Events at this location

A Desert Legacy Etched in the Sands

Welcome to Liwa City, the beating heart of Al Dhafra and gateway to one of the most enchanting landscapes in the UAE. Located on the northern edge of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter)—the largest continuous sand desert on Earth—Liwa is steeped in Bedouin history, Emirati heritage, and untouched desert beauty.

Home to the founding Al Nahyan family, Liwa is more than just an oasis—it's a vibrant cultural stronghold where you can lose yourself among towering dunes, centuries-old forts, and palm-filled villages. Whether you're chasing adrenaline at the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival or sampling local varieties at the Liwa Date Festival, this is where tradition meets timeless adventure.

📍 Location & How to Get There

• Region: Al Dhafra (Western Region), Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE

• Address: Liwa City, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi

• Coordinates: 23.4000° N, 53.7400° E

• Access: About 2.5–3 hours from Abu Dhabi city via the E45 highway (Liwa–Madinat Zayed Road

🌟 What to See & Do in Liwa

🏜️ Moreeb Dune

A 300-meter-high sand giant, Moreeb Dune is among the world’s tallest dunes—and the star of the annual Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival, a motorsport extravaganza featuring hill climbs, quad bike races, drag competitions, and nighttime fireworks.

🌴 Liwa Oasis & Heritage

Stretching over 100 km, the Liwa Oasis is home to over 50 villages and forts, many built with traditional mudbrick and nestled among lush date palms. It's a stunning contrast of greenery and golden dunes, with old irrigation systems called falaj still in use.

🌾 Liwa Date Festival

Every July, the oasis hosts the Liwa Date Festival, a celebration of one of the UAE’s most prized crops. Expect exhibitions, competitions, and cultural performances in Al Dhafra’s largest town, Madinat Zayed. This festival complements many other heritage events in Abu Dhabi that honor local agriculture and traditions.

🏕️ Desert Adventures

From stargazing and camel trekking to overnight safaris and luxury desert resorts like Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa offers unforgettable escapes into nature. If you're into extreme sports or serene isolation, Liwa delivers both in cinematic style.