ast, golden, and untamed—Liwa sits at the edge of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world’s largest continuous sand desert. Known for its towering dunes, deep-rooted heritage, and off-road adrenaline, Liwa is not just a place—it’s an experience. In 2025, if you’re looking for a true desert adventure, far beyond city lights and highway noise, Liwa delivers the wild with authenticity.
🚙 Top Things to Do
🏁 Conquer Moreeb Dune
Towering nearly 300 meters, Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb) is one of the highest dunes on Earth and the centerpiece for extreme 4×4 drivers. Every winter, it becomes a playground for dune racers, motocross pros, and drone pilots alike.
🏜️ Go Off-Roading Through the Empty Quarter
The deep desert trails of Liwa offer serious off-roading challenges. From soft sands to massive bowls, drivers come equipped with winches, shovels, and recovery gear to test their skill. Guided desert convoys are recommended for first-timers.
🏕️ Camp Under a Thousand Stars
The silence is absolute, and the stars are limitless. Wild camping is popular throughout Liwa—with nights lit only by the moon and the flicker of your campfire.
🏛️ Explore Traditional Life in the Liwa Oasis
Visit the villages of Mezaira’a, Hamim, and Qutuf, where date palms, old forts, and traditional homes show you a different, authentic side of Emirati life. Buy local dates and camel milk chocolate from small shops and farms.
🏁 Attend the Liwa International Festival (Tal Moreeb Festival)
Held annually in December or January, this cultural and motorsports extravaganza includes:
- Camel racing
- Classic car shows
- Falconry competitions
- Drag races on sand
- Local food markets and Emirati crafts
📍 How to Get There
- By Car: ~3.5–4 hour drive from Abu Dhabi via E11 → E45 toward Mezaira’a
- By Tour: Many desert tour companies offer multi-day Liwa camping and driving packages
- By 4×4 Convoy: Join local off-road clubs (e.g. UAE Offroaders or Overlanders) for group exploration
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Experience Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov – Feb | Cool weather, Tal Moreeb Festival |
| Spring | Mar – Apr | Ideal for camping, milder heat |
| Summer | May – Sep | Avoid—extreme temperatures |
| Autumn | Oct | First chance to explore post-summer |
💸 Tickets, Costs & Essentials
- Entry Fees: Liwa is free to enter; festival events may charge small fees
- Desert Driving Permit: Not required, but you must be equipped and experienced
- Fuel Stations: Sparse—fill up at Mezaira’a or Hameem before heading off-road
- 4×4 Rental: Starts ~AED 400/day (excludes recovery services)
- Luxury Resort Night: Qasr Al Sarab ~AED 1,200–2,500/night
💡 Local Tips
- Don’t go alone—always off-road in groups or with a satellite tracker
- Download offline maps (e.g. Gaia GPS, Hema, or Google Maps) in advance
- Carry extra fuel, water, and a full recovery kit
- Sundown to sunrise is the best time for photography and comfort
- Be respectful near oasis farms—many are private but welcoming
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
| Type | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Liwa Hotel, Mezaira’a | Simple rooms, central location |
| Mid-Range | Tilal Liwa Hotel, Madinat Zayed | Pool and desert views |
| Luxury | Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara | Ultimate desert luxury, camel rides, spa, fine dining |
| Camping | Anywhere off-road (wild) | Bring your own gear and follow leave-no-trace rules |
Food:
- Try grilled meats, madhbi, and desert-cooked rice dishes from local tents or small cafés
- Stock up at petrol station groceries; no restaurants deep in the dunes
🗣️ Quick Language Guide
| English | Arabic Phrase | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | مرحباً | Marhaban |
| Thank you | شكراً | Shukran |
| Please | من فضلك | Min fadlak/fadlik |
| I need help | أحتاج مساعدة | Ahtaj musa’adah |
| Where is fuel? | أين محطة البنزين؟ | Ayna mahatat al-benzin? |
🌟 Final Thoughts
Liwa isn’t a tourist trap—it’s a test of the senses.
It’s where fine sand replaces asphalt, where your voice echoes over 300-meter dunes, and where you finally hear silence. Whether you go for the roaring engines at Tal Moreeb, the soft stillness of an oasis sunrise, or the thrill of chasing your 4×4 shadow over the golden sea, Liwa will leave tracks on your soul.
2025 is the year. Ride south. Ride far. Liwa awaits.
