Empty Quarter Sunset Safari: Rub' al Khali & Moreeb Dunes

Ten hours crossing the world's largest sand desert, from a camel farm to the sunset at the world's tallest dune.

The Empty Quarter Sunset Desert Safari is a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi's Rub' al Khali desert, the world's largest sand desert, with 4x4 pickup around 10:30 AM, stops at a traditional camel farm and the lush Liwa Oasis, a picnic lunch, and sunset at Moreeb Dunes. The tour includes visits to Tal Moreb (the world's tallest dune) and the world's tallest signboard, with optional sandboarding available. Water and soft drinks are provided throughout the 10-hour day, and an English-speaking guide leads the experience.

The experience

A 4x4 Land Cruiser picks you up around 10:30 AM and drives into Rub' al Khali, the world's largest sand desert. The route crosses dramatic dunes with photo stops built in: the landscape shifts constantly, and the scale of the Empty Quarter becomes clear only when you are inside it. A traditional camel farm comes early in the day, where you learn how these animals fit into desert life, then the route turns toward Liwa Oasis, where date palms and green fields appear suddenly in the sand. It is the kind of contrast that photographs poorly but stays with you.

Lunch is a picnic box at the oasis, eaten in the quiet of the place. After eating, the tour moves on to Tal Moreb, which the operator names as the world's tallest dune, and then to Moreeb Dunes for the sunset stop. A quick detour includes the world's tallest signboard, a landmark few travelers expect to find in the desert. For anyone wanting more than the drive and the views, sandboarding down the dunes is optional. You choose it at checkout if the idea appeals. Water and soft drinks travel with you the whole day.

The guide speaks English and travels with the group throughout. The 10-hour day means an early start and a late return, but it also means the itinerary does not rush between stops. The 4x4 is built for sand, so the driving itself is part of the experience. The vehicle handles terrain a regular car cannot reach, which is why the remote parts of the Empty Quarter are accessible at all.

What’s included

• Pickup by 4x4 Land Cruiser around 10:30 AM.
• scenic drives through the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) with photo stops.
• visit to a traditional camel farm.
• exploration of Liwa Oasis.
• picnic lunch box at the oasis.
• climb of Tal Moreb (the world's tallest dune).
• sunset stop at Moreeb Dunes.
• visit to the world's tallest signboard.
• water and soft drinks throughout the day.
• optional sandboarding down the dunes (your choice at checkout).
• English-speaking guide for the full 10 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesUp to age 70

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Liwa Adventure Tours and Safari

Is this one for you?The pickup from your Abu Dhabi location at 10:30 AM and the return in the evening mean you do not need a rental car or a second transfer. The 4x4 and the guide handle the entire day, which is what makes a full-day Empty Quarter itinerary possible if you are staying in the city or arriving without a vehicle.

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Top questions

What is Tal Moreb and why does it matter on this tour?

Tal Moreb is the world's tallest dune, and the tour climbs it as a major stop in the afternoon. It is the landmark that anchors the second half of the day and the vantage point for photos before the sunset drive to Moreeb Dunes.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Yes, a picnic lunch box is included. You eat at Liwa Oasis, surrounded by date palms and green fields in the middle of the desert, which is where the oasis stop naturally lands in the itinerary.

Can I try sandboarding, or is it only for experienced people?

Sandboarding is optional and available for anyone who wants to try it. You choose it at checkout. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so the choice is yours whether to add it to the day.

What time does the tour start and when does it end?

Pickup is around 10:30 AM, and the full-day tour runs for 10 hours, so you return in the evening. The timing is built around the sunset stop at Moreeb Dunes, which is the final major event of the day.

What is included to drink and eat throughout the day?

Water and soft drinks are provided all day long. Beyond that, the picnic lunch box at Liwa Oasis is the meal included. Any other food or drinks are your own choice.

Do I need my own car, or is transport arranged?

The 4x4 Land Cruiser pickup is included. The driver collects you around 10:30 AM and handles all the driving through the desert. You do not need your own vehicle or a separate transfer.