Quick answer
Liwa is a string of oasis villages on the edge of the Empty Quarter in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, surrounded by some of the tallest dunes in the region — including Moreeb Dune, roughly 300 metres high. From Dubai it is about 3.5–4 hours by road, so plan an overnight stay rather than a day trip. Go between November and March, stay at a desert resort or camp, and leave the dunes to a guide or a properly equipped 4x4.
1How do you get to Liwa from Dubai?
Drive to Abu Dhabi, then south-west through Madinat Zayed towards the oasis. The roads are good tarmac all the way, with long, straight stretches and few stops.
| From | Distance (approx.) | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Distance (approx.)350–400 km | Time (approx.)3.5–4 hours |
| Abu Dhabi city | Distance (approx.)220–250 km | Time (approx.)2.5–3 hours |
2What is Moreeb Dune?
One of the tallest dunes in the region, rising roughly 300 metres from the desert floor with a steep face. It hosts a winter festival with 4x4 and motorbike hill climbs, and the views from its base at sunrise and sunset are the reason many people make the trip. Do not attempt to drive it.
3What is there to do in Liwa?
- Watch sunrise over the dunes.
- Drive through the oasis villages and date-palm farms.
- Visit the old forts in the villages.
- Guided dune drives, camel rides and stargazing at the desert resorts.
- The winter festival at Moreeb, if your dates match.
4Where do you stay?
Choose between desert resorts, hotels in the villages and organised camps. Rooms go quickly in winter and around the festival, so book ahead.
5Driving to Liwa in a rental car
- Fill up in Abu Dhabi or Madinat Zayed — stations thin out after that.
- Long, straight roads are tiring; stop every couple of hours.
- Watch for camels near the road, especially at dusk.
- Abu Dhabi enforces speed limits strictly — see speed limits in the UAE.
- Keep the car on tarmac — rental insurance does not cover sand.
6When is the best time to go?
November to March, when days are warm and nights are cool. Summer temperatures in Liwa are extreme, and the dunes are dangerous to explore in the heat.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Liwa from Dubai?
Roughly 350–400 km, about 3.5–4 hours by road.
Can you do Liwa as a day trip from Dubai?
It is possible but very long; an overnight stay is far better.
How tall is Moreeb Dune?
Roughly 300 metres from the desert floor — one of the tallest dunes in the region.
Can I drive a rental car to Liwa?
Yes, on the tarmac roads. Keep it off the sand — insurance does not cover off-road driving.
When is the best time to visit Liwa?
November to March, when days are warm and nights cool.
What is the Empty Quarter?
The Rub' al Khali, one of the largest sand deserts in the world, stretching across the Arabian Peninsula; Liwa sits on its northern edge.
Is there fuel on the way to Liwa?
Yes, on the main roads, but stations thin out after Madinat Zayed — fill up there.
What is the Liwa festival?
A winter festival at Moreeb Dune with car and motorbike hill climbs and other events; the dates vary each year.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 22 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
