Liwa Oasis Abu Dhabi
Liwa Oasis: Experience the majestic desert, towering dunes, and vibrant cultural festivals in Abu Dhabi's historic heartland.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring
Liwa Oasis Abu Dhabi
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, perfect for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Liwa Oasis: Experience the majestic desert, towering dunes, and vibrant cultural festivals in Abu Dhabi's historic heartland.
"The Liwa International Festival is an unreal experience with a gathering like no other!"
🚗 SUV Recommended for Dunes
While sedans are fine for main roads, an SUV is best for exploring dunes. Don't go off-roading alone!
⛺ Book Campsites in Advance
Reserve family campsites via the Liwa Sports Club app for a hassle-free camping experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tal Moreeb Dune
Tal Moreeb
One of the world's tallest sand dunes, offering thrilling 4x4 adventures and breathtaking sunset views.

Liwa International Festival
Tal Moreeb
A vibrant annual event featuring traditional music, culture, and high-octane vehicle thrills.

Date Farms
Various farms across the oasis
Experience the heart of the oasis by visiting local date farms and tasting fresh, authentic produce.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Liwa Oasis
Vehicle & Camping Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 SUV Recommended for Dunes
While sedans are fine for main roads, an SUV is best for exploring dunes. Don't go off-roading alone!
⛺ Book Campsites in Advance
Reserve family campsites via the Liwa Sports Club app for a hassle-free camping experience.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Desert nights get cold! Bring extra blankets and warm clothing for comfortable camping.
🍔 Food Trucks Galore
Expect around 200 food trucks during festivals, offering diverse options and clean restrooms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 SUV Recommended for Dunes
While sedans are fine for main roads, an SUV is best for exploring dunes. Don't go off-roading alone!
⛺ Book Campsites in Advance
Reserve family campsites via the Liwa Sports Club app for a hassle-free camping experience.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Desert nights get cold! Bring extra blankets and warm clothing for comfortable camping.
🍔 Food Trucks Galore
Expect around 200 food trucks during festivals, offering diverse options and clean restrooms.
📱 Download Festival App
Check the Liwa Sports Club app for schedules and event information.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the thrilling desert adventures, especially at Tal Moreeb Dune, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Liwa International Festival. The abundance of food trucks and camping opportunities are also highlights. However, some find the festival overly crowded and loud, particularly for young children.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Liwa Oasis is approximately a 3-hour drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The roads are generally well-maintained, and you'll find plenty of ADNOC fuel stations along the way for breaks.
Sedans are suitable for the main roads leading to Liwa Oasis and the festival village. However, for venturing onto the dunes or exploring off-road, an SUV is highly recommended.
The most common route involves taking the E11 highway and then following signs towards Liwa. It's a scenic drive through the desert landscape.
Public transportation options to Liwa Oasis are limited. Driving your own vehicle or renting one is the most convenient way to reach and explore the area.
Yes, you can stop in Madinat Zayed or Beda Zayed, towns located about 70 km from Tal Moreeb. They offer places to resupply, grab a bite, and use fast-food options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Liwa festival and general areas is often free. However, specific events like the Monster Jam may require separate ticket purchases, which can be made on-site or through platforms like Platinum List.
You can book a family campsite through the Liwa Sports Club app. Prices are around 150 AED per night.
Festival hours can vary daily. It's best to check the official Liwa Sports Club website or their app for the most up-to-date schedule and timings.
Yes, tickets for events like Monster Jam can typically be purchased on the day of the event at the venue or through online ticketing partners.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check the festival's official website or contact organizers directly for any group or family package details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the towering Tal Moreeb Dune for 4x4 adventures, the vibrant Liwa International Festival with its car events and entertainment, and visiting local date farms.
While there are family-friendly aspects like entertainment parks and campsites, the festival can be very loud and crowded, potentially overwhelming for very young children.
Expect a wide range of activities including off-road driving, dune bashing, car drifting, a car museum, numerous food trucks, an entertainment park with a Ferris wheel, circus shows, concerts, and hot air balloons.
Dune bashing is a popular activity, especially at Tal Moreeb. However, it's crucial to do this with experienced guides or in a group, and never alone, especially if you're not in a capable 4x4 vehicle.
You can book family campsites through the Liwa Sports Club app. These sites provide a base for experiencing the desert overnight.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During festivals, expect around 200 food trucks offering a variety of cuisines from well-known brands. Basic cafeterias and fast-food options are also available in nearby towns like Madinat Zayed.
The festival typically features a wide array of food trucks, so you can find everything from local Emirati snacks to international fast food.
While dedicated restaurants might be scarce directly at camping sites, the festival areas usually have numerous food vendors. Nearby towns offer more conventional dining.
Yes, bringing your own non-perishable food items and a portable stove or grill is a good idea if you plan to camp and prepare your own meals.
With a large number of food trucks, you're likely to find options catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Tal Moreeb Dune at sunset offers dramatic landscapes. The vast desert expanses, traditional date farms, and the vibrant festival scenes provide ample photographic opportunities.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for desert photography. Midday can be harsh.
A standard DSLR or even a good smartphone camera can capture stunning images. Protecting your gear from sand and heat is more important.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private property, especially on date farms, and ask permission before photographing individuals.
The festival offers dynamic shots of vehicles, crowds, fireworks, and cultural performances. Capturing the energy and scale of the event is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to note that the festival can be very loud and crowded, which might be overwhelming for very young children. If you're visiting with toddlers, consider focusing on specific family-friendly activities or visiting during quieter periods. Bringing plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection is essential for a comfortable family outing in the desert.
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Roaders
During the Liwa International Festival, you'll witness impressive displays of off-road vehicles and competitions like drifting. Even if you don't have a 4x4, you can still enjoy the spectacle from designated viewing areas. Renting an SUV for the trip is a good compromise if you want more flexibility than a sedan but aren't bringing your own off-roader.
🏕️ Budget Travelers & Campers
When camping, pack all your essentials: tent, sleeping bags, warm clothing, food, and water. This significantly cuts down on expenses. The Liwa International Festival also offers numerous affordable food truck options, making it easy to eat well without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Liwa Oasis
Beyond the agricultural heart, Liwa is famous for its towering sand dunes, most notably Tal Moreeb Dune. This iconic dune is a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts and offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The area around Liwa is a playground for adventure seekers, with opportunities for dune bashing, sandboarding, and camping.
When visiting Liwa, it's important to be prepared for the desert environment. The climate is arid, with extreme temperatures. While the main roads are paved, exploring the dunes requires a 4x4 vehicle and caution. Many travelers recommend visiting during the cooler winter months for a more comfortable experience.
The Liwa International Festival Experience
The festival offers a diverse range of entertainment. Visitors can witness thrilling dune bashing and drifting competitions, explore a car museum, and enjoy live performances, concerts, and fireworks. For families, there's an entertainment park with attractions like a Ferris wheel and circus shows. The event also features a vast array of food trucks, providing a wide selection of culinary options.
Planning for the festival is key. It can get very crowded, so arriving early is recommended. While entry to the general festival area is often free, specific events might require tickets. The desert nights can be surprisingly cold, so packing warm clothing is essential, even if you're not camping.
Camping and Accommodation in Liwa
When camping, essential items to bring include a tent, sleeping bags, warm clothing for the night, a first-aid kit, and flashlights. Sufficient water supply and non-perishable food items are also crucial. Some visitors opt to bring portable stoves for cooking. For those seeking more comfort, there are hotels in Liwa Desert Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis hotels that offer a more conventional stay. Options range from resorts like the Anantara Liwa Desert Resort to more budget-friendly hotels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit