Moreeb Dune, Liwa
Where the Empty Quarter begins.
Wonder No. 3 · Abu Dhabi · Desert
Tal Moreeb, the Moreeb Dune, is one of the tallest sand dunes in the world, a steep wall of sand rising out of the Liwa desert in the far south-west of Abu Dhabi.
Liwa itself is a crescent of oasis villages and date farms on the edge of the Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter, the largest continuous sand desert on the planet. In winter the dune hosts a famous motorsport festival, but most of the year it is just you and the silence.
Why it is a wonderThis is the desert people imagine before they visit: dunes in every direction, colours shifting from gold to red as the sun moves.
Best timeNovember to March.
Time needed1 to 2 days including the drive
Getting thereAround 3.5 to 4 hours from Dubai, or about 3 hours from Abu Dhabi city.
Tips for your visit
- Stay the night. The drive is long and the best light is at sunrise and sunset.
- Only go off-road with an experienced driver and a proper 4x4. Getting stuck out here is serious.
- Fill up on fuel and water in Liwa before heading to the dune.
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 Spotted something out of date?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.
