Liwa Oasis stretches about 100 km in an arc along the northern edge of the Rub' al Khali, south-west of Abu Dhabi, with dozens of villages and date farms. Tal Moreeb lies about 22 km south of Muzayri'.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Type
- Desert
- Best time
- December to February
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Zayed International Airport (AUH)
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Liwa
- Tal Moreeb, one of the region's tallest dunes at about 300 m
- The northern edge of the Rub' al Khali
- Oasis villages, date farms and historic forts
- Falcon and saluki displays on desert trips
- The winter Liwa International Festival
Best time to visit Liwa
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Liwa is December to February.
The Liwa International Festival runs for about three weeks around Tal Moreeb in winter, bringing peak visitor numbers.
Most comfortable months for camping and desert drives.
Al Dhafra is among the hottest parts of the UAE in summer; extreme days can approach 50°C.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| February | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 17–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 21–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 26–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 28–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| October | 23–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 18–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Liwa includes camels.
Things to do
Getting there
Liwa is about 250 km from Abu Dhabi city, 2.5–3 hours by highway. Tal Moreeb is reached by a paved road, while driving in the dunes needs a 4x4 and an experienced guide.
Trips to Liwa
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Liwa for families
- Liwa for a honeymoon
- Liwa for photographers
- Liwa for a first safari
- Liwa on a budget
- Liwa for luxury travel
Compare with
- Liwa vs Ras Al Khaimah Desert
- Liwa vs Mleiha
- Liwa vs Dubai Desert
- Liwa vs Al Marmoom
- Liwa vs Hatta
- Liwa vs Sir Bani Yas Island
Travelling to Liwa from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Liwa?
Generally December to February. The Liwa International Festival runs for about three weeks around Tal Moreeb in winter, bringing peak visitor numbers.
How many days do I need in Liwa?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Liwa?
Liwa is about 250 km from Abu Dhabi city, 2.5–3 hours by highway. Tal Moreeb is reached by a paved road, while driving in the dunes needs a 4x4 and an experienced guide.
Sources: Visit Abu Dhabi – Desert traditions itinerary · Wikipedia – Liwa Oasis · Abu Dhabi Culture – Liwa Oasis · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.