In Abu Dhabi, the word ‘safari’ refers to vistas of endless, majestic sand dunes. Liwa is at the top of the list of Abu Dhabi excursions. It is located on the edge of the great Empty Quarter Desert also known as Rub Al Khali. To get here you must travel two hundred and twenty kilometers south west from Abu Dhabi. It stretches from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to the border of Saudi Arabia. You can choose to adventure in the desert or admire it from the luxury retreat that is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.
The Liwa Dessert is an impressive expanse but it was once much larger than it is today. The area is home to many Bedouin tribes because of its access to water, a luxury in this area that is nearly barren. It also enjoys close proximity to Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Oasis, a well-known stop on the commercial trade route. The Liwa Desert was shoved into the spotlight when the hunt for oil began. Trucks, jeeps, houses and roads started to appear in the late 1950’s and with it schools, shops and hospitals. Modern civilization was here to stay. Al Gharbia, the western portion of Abu Dhabi covers sixty thousand square kilometers and the Liwa Oasis belongs to its new economic development.
To experience the desert like you have never seen it before, book a tour led by an experienced tour guide. Driving in the desert requires a license and is not an easy feat, therefore is best left to the experts. The tours include a range of prices and transportation based on the requirements of guests. Overnight camping is available to those who want to walk in the footsteps of the Bedouins and feel the magic of sleeping outdoors, under a blanket of stars. Day trips are also available.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
