Experience Liwa

About Liwa

From City Lights to Desert Nights

Just beyond the city lights, Liwa offers an exceptional escape into Abu Dhabi's desert. Known for its sweeping dunes and the famous Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter – the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert – Liwa lies within Al Dhafra, the largest of Abu Dhabi’s three regions.

Only about two hours from Abu Dhabi, this destination is ideal for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind in peaceful, unique surroundings.

A Natural Escape

Dune Bashing

Discover Liwa’s sweeping desert on an unforgettable dune bashing adventure. Skilled drivers take you up and over towering dunes, offering breathtaking views of the endless golden sands and capturing the wild beauty of the landscape.

Sandboarding

Ride the slopes of Liwa’s expansive sands on a sandboard, carving down the desert’s natural ridges. It’s a unique way to experience the desert, letting you enjoy both the speed and serenity of Liwa’s open dunes.

Stargazing

Liwa’s remote desert setting offers some of the clearest night skies in the UAE. Gaze up to witness a brilliant canopy of stars, unspoiled by city lights. For the ultimate experience, choose to camp overnight.

History & Culture

Liwa's Legacy

Liwa is steeped in a rich history that offers a glimpse into Abu Dhabi's roots.

Explore Ancient Forts

Discover Liwa’s past with a visit to its historic forts. These forts, once vital for defense and community, now provide a glimpse into traditional Emirati life and the enduring strength of Liwa’s roots in the desert landscape.

Discover Bedouin Culture

Bedouin culture reveals the deep connection between Liwa’s people and its landscapes. Learn about the art of desert survival and stories passed through generations. Experience customs that continue to shape life in the region today.

Tour Historical Sites

Walk through Liwa’s storied past at its historical sites. These landmarks, preserved over generations, provide a deeper understanding of Liwa’s role in Abu Dhabi’s history and the resilience of its people.

Staying in Al Dhafra

Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa

Enjoy a blend of traditional and modern desert living at Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa. This resort features comfortable tents with stunning views of the dunes.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Escape to luxury at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, where lavish accommodations link to the breathtaking landscape of the Liwa Desert.

Desert Islands Resort & Spa

The Desert Islands Resort by Anantara is a five-star oasis offering lavish rooms with Arabian elegance and panoramic views of the island’s stunning scenery.

Danat Jabal Al Dhanna

Danat Jebel Dhanna is based on the western shore of Al Dhafra with 800m of pristine beach. The resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Western Hotel Ghayathi

Discover tranquillity at Ghayathi’s newest sanctuary. Explore the Arabian essence with desert drives and unwind in luxurious rooms.

Western Hotel Liwa

Experience a blend of contemporary comfort and timeless desert charm at Western Hotel Liwa, a desert resort ideal for those seeking a unique getaway.

Liwa Hotel

This desert resort is located at the gateway of the Empty Quarter. Surrounded by 25 acres of lush, manicured gardens, the hotel has an array of luxe stays.

Bab Al Nojoum Camp

Abu Dhabi’s newest enviro-glamping destination is proud to guide campers on a unique journey filled with new experiences made for friends and families alike.

Wander, explore, experience Liwa

Family day in Liwa

Culture in Liwa

Adventure in Liwa

Liwa culinary

Winter Delights at Liwa's Forts

Join us at the Liwa International Festival, where the historic Liwa Forts come to life with exciting cultural experiences, unique food and beverage offerings and fascinating deer encounters. Held at the Mezair'ah Fort, Al Meel Fort, and Qutuf Fort, these are events you won't want to miss—come explore and enjoy it all.

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Forts

Umm Hisn Tower

The Umm Hisn tower, built by the Manaseer tribe between 1883 and 1890, protected a well and defended the western approach to Liwa. Constructed with limestone slabs, nearby quarried areas were enclosed to house animals.

Hayla Watchtower

Hayla (or Taraq) watchtower is believed to have been built at the end of the 19th century. The tower is four metres in diameter and is still standing to its full height of five metres. Hayla is an intact authentic tower.

Yabbana Fort

Yabbana Fort is the easternmost fort in Liwa, built to defend settlements and palm groves. It was constructed in the 19th century for the Manaseer tribe by a mason called Mubarak Balyatima of the Al Haliman tribe. It was rebuilt between 2000 and 2004.

Meel Fort

Meel Fort, also known as Nimail, was built by the Bani Yas during Sheikh Muhammad bin Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan's reign (1816–1818). It protected Shah, an important settlement in Liwa, and served as a gunpowder production site. Destroyed in 1889, it was reconstructed in 1984.

Mezaira’a Fort

The Mezaira'a Fort, built around 1800 CE by the Qubaisat of the Bani Yas on Sheikh Tahnun bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan's orders, served as the Al Nahyan rulers' seat in Liwa. It was rebuilt in 1988, based on Sultan Fort in Al Ain, as the original structure had not survived.

Dhafeer Fort

Rebuilt in 1915 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (reigned 1912–1922), Dhafeer Fort was in ruins by 1953. It was reconstructed again in 1996–1997 using mudbrick to distinguish it from the original stone structure.

Qutuf Fort

Built by the Bani Yas in 1925, the Qutuf Fort lies in the middle of the Liwa Oasis system and used to guard the southern approaches. Originally, it was a round tower made of rubble stone in a square enclosure, but it was rebuilt in 1990–1991.

Mougab Tower

The Mougab Tower, built during Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed's rule (1922–1926) to defend Liwa from the west, had fallen into ruin by the 1950s. It was restored in 2005.

Hayla and Dhafeer Watchtowers

The Hayla watchtower is the most authentic remaining defensive structure in Liwa, conserved but not rebuilt. Like most original towers, it is round. The Dhafeer Tower, originally rectangular in the murabba style, is shown with an enclosing wall, reflecting its current appearance.