Liwa Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: Full Day with Moreeb Dune

A full day crossing the Empty Quarter to reach an oasis thousands of years old

A private full-day desert safari from Abu Dhabi takes you into the Empty Quarter to Liwa Oasis, where date palms and thick plantation stand against barren sand. The tour includes a dune drive, visit to Moreeb Dune (one of the world's highest sand hills at 300 metres), camel farm, fort and castle visits, lunch, and a 60–65 km desert crossing in a 4x4 with a driver-guide. Hotel pickup is included. The tour runs 10 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day desert safari and exploration

• Depart from Abu Dhabi
• Dune drive warm-up
• Visit Liwa Oasis greenery
• Explore date and tall trees
• Learn Liwa history
• See Moreeb Hill dune

The experience

What makes this tour different is the private vehicle and the distance it covers. You start with a dune drive that warms you up for the day ahead, then head into the Empty Quarter toward Liwa. The route crosses 60 to 65 kilometres of open desert, so you spend real time moving through the landscape rather than staying in a single zone near the city.

Liwa Oasis itself sits in the middle of that barren expanse: date trees and tall plantations create a pocket of green that has sustained settlement for thousands of years. You explore the oasis on foot, learning its history as you walk among the trees. The tour also takes you to Moreeb Dune, one of the highest sand hills in the world, with a slope of 50 degrees and a length of 1,600 metres. You visit a camel farm and stop at a fort and castle. Throughout the day you get Arabic coffee and dates, soft drinks, water, and lunch. If you want to try sand boarding, you can request it when you book.

The 10-hour day means you leave Abu Dhabi early and return in the evening. Hotel pickup is included, so the logistics start at your accommodation. The vehicle is a 4x4 built for sand, and the guide drives and narrates the route.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 transport with driver-guide.
• hotel pickup from Abu Dhabi.
• dune drive.
• Liwa Oasis exploration.
• Moreeb Dune visit.
• camel farm visit.
• fort and castle visits.
• lunch.
• Arabic coffee and dates.
• soft drinks and water.
• desert crossing of 60–65 kilometres.
• photoshoot stops.
• sand boarding on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to6h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Trip Arabia Tours & Safari

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you travel with your own group and set the pace with your guide: ideal if you want to linger at the oasis or spend extra time at Moreeb Dune without waiting for other passengers. The 10-hour commitment and the deep desert crossing mean you need a full day and should be comfortable with extended time in a moving vehicle across sand.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Liwa Oasis from Abu Dhabi, and how much of the day is spent driving?

Liwa Oasis sits deep in the Empty Quarter, and the tour covers a 60–65 kilometre desert crossing as part of the full 10-hour day. Most of that time is spent moving through the landscape and exploring the oasis itself rather than sitting in the vehicle.

What is Moreeb Dune, and do I have to climb it?

Moreeb Dune is one of the highest sand hills in the world, rising 300 metres with a 50-degree slope and stretching 1,600 metres long. The tour includes a visit to the dune. Climbing it is not mandatory, and the guide will show you the site.

Is sand boarding included, or do I need to pay extra?

Sand boarding can be added to your tour, but you need to request it when you make your booking so the guide can arrange it.

What should I bring for a full day in the desert?

The tour provides soft drinks and water throughout the day, and you'll have shade at the oasis. Wear sun protection, closed shoes for the sand, and clothes that cover your skin. The vehicle is air-conditioned during drives.