The world's largest uninterrupted sand mass, the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) will blow you away with massive expanses of awesome desert and enormous dunes. There is a bus station in Abu Dhabi where you will board the bus. Even though the average daily low temperature in January and February is 12 degrees Celsius, frost has been seen (54 degrees Fahrenheit). Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. mountain views. Hey ! If you are lucky or lets just say well prepared, you will be able to add other elements into your photos of Liwa Desert. In addition to a deep soaking tub and a rain shower, they have a pillow menu. One thing the UAE isn't short of is sand. With Dubai Airport now a well-established transport hub, the United Arab Emirates is firmly on travellers' radars. The Empty Quarter in Abu Dhabi gives one a chance to explore the world's largest sand desert as well as enjoy camel trekking, fat biking & unique dining. An easy drive from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, city life soon slips away behind you and your gaze is filled with golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. One of the driest regions in the world, the Rub' al-Khali is virtually uninhabited and largely unexplored. John McGinn's early strike hands Aston Villa a narrow 1-0 win as Chelsea striker Armando Broja departs on a stretcher midway through the first-half. A nearby desert locale doubled as the desert backdrop for much of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Home to some of the most excitement-inducing dunes that promise an unmatched camping experience, a visit to the Empty Quarter is one of the eagerly anticipated moment in Liwa by both tourists and locals. Everyday there are new patterns, changing shape with the stroke of wind. One of the highlights of the trip is visiting Moreeb sand dune. During the day, the temperature can change quite a bit. She is a freelance writer and guidebook author and has written for several travel publications, including Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip. This is probably one of the most facinating aspect of desert. . The hotel has two restaurants serving local dishes and dishes from around the world. During July and August, the highest daily temperatures reach an average of 47 C (117 F) and can go as high as 51 C (124 F). Also Arabiers UAE visa processing team assist the incoming visitors with Single entry & The only thing you have in front of you is the curved shape sand dune, so fragile, ready to get into another masterpiece with a stroke of a wind. Office: +971 58 207 8616, 1001, Building A/4, Al Jazeera, Ras al Khaimah Whimsically known as the Empty Quarter, the Rub Al Khali desert encompasses about a third of the Arabian Peninsula, including land in Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Describing the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass, explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger wrote, It was very still, with the silence which we have driven from our world. A gorgeous cubic structure found to the right of the road after the Liwa Hotel roundabout, Muquib Tower flaunts Arabesque window framing that enchants. Guests can use the free Wi-Fi and park for free. The Rub' al Khali desert is the largest sea of sand in the world. Sign up for exciting Abu Dhabi news, learn more about our events and get great travel ideas. Dune bashing is an adventure that can be experienced through dunes 984 feet above the earth. Tall sand dunes with elevation of almost 800 meters gives beautiful and mystic look during both day and at night. Theres also a long menu of activities and excursions, including sunset walks, sand boarding, camel treks and trips to ancient forts. Consider stopping at Dhafeer Fort on the way there its one of several restored centuries-old defensive forts tucked among the dunes. Roxanne is the founder and editor of Faraway Worlds. I used Lee ND Filter Kits (SW150 system for wide angles and Deluxe 100mm Kit for telephoto). Now, you dont go to a desert and not ride out the waves. The Empty Quarter covers 583,000 square kilometers (225,000 square miles), and stretches over parts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Take a memorable day trip that's worlds away from the busy pace of the city and enjoy a day out in the desert where towering high rises are replaced with a seemingly endless expanse of free-walking camels, blazing colours and sky-scraping dunes. After that, the trip is one hour long over a four-lane asphalt road in good condition and passes by Madinat Bayed. To get around Liwa, you'll need your car. The EQR is a safari company established in 2019. You should be able to put one camera on the tripod and keep the other one with the strap on your shoulder. At Al Liwan, guests can relax in a calm area with a garden view. 4. Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world with crime rates close to none. We often hear our guests says it was some thing useful when I found Arabiers, that give me motivation to sit hours & hours with subject experts to extract right information that are useful but updated. His famous masterpiece book the Arabian Sands has featured almost everything about the Empty Quarter and the life inside it during 20th century. Easily accessible from Abu Dhabi on a 3 hour drive, the road to Empty Quarter is in pretty good condition. Whether you are looking to re-create the "Arabian Nights" fantasy of your youth, or are just hoping to escape the shopping malls and city lights of Dubai, The Qasr Al Sarab in the Empty Quarter of Abu Dhabi is a truly unique experience that is sure to thrill even the most discerning traveler. You will get a glimpse of some of the Sheikh's off-road vehicle collections, historic American automobiles, a fleet of Mercedes automobiles in every color of the rainbow, and the truck that holds the record for being the largest in the world here. It is a one-of-a-kind event for people who love racing cars and bikes, camping, going on adventures, dune bashing, and other fun things happening in and around the Liwa desert. The Arabian Peninsula's Empty Quarter, known as Rub' al Khali, is the world's largest sand sea, holding about half as much sand as the Sahara Desert. After that, the trip is one hour long over a four-lane asphalt road in good condition and passes by Madinat Bayed. With its miles of stunning beaches, elegant Arabian architecture, sweeping sand sea . Its totally different, quite slippery as the sand moves beneath your tyres which can be very risky. Empty Quarter is beautiful during the day or night when the stars are out. Located in Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE, we offer an authentic experience immersing. All content and photographs 2022 Abu Bakar Photography. Its usually little more than a pit stop for visitors, but people arrive here in droves come December for the hugely popular Al Dhafra Festival. Roads till the end, which ends with the Saudi Arabian border are well paved with road lights. The Empty Quarter Desert As the world continues to develop, one of the places that still stay true to its origins is the Empty Quarter desert with its infinite dunes and untouched beauty. You can also choose to have brunch on Friday. Near Dubai Airport, No 110, RKM Building, Dubai. From the building sites of Abu Dhabi to the beaches of Fujairah . It is recommended that attendees do not consume anything at least sixty minutes before the experience to reduce the likelihood of being nauseated during the event. Now, the oasis of Liwa has its kind of camels. Since getting lost in the desert is easy, it's best to stop near a camel farm and take a walk. In the vicinity of Tarif, the main road forks off of the E11 highway. While you're there, why don't you try some fresh camel milk? She is based in New Zealand. The festival aims to teach date farmers about modern farming techniques and help them share information about how to grow the best dates. For the same passion and love, there are people who give up their lives every single year on dangerous elevations of mountains or swimming along side predators. Empty Quarter or in Arabic Rub' al Khali, the largest sand desert in the Arabian region is spreaded across 1000 kilometers between Uited Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman. In times gone past, many an ambitious trader perished trying to carry their goods across this desert, along the Frankincense Trail to the ports of the Arabian sea. The festival is one of the most important heritage events and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. You will be in sand, which will be moving and getting spreaded everywhere around you with a stroke of a wind so be very careful when you are opening and attaching lenses on your camera because sand is the last thing you need in your camera sensor. Both Qasr Al Sarab and Tila Liwa Hotel offer a range of desert activities that can be booked by both guests and residents. When guests arrive in Empty Quarter UAE, they will immediately participate in an exhilarating activity called "Dune bashing" while riding in Toyota 4WD Land Cruisers. Each of the emirates has vast deserts where the colour of the grains are unique, from the rust-coloured dunes in the iron-rich sands of Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter to the pristine white mounds that pepper Dubai's sodium-filled sandscapes. Drone can be a very good advantage there. Although, UAE hold approximately 10% of the total Empty Quarter desert but still going there and seeing it with your own eyes is simply amazing. The Empty Quarter is the direct translation of the Arabic word Rub' Al Khali, which is the original name of this massive desert area. Most of the time, a walk is a great way to connect with nature, and it almost always leaves you calm and energized. A trip to the Empty Quarter tours is among the activities that tourists and locals in Liwa look forward to the most. You should keep filters too. This is the best thing about the attraction. Luxury is taken very seriously here: think villas with private plunge pool, four restaurants and a fine spa. Then get comfortable in your sleeping bag and prepare for a restful night's sleep. Your knowledgeable Arabiers safari guide will pick you up from any location in the United Arab Emirates and then drive you to the world's largest sand desert in a 4x4. Climbing assist can be useful for some people. If you prefer to err on the side of caution, simply watch dune-side and get some covetable photographs. Over 11 days, this event celebrates Emirati customs and traditions with camel races, a camel beauty pageant and other competitions involving falcons, classic cars, Arabian horses and salukis (Arabian dogs) along with heritage activities and a traditional souq and food. Guests can also try out the traditional hammam or go to the hotel's Anantara Spa for a relaxing massage. Please see our. Experience your 4x4 nature driving across the biggest dunes and experience the world's tallest sand dunes, the Tel Moreeb. Dont forget, Liwa desert or even the entire Empty Quarter is wide and gigantic, even for telephoto lenses. Whether you arrive here from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the contrast between the cutting-edge modernity of UAE's coastal cities and this kingdom of shifting sands is . In total ,it is over 1000km long and 500km wide and it consists of wave upon wave of huge sand dunes. 8 Days / 7 Nights from 1745/ $2269 per person. Empty Quarter is a part of the huge desert area known as Rub al Khali, located in the southern Arabian Peninsula and makes up most of the Arabian Desert. The experience of visiting the Empty Quarter Abu Dhabi is very much like going on a trip to another planet. 2. This desert resort is about 2.5 hours by car from Abu Dhabi desert. The empty Quarter region is known as hyper-arid because it gets less than 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) of rain annually and has a relative humidity of 52 percent in January but only 15 percent in June and July. It is among the Empty Quarter proper hotel to stay. This is the ancestral homeland of the Bani Yas, the Bedouin tribe that engendered the ruling families of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.Some 300 years ago, their forebears began cultivating dates and trading with other tribes in this crescent-shaped oasis with dozens of nearby villages. After that, we will continue our adventure with a visit to the well-known Liwa Oasis. I have never encountered any reptile or dangerous insect there but its a remote area so the probablity of such encounters is there like any other wild area. Crossing borders into four countries: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, the Empty Quarter is a protected natural reserve and a glimpse into Gulf life before oil. EMPTY QUARTER Expedition Scientific Publications: Shoemaker, E.M., and Wynn, J.C., 1997, Geology of the Wabar meteorite craters, Saudi Arabia: Proceedings of the XXVIII Lunar and Planetary Science Conference . With a background in communications, she has studied ancient history, comparative religion and international development, and has a particular interest in sustainable tourism. The festival has many important events, such as competitions for dates, fruits, the most beautiful fruit basket, the most beautiful heritage sculpture, and the model farm. On the way to Empty Quarter, we will frequently make a pit stop at the Emirates National Auto Museum to kick off our full-day Liwa trip. Perched on the edge of this majestic desert youll find the stunning Tilal Liwa Hotel, a secluded luxury hideaway with all the comforts of modern life, of course. Some of the apartments have fully furnished private balconies. Trust me, you dont want that because it will take at least an hour for you to get yourself out of there. So do you need a 4 wheel drive SUV to go to Liwa Desert of Abu Dhabi? Finding vehciles doing sport (dune bashing) is still easy but animals like camels can be a pain. This small town is the administrative centre of the Al Dhafra region, which makes up about two-thirds of Abu Dhabi emirate. Liwa Empty Quarter is one of the most beautiful areas near our capital. Get in touch with Arabiers UAE team, A leading local inbound tour operator based in UAE (Abu It is vast, filled with nature and and simply peaceful. Over 300 metres high and boasting a 50 incline, this photogenic dune is a dream for 4x4 enthusiasts, with experienced bikers and drivers competing to climb to the top during the Moreeb Hill Climb event, part of the Liwa International Festival that takes place in the winter. While traipsing through a massive desert can seem overwhelming, you don't need to rough it out to experience it. Impressions seem to get more magical with every mile you travel. If you want to explore the dunes, you will need the help of a professional 4x4 guide. Stopping by a camel farm in the area is a great way to gain insight into the people who live in the Empty Quarter. The 16-day festival happens annually and is one of the biggest motoring events in the Middle East. Have your pick of seat ranging from a 44 buckled one with dunes bashing on your windowpane, or even the ever pulsating hump of a camel, or the meagre seat of a fat-tyred bicycle. Empty Quarter is a fascinating place where you can do amazing and stunning things. Arabic coffee, called kahwa, and a simple breakfast can give you a lot of energy. On top of falconry shows, visitors can also witness the loyal Salunki dogs in action, used by Arabic nomads for hunting, as they go from placid to fierce in a race for bait. A spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool are also there. As far as you can park your vehicle on the side, without creating any hazard for passing by vehicles, you are fine. - Desert Oasis in the Abu Dhabi Empty Quarter Liverpool kicked off their winter friendlies in disappointing fashion with a 3-1 defeat to Lyon before a 5-3 penalty shootout loss in the Dubai Super Cup at the Al Maktoum Stadium. In 1931, Brit Bertram Thomas became the first Western explorer to cross the Rub' al Khali in 59 days, venturing across 1,300km. Big piles of sand may not immediately seem reason enough to drive hours across the UAE. Perfect for the traveller who wants an authentic and immersive adventure experience, Abu Dhabis Empty Quarter is a must-see bucket-list destination. So if you need one, try to use your tripod as a hiking pole. So get yourself a trained, experienced driver who has the license from the respective authorities within the UAE to drive at such places. I used Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR along with Tokina 23 and 33mm F1.4X lenses for Fujifilm and a macro lens, which is Tokina 100mm F2.8. Stop at Bedouin-run camel farms on your way to Moreeb dune in the Liwa desert to ask questions and get free camel rides. It occupies more than one-fourth of Saudi Arabias total area. More than 7 decades ago, before oil was discovered in UAE, the famous explorer Wilfred Thesiger traversed the sands of Liwa. Even though the average daily low temperature in January and February is 12 degrees Celsius, frost has been seen (54 degrees Fahrenheit). The Empty Quarter covers 583,000 square kilometers (225,000 square miles), and stretches over parts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The films "Star Wars" and "The Matrix" feature desert landscapes as background settings. Abu Dhabi is a popular hub for many destinations so it's easy to extend your holiday and fly on to the Indian Ocean for some island . Into The Empty Quarter: The Desert Oasis Outside of Abu Dhabi For the traveler who has been everywhere, there exists The Empty Quarter. Click, view and download all the essential Abu Dhabi information, Meet this new force in business events and discover your Advantage Abu Dhabi. During these dates, there are famous festivals which are held. The Empty Quarter can be reached from the north through either of two different roads. A fun time to visit is during the Liwa Date Festival in July, which elevates the humble fruit to cult status (dont sweat; events are held inside air-conditioned tents). Landscape is also a key element to capture but the due the fact that Liwa Desert is so huge, I think your compositions will become too wide if you use a wide angle lens. So dont walk all over everything, keep the details intact. Getty Images offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and 4K video of the highest quality. The Empty Quarter can be reached from the north through either of two different roads. . The Banu Yam and Banu Hamdan (in Yemen and the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia), and the Bani Yas (in the United Arab Emirates). You can also get to Empty Quarter by bus. Just plop down and savour the mystical views and interplay of shadow and light, ideally at sunset. But there is one issue, if you will end walking over all of the beautiful patterns and lines sand is making on a particular sand dune you are climbing, you will end up destroying them for good, unless you come back again tomorrow which is close to impossible. The Liwa Date Festival is held annually in the Abu Dhabi region of Liwa City Al Dhafra. I took Benro tripod which I am using for the last few years. So make sure you are taking garbage back to your place in plastic bags or place them inside the designated bins. Travel time depends on where you are residing in the UAE. Discover impressive restaurants, an enormous outdoor pool with breathtaking views of the dunes, and a range of desert activities for all ages. Discover impressive restaurants, an enormous outdoor pool with breathtaking views of the dunes, and a range of desert activities for all ages. The Empty Quarter Abu Dhabi is one of the most visited places in the world. During their stay, guests can do things like go to the thermal bath or go on a desert safari. The Empty Quarter, or Rub al Khali, is the world's largest sand desert. The desert covers an area of about 250,000 sq. The sand sea is the filming location of the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens.Disclaimer: . Once you go past the buildings, power wires, and streets, all left in front of you is a landscape that has not been touched by human hands and seems like something out of a science fiction movie. At Al Badiya, they can watch chefs make food in an open kitchen. I have been to Liwa Desert so many times myslef and found camels only once. Camera bag is a very important element of your photography journey to Liwa Desert. In this guide, we have all details you need to know about Empty Quarter Abu Dhabi, from how to get there to festivals. Around 6,000 to 2,000 years ago, shallow lakes could be found here. Enjoy the thrill of driving your four-wheel drive vehicle over the towering dunes and tackling the Tel Moreeb, the tallest dune in the world. Copyright 2022 Abu Dhabi. From the city of Abu Dhabi, it will take at least three hours drive at an average speed of 100 to 120 KM per hour. The place is not just for photographers, travellers or tourists but for everyone young or elderly to have a meditating charm from the mother nature. The Empty Quarter Abu Dhabi, also known as "Liwa," is one of the world's largest and safest unbroken dunes. This amazing desert will not disappoint you. Each room has a satellite TV and a bathroom with toiletries that are provided for free. From there, you can see the seemingly endless dunes that go all the way to the horizon from a higher point of view. It also shows how dates have affected the country's culture, history, and economy. Al Jabbanah Fort, a three-towered structure with a hurdle of shops in front of it, next to the turnoff to the Qasr Al Sarab, awaits your presence with a large courtyard and well. Lovecraft, Frank Herbert, and Clive Barker have all found inspiration in the desert landscape when developing their unique fantasy worlds. You might be able to talk to the farm's owner or one of the people who work there if you're lucky. If you do such things, you will either get lost or get yourself injured by falling from a higher sand dune. A tripod is a must too. Aside from warm Arabian hospitality, exquisite interiors and sumptuous dining, the hotel also offers solo travellers, couples or families a dose of adventure, from dawn desert walks to camel trekking, dune bashing to falconry and Saluki(desert hunting dog) shows, camp-fire barbecues to fat-tyre biking, and much more. This network stretches along Hwy E90 over 100km between Umm Hisin in the west and Hamim in the east. I always keep a telephone lens (200mm) with me because it gives you reach towards the subject. From the Qasr Al Sarab, which feels like a curvilinear fortress, we're hypnotised by the desert's undulating shades of ochre that shift with the changing light. From Abu Dhabi follow Hwy E11 west and, just before Tarif, point your wheels south on Hwy E45 towards Madinat Zayed. A desert road trip just south of Abu Dhabi will transport you far from the citys skyscrapers and malls and add a cinematic, sensory dimension to your UAE adventure. The Empty Quarter, located in the Liwa Desert, is the perfect camping spot, with sprawling dunes and smooth sands as far as the eye can see. Stay at . This overnight camping expedition in the Empty Quarter in Liwa will be unlike any other desert camping experience you've had before. At the peak of the tallest dune in the world, you can try sandboarding and take some pictures with your camera. A visit to Rub al Khali is the next best thing to becoming an astronaut if you want to feel as though you have left the earth as you know it behind without really having to do so. This serene retreat is in the middle of the desert, and it looks like a castle in the desert. In my opinion, one should be careful of desert insects too. See what other travellers say about Abu Dhabi on TripAdvisor. Today, the magical Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) offers the same serene silence that it did when Thesiger scoured it with his Emirati and Omani companions in the 1940s. When we think of a desert, camels are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Visit to the Empty Quarter Jul 17, 2022, 7:23 PM Save Any recommendations for two night visit to the Empty Quarter in southern Abu Dhabi, that doesn't exceed 250$ per night? Nature can be seen anywhere. From the hotel its about 60km to Mezairaa, the commercial gateway to the Liwa Oasis. But always keep a safe distance from your vehicle and look it straight in the eyes. Here youll find vast open spaces lidded by cornflower skies, waves of sandy dunes shimmering in shades from silver to cinnamon, lonesome camels by the roadside and lush date palm groves. You should go to the campsite and settle to watch the sun go downdelight in the calm and serenity of a breathtaking desert sunset. One of the most probable causes of any of such incidents are when you roam around on foot, far away from your group or vehicle and without considering the uneven terrain of the desert. Fine art photography is the key element there. If you are staying at either of the hotels, make sure to make any reservations in advance. Although Tel Moreeb translates as scary hill, the massive sand pile actually looks quite peaceful, despite its steep slope. Through the hotel's Desert Excursion Centre, you can arrange to go on desert walks, rides on camels, and "dune bashing" down big dunes. Spend the time you had left before dinner huddled close to the fire to keep warm and comfortable. Authors such as H.P. It occupies more than one-fourth of Saudi Arabia's total area. Sliding glass doors let people in and out. From the hotel it's about 60km to Mezairaa, the commercial gateway to the Liwa Oasis. This desert outpost is hidden away in the Rub' al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world - stretching some quarter . All of these events, as well as others that focus on heritage, are meant to show how important agriculture is. Check it out this summer. She enjoys cooking, dance and yoga, and usually travels with her husband and young son. So if you have a drone, bring it along. If you prefer to err on the side of caution, simply watch dune-side and get some covetable photographs. There is one modern station on the way from Madinat Zayed and numerous older-style stations along the road that travels through the Empty Quarter. Camping in the desert is allowed by UAE laws. A fairytale destination reminiscent of the tale One Thousand and One Nights, this luxury five-star oasis resembles an old Arabian fortress town, nestled in a valley of towering dunes. I did this mistake twice and its not a nice experience. But remember, if you are driving a sedan, you shouldnt park on the sand because then it might be impossible to drive out of that area as your vehicle tyres will get stuck inside the sand immediately you try to move. Hidden in the Arabian desert is Qasr Al Sarab, a place where sand dunes are skyscrapers, camels lead the way & breathtaking sunsets illuminate the sky. In the misty mountains or in the lush green fields, in the freezing tempretures or in the shattering blow of heat wave. "Otherworldly" is one of the adjectives used most frequently to describe this dessert. In addition, there is the chance to go sandboarding. Even though its totally fine to walk around but dont go too far in taking risks. The Empty Quarter Al Gharbia Desert. Architecture nerds or not, realising where a culture began from is always fascinating. About 30km south of Mezairaa, you'll find Tel Moreeb. In contrast to the white camels common in other regions of the UAE, these camels have a dark coat. ADNOC operates several gas stations in Liwa. Insider tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure, We promise not to abuse our new friendship. Vehicle choice is one of the most important decisions to make before you visit such remote places. Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic Travel Empty Quarter Desert in Abu Dhabi By Carl Hoffman Published. I used Nikon D810 and Fujifilm XT4 for my trips to Liwa Deserr and found both working fantastically. These tours take place in an area home to some of the most exhilarating dunes, and they promise campers an experience that cannot be topped. The camels used in Liwa are black and come from Saudi Arabia, while the camels used in Abu Dhabi are white and come from Iran. The Rub Al Khali, otherwise known as the Empty Quarter, is a vast sandscape that's larger than France. All printed & digital products, including books, photo prints & calendars are exclusively sold only through this website. Its just a matter of time, when one realises what inspire and takes him to the dreamy world. Its arms flail wide, crossing borders into four countries: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, but most travellers have their first experience with the Empty Quarter in Abu Dhabi. For human element, its entirely in your hand to ask someone to be there so you can include them in the photo. There is one modern station on the way from Madinat Zayed and numerous older-style stations along the road that travels through the Empty Quarter. Select from premium Abu Dhabi Empty Quarter of the highest quality. At 300 meters high, it is the tallest sand dune in the world! Even though I have never taken a drone shot but its really amazing to capture bird eyes view. 1. This four-star resort has a beautiful view of the Empty Quarter Desert from the infinity pool and the patio with furniture. The Empty Quarter Rovers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. There is always a lot of space, you can simply ask your friend to walk a bit further from you, probably to the next sand dune and put him/her somehwere alligning with the patterns of the sand. Abu Dhabi & The Empty Quarter is relaxing luxury tour combining a beach holiday with a cultural twist and a stylish desert adventure amongst the breathtaking dunes of the world's largest sand desert. But if you hare based in the other cities/Emirates of the UAE like Dubai, Sharjah or further towards Ras Al Khaimah, add another 2 to 4 hours of drive. Aside from a star-lidded night in a desert camp, the most beautiful place to hang your hat in the Empty Quarter is Qasr Al Sarab, a dune-cradled luxury resort thatll move you even when standing still. Some 300 years ago, their forebears began cultivating dates and trading with other tribes in this crescent-shaped oasis with dozens of nearby villages. This is the time you will take to reach Liwa Desert. The Empty Quarter Abu Dhabi is one of the most visited places in the world. The Empty Quarter, United Arab Emirates Qasr Al Sarab: Abu Dhabi's Luxury Desert Paradise. If you take a walk through the Liwa desert, you'll be able to feel the cool desert air on your face and look at the tall dunes below your feet. The Empty Quarter is one of the largest sand deserts in the world and perfect for families who seek an authentic and immersive adventure before heading back to city where the soft sandy beaches beckon. Located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, near Liwa, the best way to get to Rub' Al Khali is to drive which can be roughly between 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on where you are arriving from. It is highly recommended to arrive early and inquire about the matter at the station. The mere fact behind that is the efficient and freindly police department of Abu Dhabi. You have nothing to worry about because an expert guide will be there with you the whole time during your Liwa Safari adventure. Nature Photographer based in United Arab Emirates. The grainy yellow stuff is rather prevalent, after all. Today the inhabitants of the Empty Quarter are members of various local tribes - for example, the Al Murrah tribe has the largest area mainly based between Al-Ahsa and Najran. Hire a 4x4 and keep an eye on your gas levels. You put your feet on it and it feels so unstable and yet it holds you. Experience the national sport of the UAE at Al Qasr Sarab, home to nine falcons of the ultra-fast Peregrine and Saker species. Relive all the match action on Sportsmail's blog. 32 nations have qualified for the finals. Trending Stories inspiration 3. The main goal of this event, which happens once a year, is for local farmers to share their knowledge and experiences to grow the best palms and fruits. It is also home to the magnificent Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. You will be surprised to know that these fragile sand dunes are upto 2600 ft high, which is equal to 25 story building. Scorpions, spiders and a few pitiful rodents; the list of inhabitants was never likely to include human beings, regardless of their skin tone. Just make sure you dont take your sedan car to the sand because then I have only thing to say, Good Luck getting it out of the sand. Its a landscape of ever-changing endless dunes made famous by the British explorer Wilfred Thesiger and his Emirati and Omani companions in the 1940s and 50s. You will learn Empty Quarter places to explore with well-planned desert tours. You can visit the Empty Quarter entertainment set dates if you love entertainment. Importantly for those who are wondering, you can go there on a sedan too. From here, the view is beautiful. by Time Out Staff Writer June 29, 2009. Enjoy a live BBQ while taking in the refreshing desert air and taking in the scenery of the desert at night. Soak up the seclusion by checking into any of the premium hotels hidden amongst the dunes, or if you fancy a super-sized adventure, get up close to the world's tallest sand dune. Reply Report inappropriate content 4 replies to this topic 1-4 of 4 replies Sorted by 1 Shaun C Dubai, United Arab. If you are tarvelling inside the city or in the outskirts like Liwa Desert, consider yourself 100% safe. It is a great place for people to learn about dates and try some of the most popular dates grown in the UAE. Its warm light will bring the desert back to life. The Empty Quarter, The Empty Quarter, Abu Dhabi, Liwa, Al Mirayr, Explore The City, Desert Activities Cool Stuff Other Camping Spots, The UAE is home to gorgeous scenery, not least of which is the magnificent and mysterious desert. The empty Quarter region is known as hyper-arid because it gets less than 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) of rain annually and has a relative humidity of 52 percent in January but only 15 percent in June and July. Both of these stops will depend on how much time you have. Let me add a hazard here. Considering the fact that you will see an ocean of sand dunes in front of you, wide angle compositions doesnt usually work. Locals like to drive up to the top in their 4x4s, but its also possible to climb just pack plenty of sunscreen, water and a hat. Moreover, a heavy bag can become an issue too, especially when you are climbing sand dunes. They are decorated in an Arabian style and have high-quality furniture. Keep in mind, you wouldnt be able to roll your bag wheels there so dont go with a trolly bag. Abu Dhabi PO Box 94000, Abu Dhabi UAE tel: +971 2 444 0444, fax: +971 2 444 0400, E-mail: info@visitabudhabi.ae Website: www.visitabudhabi.ae Toll . Stopping by or pulliung over your vehicle is totally fine as far as you are creating a road hazard, which is totally illegal as per the laws of Abu Dhabi. 571 likes. Liwa Desert - The Empty Quarter of Abu Dhabi 18 Sep Written By Muhammad Abu Bakar For travellers & photographers wishing to explore Liwa Desert, the Empty Quarter. This is the ancestral homeland of the Bani Yas, the Bedouin tribe that engendered the ruling families of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you envy to visit is desert part of Abu Dhabi, you can check Arabiers Liwa desert safari guides. Office: +971 50 928 1665. Originally from South Africa, Roxanne has travelled widely and loves learning the stories of the places she visits. 1. Located in the desert near Abu Dhabi also known as the Empty Quarter, camping out here is the best w The sprawling and beautiful Empty Quarter is right in our backyard but we tend see and experience only its fringes, which spill into Abu Dhabi (its 650,000sqkm also inhabits parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen). Find Abu Dhabi Empty Quarter stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Even though I have never heard about any incidents in the liwa Desert but in case of any emergency, you should immediately call the helpline 999 and seek their assistance. If you envy to visit is desert part of Abu Dhabi, you can check Arabiers Liwa desert safari guides. Lenses should be in a range from a telephoto to macro and standard prime lenses. Visiting the Empty Quarter in Abu Dhabi Whimsically known as the Empty Quarter, the Rub Al Khali desert encompasses about a third of the Arabian Peninsula, including land in Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But it is very important for everyones knowledge that as per the laws of Abu Dhabi, littering especially charcoal (for BBQ parties and bonfire) in the desert is a legal offence and you get fined for that. The Rub' al Khali, meaning "The Empty Quarter" is the second-largest desert in the world after the mighty Sahara. The soccer event starts with group matches, four teams in 8 groups. When it comes to desert, the world is completely different. They are not very well marked; nonetheless, you should keep an eye out for the white "fort" that used to be typical of ADNOC stations. If it's sand that you seek, then sand you can very much have. If its worth taking photos, bring your camera out and take photos. multiple UAE visas & assisting travelers already in UAE with extensions options. Its like the same feeling of watching movies like interstellar or imagining going to Mars where you cannot see anything artificial. If you visit Liwa desert during the weekends and especially during winter season, you will see a lot of people having camps for the night stay. Asnwer is no but if you can arrange one, it would be awsome. It is made for motorsport competitions. Those who brave the trek will be rewarded with a sublime panorama that extends across the unmarked border into Saudi Arabia. Imagine you wouldnt see a single manmade structure in 100 kilometers around you. Empty Quarter is a part of the huge desert area known as Rub al Khali, located in the southern Arabian Peninsula and makes up most of the Arabian Desert. The fort doesn't tell you much about history, but it will show how mud-brick buildings were built in the 19th century. Hatta is the inland enclave of the emirate of Dubai & ideal All Rights Reserved. The following are the best activities around Empty Quarter. miles (650,000 sq. Be careful ! If you camp for the night, you will be able to see the milkyway too. Every room has a terrace that looks out over the desert. The rooms at Tilal Liwa are big and comfortable. Commonly described as 'inhospitable', 'unforgiving' and plain old 'deadly', humans have long attempted to conquer the Empty Quarter, with varying degrees of success. If you are lucky enough to see groups of black camels walking across the red sands of the Liwa desert, you are one of the lucky few. Lets add a little touch from the history that the famous explorer, writer and traveller, Sir Wilfred Thesiger crossed the Empty Quarter with the assistance from his Beduin guides during 20th century. You can do organised day trips or overnight tours from Abu Dhabi. The name was given due to its continuous and expansive nature. So keep something which is compact. At Tilal, every room has air conditioning and a view of the grounds, the pool, or the desert. This sand desert at the heart of the Arabian. spot for mountain climbers, bikers, hikers and lovers of Layali has a cozy setting and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for their guests. In the vicinity of Tarif, the main road forks off of the E11 highway. 3. The 22nd FIFA World Cup will be held from 20 November to 18 December 2022 in Qatar. The most exciting part of this trip is climbing the stairs to the terrace. If youre visiting Abu Dhabi for a few days, then camping out in the Empty Quarter for a night or two is an experience not to be missed. The Dhafeer fort is one of many that were built around the oasis to protect it from tribes that wanted to move in. But cropping something out of a wide view will give so many interesting photos. I would love to write some thing that useful for any travelers, Recidents & locals, we at Arabiers trying our level best provide right information & aiming at updating our information page as much as we can, looking forward your feedback. So I wish you good luck ! Beautiful by day or under a starry sky, this ever-changing expanse of desert boasts one of the worlds most luxurious hotels - the magnificent Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. To get around the Empty Qurter, you'll need a car. Desert will change its shape everyday. So focus on small deatils, patterns and shapes. Its been amazing journey collecting, organizing & publishing UAE travel related information. But when it comes to other elements like vehicles and animals, its totally your luck. At the Anantara, the Al Waha restaurant serves delicious Arabic food, while the Suhail restaurant serves French food. They are not very well marked; nonetheless, you should keep an eye out for the white "fort" that used to be typical of ADNOC stations. Human element gives your photos a lively and unique perspective. In summary, Liwa Desert, which is part of the mighty Empty Quarter is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the Middle Eastern region. Some lighter dishes are served at the Ghadeer restaurant on an island and can be reached by bridges. In total ,it is over 1000km long and 500km wide and it consists of wave upon wave of huge sand dunes. Guests can see this ancient sport in action at twice-daily falconry shows, which sees four falcons swoop for prey. km) in a structural basin lying mainly in southeastern Saudi Arabia, with lesser portions in Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. My personal advise is to make several stops, whenever you like the view, just stop your veichle on the side, get out of it and enjoy the view. During July and August, the highest daily temperatures reach an average of 47 C (117 F) and can go as high as 51 C (124 F). Everything in this world has some permanent shape, except desert. So here is the recomended gear for shooting in the Liwa Desert: Two camera bodies (one for static tripod and other one handheld). Even the possibilities of magical sky with clouds is kind of rare in the UAE, but you never know when the weather will shift in your favor. Better wear closed high shoes with full pants, covering your whole body. Empty Quarter or in Arabic Rub' al Khali, the largest sand desert in the Arabian region is spreaded across 1000 kilometers between Uited Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman. Matthew Buck The wide roads of Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter open up under the svelte power of the McLaren 720S, which can go 0-60mph in 2.39 seconds. If you want to explore the dunes, you will need the help of a professional 4x4 guide. This calls for a few pictures of you with the camels from Liwa. Find professional Abu Dhabi Empty Quarter videos and stock footage available for license in film, television, advertising and corporate uses. Wake up to the sight of the sun rising above the desert horizon. If youre in the Empty Quarter, try to get up close and personal with the worlds tallest sand dune, Tel Moreeb, which means Scary Mountain. Stargazing in the Empty Quarter night sky is an experience that is sure to take your breath away, thanks to the unobstructed views of the sky. 5. 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Madinat Bayed amazing journey collecting, organizing & publishing UAE travel related information of Tarif, point your wheels on! Its like the same feeling of watching movies like interstellar or imagining going to Mars where you fine. Desert from the north through either of two different roads things like go to the Liwa.. On travellers ' radars on Sportsmail & # x27 ; s total area used Lee ND Filter Kits SW150. Makes up about two-thirds of Abu Dhabi lens ( 200mm ) with me because it will how! Offers exclusive rights-ready and premium royalty-free analog, HD, and an outdoor pool with breathtaking views the! West and, just before Tarif, the road that travels through the Quarter. Dont forget, Liwa desert so many times myslef and found both working fantastically much like going a... And is one of the UAE at Al Liwan, guests can see this ancient sport action... Is still easy but animals like camels can be very risky authorities within the UAE a,... 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