Liwa Oasis
Green villages at the edge of the Empty Quarter.
Wonder No. 85 · Abu Dhabi · Desert
Liwa is a crescent of oasis villages on the edge of the Rub Al Khali, the Empty Quarter. Date palms and farms sit among enormous dunes, and the area is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe, from which Abu Dhabi's ruling family comes.
It is the gateway to the highest dunes in the country, including Moreeb Dune (wonder number 3).
Why it is a wonderIt combines oasis greenery with some of the biggest dunes on earth.
Best timeOctober to April.
Time neededA full day or overnight
Getting thereAbout 3 to 3.5 hours by road from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Tips for your visit
- Stay overnight if you can, as the drive is long.
- Carry water and use a 4x4 or a licensed guide for dune driving.
Opening hours and access can change, especially around holidays and in summer. Confirm locally before you travel.
Last checked November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
