Liwa Travel Guide
Dunes and Oasis
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Gateway to the dramatic expanse of desert known as the Empty Quarter, Liwa is one of the largest oases in Arabia. With freshwater pools and palm groves the oasis is the traditional home of the Bani Yas tribe who were the Bedouin forefathers of today’s ruling family. It offers desert adventures a relatively short drive from the city.
Liwa is an oasis area in Abu Dhabi emirate of the UAE, lying south of Abu Dhabi on the border with Saudi Arabia. Like a sentinel guarding the southern approaches to the emirate it sits like a sentinel on the edge of the Empty Quarter, the famed Rub Al Khali - the largest sand desert in the world.
The oasis is made up of a number of small towns and villages, with farms right up against the dunes and which often reach hundreds of meters high. One of the attraction of the area is the constantly changing colour of the sand, from gold to red, particularly striking at the beginning and end of the day.
Base camp for the annual UAE Desert Challenge (which forms part of the international off-road rally world championships) its remote location is ideal for those that seek isolation and an opportunity to take a desert safari by 4WD vehicle. Camping trips to the Liwa area and camel riding are also popular.
Attractions in Liwa
Featuring plenty of freshwater pools and date plantations, the oasis is home to the Bani Yas tribe, the Bedouin ancestors of Abu Dhabi's ruling family. The large tracts of the desert here, with high sand dunes devoid of all vegetation, have remained unspoiled and unchanged for centuries.
Activities in Liwa
Camel tours of Liwa's dunes and overnight camping trips are some of the options available. Tal Mer'eb (usually written as Merheb Dune) is a popular destination and desert safaris, dune bashing, sand skiing and biking are all possible in the Liwa area.
Relaxing
Nights in a desert camp reveal millions of stars and provide the perfect opportunity to relax.
Getting Around
You’ll need to be self sufficient if self-driving – a better option is to hire a driver and guide and make arrangements through a local travel expert.
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