Experience the overwhelming beauty and silence of the UAE’s famous Liwa Oasis on an exciting full-day desert safari from Abu Dhabi. Travel by air-conditioned 4x4 to this remote swathe of sands and oasis in the vast Rub al Khali or "Empty Quarter," one of the world’s largest and most spectacular dune deserts. Enjoy a 2-hour desert drive past the towering red and orange dunes; watch for wildlife such as Arabian gazelle; and relax over a picnic lunch in the cool of a palm-shaded oasis before your return to Abu Dhabi.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:30 AM
Next available
Sun, Oct 4
Adult (ages 12–65)
$350
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $695.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 3.
Tour Options
Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi
Pickup included
Itinerary
15 min
Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter): Explore the world's largest continuous sand desert, renowned for its endless golden dunes and breathtaking landscapes.
Liwa Oasis
30 min
Discover a lush oasis surrounded by towering dunes, famous for its date palm plantations and rich cultural heritage.
Moreeb Dune
30 min
Visit one of the world's tallest sand dunes, offering spectacular panoramic views and a popular destination for off-road adventures.
Liwa Oasis
15 min
Liwa Camel Farm: Experience the traditional Bedouin lifestyle and see Arabian camels up close at a local camel farm.
What's included
Included
Transport by air-conditioned 4x4
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Picnic lunch including soda and mineral water
Professional driver-guide
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up from hotels in the Abu Dhabi city area. Please mention your hotel name when booking. Our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at the specified pick-up time. Please note that the mentioned tour time is an approximate pick-up time; our team will inform you of the exact time based on your hotel's location and any schedule adjustments. If there are any changes, we will communicate them to you promptly.
We are unable to pick up directly from the airport. However, we can arrange your pickup from the Premier Inn Airport Hotel, which is very close by.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
43 reviews
5
39
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
1
Important Information
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Private Tour for upto 4 people per Car per Booking
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi take?
Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi lasts about 9 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi cost?
Prices start at $350 per person for this Abu Dhabi experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $695. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:30 AM.
Can I cancel Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We will pick you up from hotels in the Abu Dhabi city area. Please mention your hotel name when booking. Our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at the specified pick-up time. Please note that the mentioned tour time is an approximate pick-up time; our team will inform you of the exact time based on your hotel's location and any schedule adjustments. If there are any changes, we will communicate them to you promptly.
We are unable to pick up directly from the airport. However, we can arrange your pickup from the Premier Inn Airport Hotel, which is very close by. Pickup points include Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.
What languages is Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 4 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Liwa Oasis Desert Drive from Abu Dhabi worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 43 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Emirates Tours and Safaris.
Reviews(43)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
R
Road53842115887
June 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Bad experience, I don't recommend it.
The worst experience I've ever had. I booked with them for one price, and when I arrived in the desert, they quoted me an even higher price than I expected. They're irresponsible and only care about money. I don't recommend them.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear about the experience you described, as this is certainly not the standard of service we aim to provide.
That said, after carefully reviewing our recent operations, we would kindly like to ask you to double check whether this review has been posted for the correct business. We have not operated or scheduled any Liwa Oasis desert safari tours recently, and we also do not change prices on arrival without prior confirmation.
If there has been any misunderstanding, we would genuinely appreciate the opportunity to clarify it with you directly. Please feel free to reach out to us with your booking details so we can look into this properly and assist you further.
Thank you for your understanding.
M
M7597AJhr
March 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Brilliant - would do it again
Awesome! Aris was brilliant, explained so much and the desert driving was incredible! The angles of the sand dunes that you go down was amazing! Wildlife was surprising, camels yes, but not expecting gazelles as well! Sunset incredible. Highly recommend it.
Operator response
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We're thrilled you found the Liwa experience so awesome and would do it again.
It sounds like our guide really enhanced the journey with his explanations, and that the desert driving delivered with those amazing angles on the sand dunes. The wildlife surprises, especially the gazelles alongside the camels, and that incredible sunset really do make Liwa special.
Your strong recommendation means a lot to us. Thank you for choosing us for your Liwa Oasis desert drive.
If you're ever back in the area, we'd love to welcome you for one of our other desert experiences or city tours.
Thanks again for sharing your feedback!
J
JoanL1375
December 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Liwa Tour
Fantastic day with our guides and drivers: Hakeem and Najeeb.
They perfectly adapted to our needs. Highly recommended.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Joan! We're thrilled to hear you had a fantastic day exploring Liwa Oasis with us.
It's great to know that our guides and drivers were so flexible and attentive to what you needed throughout the journey. That ability to adapt and personalize the experience really makes all the difference, especially on a full day tour.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so glad you chose us for your Liwa adventure. If you're ever back in Abu Dhabi, we'd love to welcome you for a desert safari or one of our other experiences.
Thanks again for sharing your feedback!
C
Camper712104
October 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Pick this one for authentic experience!
Beautiful experience for once in a lifetime. It is a more rugged experience, so don't expect luxuries, but an authentic desert experience! Very experienced guides! Note that this experience is a ca. 3h drive from Abu Dhabi.
Operator response
We are honored by your wonderful review. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal, and we are thrilled that we hit the mark for you.
We can’t wait to serve you again soon!
Z
zhengyangk2024
October 2, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable journey!
Top trip with our guide Unni! He is a very professional driver!!! Und also introduce the city on the road. Unforgettable experience!! You should try it!
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great time at Emirates Tours and Safari LLC.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
P
philippelD9856FX
March 7, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A Must do experience, the real desert without tourists
This has been a truly fantastic experience to go to Liwa desert and discover unique marvelous places in the desert of Abu Dhabi.
Aris is a very knowledgeable guide and a top sand driver. Aris has shared his desert experience with us during the full day. He is keen to give a lot of explanations about Abu Dhabi, the life and culture of the city.
We truly recommend this safari with Aris. It is a must do experience. Thank you Aris, we have been so fortunate to be with you for this experience. Looking forward to meet you again.
Operator response
Thank you for your gracious words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed Haris service. Providing exceptional experiences is our top priority, and your feedback motivates us to keep exceeding expectations. We look forward to serving you again soon!
P
philippelD9856FX
March 7, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A must do to discover what the real desert is
This Liwa desert drive is a truly unique experience to discover the gigantism of the Abu Dhabi desert. Taking this tour, you have no chance to cross with other visitors and you can discover many different places.
We had the chance to be guided and driven by Aris. Aris is keen to share his broad knowledge from the start to the very end of the safari. You feel in good hands with Aris, he is also a top sand driver and good photographer.
We had the chance to see a lot of different places with Aris and to feel the desert during the whole day.
If you take this tour, ask for Aris ! We are looking forward to meet him again.
Celine & Philippe
Operator response
Thank you for your gracious words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed Haris service. Providing exceptional experiences is our top priority, and your feedback motivates us to keep exceeding expectations. We look forward to serving you again soon!
B
Boblax
January 28, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Emirates Tours and Safari to Liwa
Highly recommend this tour agency for Liwa desert and dunes.
Very responsive customer service was able to book everything on WhatsApp from USA
Aris our guide and driver was punctual, gave us a lot of information about the history, culture of Abu Dhabi and all the sites we were to see. He is extremely friendly and reliable.
Did not pressure the group to keep time in fact our tour took 10 1/2 hours instead of eight hours
Ask for Aris!
Operator response
Your glowing review has put a smile on our faces most especially with Haris!
Thank you for your continued support and for recommending us to others. We promise to keep delivering exceptional service.
Look forward to serving you again soon!
1
12Travellingismylife
October 28, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Very impressive desert tour
A very impressive desert tour! The red-gold dunes of the empty neighborhood are just great. Many thanks to Aris!
Operator response
Vielen Dank, dass Sie Ihre Erfahrungen mit uns geteilt haben! Wir freuen uns sehr zu hören, dass Sie eine tolle Zeit bei Emirates Tours and Safari LLC hatten. Wir freuen uns, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen!
R
Roving52897329994
October 27, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Very interesting experience
Shihab good driver and guide, the process of sunset is exciting, driving technology is excellent👍👍👍
The sunset is beautiful, the sand stepped up very comfortable, great experience😊
