashy and bling, this one’s not for you!

My Personal tips for visiting Liwa Oasis

Here are a few tips based on my own personal experience in Liwa Oasis.

If you’re camping and are hoping to get some sleep, camp at least 15 minutes away from the festival complex. Make sure there are no cars or quad bikes on the nearby dunes. If you don’t have a 4WD, you can find a spot on the old road that runs parallel to the new one.

The image captures a serene camping scene in the Liwa Desert during sunrise or sunset, with a partially visible tent in the foreground labeled "Fresh & Black." The tent is set up on a dune, overlooking an expansive landscape of gently rolling sand dunes that stretch into the distance. The sky is filled with scattered clouds illuminated in shades of orange, pink, and blue, creating a peaceful and picturesque backdrop to the desert camping experience.

Don’t let your petrol run low. I was surprised at how few petrol stations there were and how far apart they were. (Living somewhere further north with around 12 petrol stations within 4km of my house, at least half of them ADNOC, I was not prepared for this!)

Finding cafeterias or takeaway restaurants to buy some lunch or even a cup of karak was a real challenge! In the evening, there are plenty of cafes, etc but not cafeteria prices. Make sure you pack plenty of snacks. I ended up buying a sandwich and tea out of a machine at a petrol station (when I eventually found one!)

Just like any other desert, it can get cold in the evening, so pack accordingly. (They also sell small fleece-lined winter tents at the camping shop in Mezaira and loads of other useful stuff.)

For a longer road trip in the UAE, combine this with Al Dhafra Festival, Al Wathba Abu Dhabi or Al Mirfa on the Abu Dhabi coast.

Remember to respect local culture and dress modestly.

Wrap-up on the Best Things to Do in Liwa Desert

To wrap up the things to do and places to see in Liwa, there’s plenty to cater to different interests—from adrenaline-releasing adventures like the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival to relaxed cultural experiences that explore Emirati heritage.

Whether driving up the towering Moreeb Dune, exploring historic forts across the oasis, camping under the stars, or enjoying luxury at a high-end hotel, the Liwa Desert offers a wide variety of experiences for all types of travellers. With its blend of heritage, adventure and natural beauty, Liwa Oasis is a unique destination that showcases a different side of the UAE, perfect for those looking to enjoy a rich desert experience.

If you liked this, you might also like my posts on Al Mirfa, Top Places to Visit in Al Ain or Best Things to Do in Kalba. Or go to Explore Abu Dhabi to see all Abu Dhabi posts.

See places to stay in Liwa and nearby on the map. ⬇️

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