Liwa Oasis – General Information

Liwa Oasis is about 100 km south of the Persian Gulf coast and 150 km SSW of the city of Abu Dhabi, on the northern edge of Rub al Khali desert. It is centered around and stretches about 100 km east-west, along an arch curved to the north. It consists of some 50 villages. The geographic and economic center of the oasis is Muzayri`, where the highway from Abu Dhabi enters the oasis and then divides to the East and West .

The villages of Liwa Oasis are the southernmost settlements of Abu Dhabi and of the United Arab Emirates. The southern border of Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia, which runs at a distance between 16 and 35 km to the Oasis, is a straight line in the Rub al Khali desert, which is largely uninhabited. Mahdar Bin `Usayyan is the southermost village of the Emirates, and also the easternmost of the oasis. 10 km south of the border, and 40 km south of the eastern part of the oasis is the Saudi oil town Shaybah. However, there is no street linking Liwa Oasis and Shaybah, and no border crossing. 

A modern, multilane highway connects the oasis area to the capital, Abu Dhabi.

The oasis is the place of birth of the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In 1793, the ruling family Al Nahyan moved their residence from Liwa to the city of Abu Dhabi.

Traditionally, men from Liwa (Bani Yas tribe) were pearl divers on the coast during the summer months. Pearl diving offered an additional source of income.

An important traditional branch of the economy is date farming. There is a widespread use of drip irrigation and greenhouses. The importance of tourism is on the rise. The Moreeb dune, with 300 meter height one of the largest dunes in the world, attracts a large number of international and local visitors every year during the Liwa festival coming to see the offroad and camel racing events.

Undoubtedly Liwa is a place that is worth visiting! If you want to escape from the traditional destinations in United Arab Emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Liwa is the place for you! Here are located some of the most magnificent hotels in Liwa that attract thousands of tourists annually. Staying in a hotel in Liwa is the best option for foreigners. The service is excellent and the attitude of the staff great. Choosing Liwa for your holiday, you guarantee yourself an unforgettable experience.