Liwa (United Arab Emirates) and Mleiha (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Liwa | Mleiha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Zayed International Airport (AUH) | Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Liwa | Mleiha |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Liwa if
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and quad biking
Choose Mleiha if
- you want hiking and horseback safaris
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Liwa or Mleiha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see.
When is the best time for each?
Liwa: December to February. Mleiha: December to February.
Sources: Visit Abu Dhabi – Desert traditions itinerary · Wikipedia – Liwa Oasis · Abu Dhabi Culture – Liwa Oasis · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.