Liwa Desert — Empty Quarter

Two hours past the edge of the map, the Rub' al Khali begins — the Empty Quarter, the largest sand sea on Earth. At Liwa's Moreeb dune the sand rises 300 metres and the silence is total. This is the UAE's most cinematic landscape.

We run Liwa journeys as a full-day 4x4 convoy or a chauffeured visit to the Liwa oasis and Qasr Al Sarab area — fixed transfer rates are published on our Transport page. Sunrise and sunset departures both work; overnight desert stays can be arranged on request.

Photo: Unsplash

Plan your visit

• Where: Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, on the edge of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali)
• Highlights: Moreeb Dune (about 300 metres high), the Liwa date-palm oasis and Qasr Al Sarab desert resort
• Entry: The dunes and the road to Moreeb are open, with no entry fee
• Time needed: A long day trip from Abu Dhabi; an overnight stay is better
• Best time: November to March. In December, the Liwa festival brings motorsports, souks and fireworks
• Distance: About 2.5–3 hours from Abu Dhabi city and 3.5–4 hours from Dubai

Tips from our team

• Start early: the drive is long and the light on the dunes is best in the morning and late afternoon.
• Book hotels early in festival season.
• A 4x4 is only needed for driving on the dunes; the road to Moreeb is paved.

Getting there with Arabian Ring

For Liwa we recommend a GMC SUV or a full-day charter, with water, rest stops and a relaxed pace on the long desert road. We can combine it with lunch or a night at Qasr Al Sarab.

Frequently asked questions

Prices and opening hours were checked in October 2026 and can change. We confirm the latest times and ticket prices when you book.