Visit Liwa Magical Desert
Experience the true spirit of the desert with Rub’ Al Khali Desert Tours’ Full Day Liwa Safari, available weekly from Abu Dhabi.
Our air-conditioned vehicles ensure a comfortable round-trip journey deep into the Liwa Desert, often called “The Most Beautiful Desert of Arabia.”
Perfect for visitors on a short stay in Abu Dhabi, this full-day adventure is designed for those who wish to witness the majestic dunes of Liwa but may not have time for an overnight trip. In just one unforgettable day, you’ll journey across 500 km round trip, exploring breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and the timeless beauty of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali).
This 12-hour journey southwards from Abu Dhabi promises a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning desert scenery — leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Liwa Full Day Explorer – (LWA-IND-1)
Distance (one way): 220 km from Abu Dhabi (350 km from Dubai)
Timings:
10:00 – 19:00 (10-11 hours) ……….From Abu Dhabi (Millenium Central Mafraq Hotel)
Highlights: Oasis towns, Date Farm, Date shop, Old Forts, Desert Landscape, Salt Lakes “Sabkha”, Camel farm, Sand rose and “Sand Avalanche” Arabia).
Here’s a refined and engaging version of your Full Day Liwa Safari Itinerary, rewritten in a professional yet inviting style, perfect for your website:
Itinerary – Full Day Liwa Safari
Your Liwa adventure begins from the Millennium Central Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where we set out along the E11 highway toward the Saudi border — a journey that unfolds across some of the UAE’s most stunning desert landscapes.
Our first stop will be at Tarif Petrol Station, about 100 km west of Abu Dhabi. From there, we continue another 140 km, passing mesmerizing views as the sands gradually shift in color — from pale white to deep, glowing orange.
The road leads us to Madinat Zayed, the capital of the Al Gharbia (Western) Region, known for its oil refineries and impressive solar power plant. Here, we visit a local market where you can browse traditional goods and daily essentials that reflect the rhythms of Emirati life.
Next, our guide will accompany you to a local restaurant to enjoy an authentic Emirati lunch featuring the region’s favorite dish, “Mandi.”
After lunch, we drive through small villages and lush date palm plantations, eventually reaching Mezaira’a, the heart of the Liwa region. You’ll have time to explore its charming streets lined with local shops and date stores — a must-visit for anyone eager to taste the many varieties of this treasured desert fruit and see its by-products.
We’ll also stop at the historic Liwa Fort, nestled at the base of a picturesque “green dune” and surrounded by palm groves — a perfect setting for photos and a glimpse into Liwa’s storied past.
The Desert Adventure Begins
From here, the call of the Empty Quarter grows stronger — vast dunes stretching beyond imagination. Your Liwa desert adventure officially begins as we deflate the tires and prepare for a thrilling ride through the rolling sands.
Your expert guide will navigate the dunes like a seasoned “sidewinder”, gliding and cresting over golden slopes with skill and precision. Along the way, we’ll stop at a camel farm, where you’ll learn about these remarkable animals and their vital role in Bedouin life — symbols of survival in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.
As we journey deeper, we’ll tackle towering dunes in true roller-coaster fashion. Listen closely — you might hear the haunting hum of the “singing sands”, a natural phenomenon unique to this part of Liwa.
If luck is on our side, we may even spot the graceful Arabian gazelle, once on the brink of extinction and now thriving again thanks to the conservation efforts of the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The Final Stop – The Sand Roses
Before returning to civilization, we’ll pause to admire the mysterious “Sand Roses” — stunning natural crystal formations of gypsum that bloom beneath salt flats, called Sabkhas. Each one is unique, resembling a delicate rose carved by nature itself.
After a full day of exploration, our desert guides will escort you back to Liwa Hotel, where you’ll board your vehicle for the comfortable return journey to Abu Dhabi — carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your Liwa Safari experience.
Tour Inclusions
✅ Pickup & Transfers
- Pickup from Millennium Central Mafraq Hotel, Abu Dhabi (Tel. +971 2 659 6666)
- Optional pickup from other Abu Dhabi locations available at an additional fee of AED 125 / USD 35 per person (round trip)
- Round-trip transportation in air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles or minibuses (depending on group size)
✅ Included Services
- 4×4 with English-speaking professional guide
- Tents for two adults or family tents for up to four persons
- Lunch at a local Arabic restaurant (main local dish, green salad, Arabic sweets, and soft drinks)
- Children’s discount for ages 6–12 (maximum two children per car)
What to Bring
Camera, video, or mobile phone for photos
Light attire during warm months; jacket or pullover in cooler weather
️ Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
Sandals or light trekking shoes suitable for walking on sand
Terms & Conditions
- Excursions operate from September to May each year; other months are available on request and subject to weather conditions
- All rates are inclusive of 5% VAT and service charges
- Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance
- Full payment is required upon confirmation
- Cancellations or no-shows within 48 hours of the tour date are non-refundable
- Rub’ Al Khali Desert Tourism LLC reserves the right to cancel or postpone tours due to unfavorable weather or unforeseen circumstances
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