Hatta (United Arab Emirates) and Liwa (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hatta | Liwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Mountains | Desert |
| Approx. area | 22 km² | — |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Zayed International Airport (AUH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Hatta | Liwa |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Hatta if
- you want hiking, canoeing and birdwatching
- you hope to see foxes and birdlife
Choose Liwa if
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and stargazing
- you hope to see camels
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hatta or Liwa?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see.
When is the best time for each?
Hatta: December to February. Liwa: December to February.
Sources: Visit Dubai – Hatta Dam · Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Climate-Data.org – Hatta · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Visit Abu Dhabi – Desert traditions itinerary · Wikipedia – Liwa Oasis · Abu Dhabi Culture – Liwa Oasis
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.