Discover the Liwa Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi with a guided journey into the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), home to some of the UAE’s tallest sand dunes. Conquer the legendary Moreeb Dune and experience thrilling dune bashing, sandboarding, and peaceful desert stargazing. Visit a camel farm and experience authentic Emirati desert culture in a setting far removed from the crowds of city-based desert tours.
View Liwa Safari ToursEvery Liwa safari operates under our tourism license and follows established safety and insurance requirements from pickup to drop-off.
Our drivers are trained and experienced in high-dune desert driving, with the skills needed to navigate Liwa’s challenging terrain safely.
Our shared safaris are limited to a set number of guests per vehicle, giving you a more comfortable experience without the feel of a large tour convoy.
Enjoy convenient door-to-door pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel, so you don't need to arrange separate transportation to the meeting point.
Travel in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles with bottled water included. For overnight safaris, comfortable bedding is provided so you can relax after a day in the desert.
Choose from six handpicked Liwa Desert Safari experiences, ranging from a value-packed full-day introduction to a private overnight expedition deep into the Empty Quarter. Every tour is led by an experienced guide and includes hotel pickup from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, plus free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Choose the experience that best suits your pace, budget, and appetite for adventure.
Escape the ordinary and lose yourself in the golden expanse of the Liwa Desert, where the planet's highest dunes and boundless adventures await you.
Liwa, the largest oasis in the Arabian Peninsula, lies on the southern edge of the vast Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. This expansive sand desert, covering an astonishing 650,000 square kilometres, is home to some of the world’s tallest dunes, reaching up to 300 meters in height. With its breathtaking golden landscape, Liwa has not only captivated travellers but has also served as a stunning backdrop for numerous blockbuster films, highlighting its unparalleled beauty and grandeur.
Liwa is also known for its deep historical and cultural significance, having once been the ancestral home of the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Feel the thrill of conquering the towering sand dunes during a heart-racing dune bashing ride and when the night falls, escape the city lights and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the desert, gazing at a sky ablaze with twinkling stars. Embrace the desert’s heritage as you hop onto a majestic Majaheem camel—native to Liwa and known for its striking black coat—and set off on a captivating camel trek across the golden expanse.
Discover the magic of the Liwa Desert—where adventure, history and breathtaking landscapes come together, right now.
One of the UAE’s most famous and imposing sand dunes, Moreeb Dune is known for its steep slopes, motorsport events, and spectacular desert views. Featured on most of our Liwa safari itineraries.
A historic oasis made up of date-palm plantations and settlements along the edge of the Empty Quarter. A stop on selected full-day and overnight itineraries.
One of the world's largest continuous sand deserts, the Rub' al Khali surrounds the Liwa region with vast dunes and open desert landscapes. It provides the dramatic setting for dune driving, photography, and overnight adventures.
A scenic road winding along the edge of the Liwa dunes, offering striking views of the desert landscape. Included as a photo stop on selected tours.
Conquering Tel Moreeb, one of the world’s tallest dunes at 300 meters with a 50° incline, is the ultimate thrill. The Liwa Desert Safari offers adrenaline-pumping dune bashing on this towering giant. Beyond the dunes, visit traditional camel farms to meet majestic Majaheem camels, explore Bedouin heritage and see their desert adaptability.
Embark on an adventure with our licensed drivers, experts in desert navigation. Whether a morning trip or an overnight expedition, they skilfully tackle the Empty Quarter’s terrain for a safe, smooth and thrilling experience. With specialized licenses and a commitment to hospitality, they ensure an unforgettable journey.
Your safety is our priority, with well-maintained vehicles, emergency support and expert briefings for a worry-free adventure.
Nicknamed "Scary Mountain," Tel Moreeb is a 300-meter-high dune with a 50-degree incline, making it one of the world’s tallest. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, it is a hotspot for dune bashing, drawing motorsports enthusiasts, especially during the Liwa International Festival and the Moreeb Hill Climb. Visitors can tackle its steep slopes in powerful 4x4 vehicles or soak in breathtaking views from the summit.
Far from city lights, the Liwa Desert offers one of the world’s clearest, most unpolluted night skies. As darkness blankets the vast Rub’ al Khali, the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of twinkling stars. Whether lying on the cool desert sands or gazing up from a cosy camp, the brilliance of the Milky Way stretching across the horizon is breathtaking.
A Liwa Desert Safari offers a chance to visit a local camel farm and encounter Majaheem camels, known for their distinctive black coats. These camels, originating from north-eastern Saudi Arabia, are prized for dairy production. With long legs, a prominent hump and thick hair, they stand apart from the more common brown camels found across the UAE. A farm visit provides insight into these unique creatures and their significance in Bedouin culture and the regional economy.
Sandboarding in the Liwa Desert is an exhilarating adventure for all levels. Glide down towering dunes—some over 100 meters high—as you experience the desert’s answer to snowboarding. Whether you're a seasoned boarder or a first-timer, the soft golden sands ensure a safe yet thrilling ride. With breathtaking desert views as your backdrop, sandboarding in Liwa is an unforgettable experience.
A Liwa Desert Safari offers a deep dive into the UAE’s heritage. Once home to the Bani Yas tribe, ancestors of the ruling families, the Liwa Oasis thrives with vast date plantations sustained by underground freshwater, making it one of the largest palm oases in the Middle East. Exploring historic forts like Mezairaa Fort showcases the region’s defensive architecture and historical significance.
The Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the world's largest continuous sand desert, spanning 650,000 square kilometers across the Arabian Peninsula. Known for its golden dunes, some reaching 300 meters, it offers a serene and mesmerizing landscape. The Liwa Oasis on its northern edge serves as a gateway to this vast desert, stretching 1,000 kilometers in length and 500 kilometers in width, covering over a quarter of Saudi Arabia. Elevations vary from 800 meters in the southwest to near sea level in the northeast, with terrain ranging from fine sands to dunes, salt flats and sand sheets. Historically, it was part of ancient trade routes, with sites like Ubar adding to its mystique. The desert also features sabkhas (brackish salt flats) and ancient lake beds, remnants of a wetter past. Visiting the Rub' al Khali reveals its untouched beauty and rich history, captivating travelers for centuries.
The best time for a Liwa desert safari is October to April, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities. This is peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.
Hotel and flight prices are higher from October to April, but budget travelers can find better deals in summer, though the heat can be intense. Late April and late September offer a balance of affordability and manageable temperatures. Proper planning ensures a rewarding adventure.
To avoid crowds, plan your safari on a weekday. Weekends (Thursday to Saturday) attract both tourists and local residents.
The Overnight Desert Safari & Camping tour, for a sunset, dinner, and stargazing evening away from the city.
View TourThe Private Liwa Desert Safari, for flexible timing and a pace that suits younger travelers.
View TourThe Full-Day Desert Safari, for extended dune driving time across Liwa's dune fields.
View TourThe Sunset Safari, timed specifically to reach Moreeb Dune during golden light.
View TourThe Overnight Desert Safari & Camping tour, our most complete camp experience.
View TourThe Private Liwa Desert Safari, with a dedicated vehicle and a custom itinerary.
View TourThe Full-Day Desert Safari, covering the core Liwa highlights in a single trip.
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This information is general guidance and is not medical advice. If you have specific health, mobility, or other concerns, please consult your doctor and contact us before booking.
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Join thousands of satisfied travelers who have rated our Liwa Desert Safari experiences as unforgettable. Whether seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or tranquil desert beauty, the ultimate Liwa Desert Safari awaits you.
Prices start from AED 499 per adult for a full-day Liwa safari. If you would like to spend the night in the desert, overnight camping packages are available from AED 649. The self-drive 4x4 adventure is priced at AED 1,499. Hotel pickup from Abu Dhabi is included with all tours, and Dubai pickup can be added to most packages for a small additional fee.
Absolutely. A Liwa Desert Safari delivers something that a standard city desert tour simply cannot replicate. The dunes here are genuinely enormous, the landscapes are untouched, and the crowds are minimal. You will explore the fringes of the world's largest continuous sand desert, visit working camel farms, and experience Bedouin culture in a setting that feels completely removed from modern life. For travellers who want an authentic desert experience rather than a tourist attraction, Liwa is the clear choice.
For most travellers, yes. Tel Moreeb towers at over 300 metres, making it roughly three times the height of the dunes found near Dubai. Beyond the scale, Liwa offers far fewer tourists, a genuinely pristine Bedouin landscape, and direct access to the Rub' al Khali. A Dubai safari is a solid introduction to desert driving; a Liwa safari is the complete experience.
The Liwa Oasis sits approximately 240 km from Abu Dhabi city centre, and the drive takes around 2.5 hours along well-maintained roads. All our Liwa Desert Safari packages include door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about navigation or parking.
Yes, and Abu Dhabi is actually the best base from which to do it. Our guided tours depart from Abu Dhabi hotels and travel directly into the Rub' al Khali via the Liwa Oasis, giving you access to one of the most spectacular and least-visited landscapes on the planet. Certain areas of the Empty Quarter require government permits to enter; we handle all permissions on your behalf, including access to restricted zones that independent travellers cannot reach.
Yes. Our full-day and sunset safari packages include hotel pickup from Dubai, though the drive is approximately 3.5 hours each way, so an early start is essential to make the most of your time on the dunes. If you are travelling from Dubai, the overnight package offers considerably better value. Waking up in the middle of the Empty Quarter makes the journey far more rewarding.
Your overnight safari package covers everything you need for a complete desert experience: return hotel transfers, a certified guide, dune bashing at Tel Moreeb, sandboarding, a camel farm visit, a traditional Arabic BBQ dinner, Bedouin-style tented accommodation with full bedding, guided stargazing, and a continental breakfast the following morning.
Not included: alcoholic beverages, personal travel insurance, and gratuities.
Sandboarding is included in our overnight and full-day packages at no extra cost. Tours also include a visit to a working Majaheem camel farm, where you can observe and learn about these remarkable animals at close range. Specific inclusions vary between tour types, so we recommend reviewing the "What's Included" section on each individual tour page before booking.
Every tour on our roster can be arranged as a fully private experience for couples, families, or groups of up to 20 people. Whether you would like a leisurely sunset drive for two, a family-paced day without dune bashing, or a full Empty Quarter expedition with a custom itinerary, we can build it around your needs. Private departures come with a dedicated guide and flexible timing. Rates are typically 30 to 50% above shared tour prices.
Liwa is a great destination for families when the right tour is selected. Here are the key age guidelines to keep in mind:
We recommend getting in touch before booking so we can recommend the most suitable tour for your family's needs.
We offer door-to-door pickup from all major hotels across the Corniche, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, and Abu Dhabi city centre. Dubai hotel pickup is available on most tours for a small surcharge. Departure times differ by tour type:
Your confirmed pickup time and exact meeting point will be included in your booking confirmation email.
Each vehicle accommodates up to 5 passengers, including the driver and guide. All safari vehicles are fully air-conditioned, regularly safety-inspected Toyota Land Cruisers with seatbelts fitted on every seat. Seatbelt use during the dune bashing portion is mandatory for all passengers, and a thorough safety briefing takes place before the off-road section begins. Private tour guests have exclusive use of their vehicle, with additional vehicles provided for larger groups.
Tours run every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays. For most dates, booking at least 48 to 72 hours ahead is sufficient. However, during peak season (October to April) and around the Tel Moreeb Festival, we strongly recommend securing your place two to four weeks in advance, as overnight packages in particular sell out well ahead of schedule.
To confirm your reservation, please have the following ready: your full name, phone number, email address, hotel name and room number, number of guests (adults and children, with ages for any children), your preferred tour date, and details of any special requirements such as dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or accessibility needs. Private and group bookings may require a deposit at the time of reservation.
Alcohol is not permitted at the desert camp, in accordance with UAE law and the customs of the local community. A generous selection of non-alcoholic drinks is provided throughout the evening at no extra charge, including traditional Arabic coffee, fresh fruit juices, and soft drinks.
Overnight guests stay in furnished Bedouin-style tents set within the Empty Quarter dunes. Each tent is equipped with comfortable mattresses, pillows, and full bedding, so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag. Shared toilet facilities are available at all camp locations. Basic shower facilities are provided at most sites, though they are functional rather than hotel-grade. Packing a small supply of wet wipes and your own toiletries is a sensible precaution.
The ideal window for a Liwa Desert Safari is October through to March, when temperatures are comfortable during the day and pleasantly cool after dark. The summer months (May to September) bring intense heat, with temperatures frequently above 45°C, making outdoor activities physically demanding. December and January are the most popular months, combining perfect weather with the annual Tel Moreeb Festival.
Choose loose, lightweight clothing in light colours, ideally made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. If you are joining an overnight tour, bring a warm layer such as a fleece or thick jumper, as temperatures in the desert can drop significantly after sunset. Closed-toe shoes are essential for walking on dune terrain; flip-flops or sandals are not practical. Do not forget sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
Our cancellation terms are straightforward:
Refunds are returned to the original payment method within 7 to 10 business days. Different terms apply to group and private bookings.
Don't leave your bucket-list adventure to chance. With certified guides, premium 4x4s, and permitted access to the deepest parts of the Empty Quarter, we ensure your journey is as safe as it is spectacular.
Last updated: September 09, 2026