Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
02 July 2024 | 13 min read
The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a luxurious resort located in the heart of the Rub al Khali desert, just 200 km from Abu Dhabi city. It is popular for its palm-fringed outdoor pool, numerous qasr al sarab restaurants and elegantly decorated qasr al sarab anantara suite. Traditional architecture is perfectly balanced with luxurious decor, exceptional dining, and adventure activities, and making beautiful memories in the desert is possible in one place! However, the first step to ensuring a good experience is choosing the correct vehicle to drive you to the resort. In this guide, we'll address How much it would cost for a comfortable Qasr Al Sarab resort transfer.
This Qasr al Sarab desert resort is an exceptional destination with stunning scenery, lavish amenities, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most remarkable resorts in the world. Its position amid rolling dunes in the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world has earned Qasr Al Sarab its status as the most Instagrammed hotel on the planet. The location, service, and grandeur make it one of the most attractive establishments in the emirate, and the numerous Qasr al Sarab reviews are proof of that.
Qasr al Sarab by Anantara is a luxury desert resort in the Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert. Due to its location and its services, it is considered one of the most attractive establishments in the UAE and has been recognized as the most Instagrammed hotel in the world. Guests can participate in qasr al sarab activities such as dawn desert walks, indulge in international or traditional Emirati cuisine under the stars, or relax in a luxurious hammam that offers treatments infused with desert roses. The resort also hosts falcon and Arabian Saluki shows, which celebrate traditional Saluki hunting and falconry, which have been integral parts of Emirati culture for thousands of years. Falcons are a significant cultural symbol in the UAE for their skills and unique personalities. They played a crucial role in Bedouin culture, where they were used to hunting for food.
To reach Qasr Al Sarab, you have several options for transportation, such as the government-run Al Ghazal Taxi, a private limousine company, or a tour operator. Taking a taxi will cost you approximately 350-450 AED, whereas a private, pre-booked transfer could cost between 500-800 AED. However, arranging a transfer back to Abu Dhabi can be tricky, and you may need to speak to the hotel concierge or pre-book the transfer in advance. The Arabiers team can provide 7-seater cars such as the Toyota Previa, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Highlander for a transfer fee of 490 AED. Be sure to compare your options before making a decision.
There are numerous attractions and Liwa desert safari tours to enjoy. Arabiers provides carefully curated desert safari tours that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Empty Quarter. If you are staying at Qasr Al Sarab resort and wish to take a Land Cruiser, we can arrange transfers and tours. Below are some of the tours available for you to choose from:
Liwa Desert Trekking is one of the most captivating adventures tourists can enjoy in the UAE. The trek starts from Abu Dhabi and takes you to the city's western part of the city where you will find the mesmerizing Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) in Liwa. Here, you will be able to witness the peaceful and quiet surroundings, admire the largest continuous sand mass in the world, and engage in activities such as stargazing and desert driving.
Think again if you've never considered camping in a place as remote as the "Empty Quarter"! A common activity on the list of things to do in Liwa is to spend the night camping in this deserted area. Your view of the "Empty Quarter," which is not empty at all, will change due to this experience. Explore the tallest dunes in the world, get to know local Liwa camels, have a natural desert drive in a 4x4 with roller protection, and try overnight camping in the open desert environment as you take part in a desert excursion. Nothing complicated, just simple, thrilling activities to get you acquainted with the desert and allow you to see the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the desert horizon.
Can you imagine the peaceful feeling of sitting atop a sand dune with no distractions and watching the sun set below the horizon? If this sounds like a dream experience to you, then you can book the Liwa Sunset Champagne tour, which offers an exhilarating evening at the biggest sand hill in the Empty Quarter, complete with champagne to toast the beauty of the sunset. This tour also includes visits to other attractions in Liwa, such as the camel farm and Liwa Fort. You can also opt for an additional lunch or dinner experience at the Qasr Al Sarab desert Resort, located in the heart of the Liwa Desert.
If you're looking for adventure and a challenge, consider taking the Self-Drive Adventure to Liwa Empty Quarter and conquering the tallest sand dunes in the world. This tour is perfect for those who want to check this experience off their Liwa bucket list. With expert guidance from Arabiers Liwa safari guides, you'll not only get a sense of accomplishment but also an adrenaline rush. You can also learn more about the Liwa desert and see a unique breed of camels. Don't forget to witness the stunning desert sunset and consider adding lunch or dinner at Qasr Al Sarab to complete this unforgettable experience.
The day Liwa desert safari tour usually begins with a trip to the UAE National Car Museum, followed by a journey to Liwa. The museum houses a variety of off-road vehicles, vintage American cars, a large collection of Mercedes cars, and even the world's largest truck. This location has been featured on an episode of Top Gear, making it recognizable to avid fans of the show.
After planning your trip to the Qasr Al Sarab desert resort by Anantara, you will want to finalize some things to do in Liwa or qasr al sarab activities to make your stay fun and memorable. Here are some activities you should try for a comprehensive experience in qasr al sarab desert.
Liwa Oasis is located at the northern edge of the Empty Quarter, a massive desert covering 650,000 square kilometers in the Middle East. This area has been largely untouched by humans and consists of stunning sand dunes. The Bani Yas tribe once occupied Liwa, which is now known for being one of the largest palm tree oases in the Middle East, thanks to its underground freshwater resources. Liwa is famous for its date production and cultivation, which is a significant industry in the UAE. The juxtaposition of the lush date palms against the vast sand dunes of the Empty Quarter is a sight that will stay with you forever. It's an ideal location for BBQs, lunch gatherings, and picnics with friends.
Tel Moreeb is known as the tallest sand dune in the UAE and is also one of the largest dune hills in the world. Its name, which translates to "scary mountain" in English, is not surprising given its reputation as a challenging climb. Reaching the summit requires some effort, but the reward is a stunning panoramic view of the uninterrupted desert landscape that is truly breathtaking. If you are an adventure enthusiast, this is definitely a destination worth exploring.
When we think of the desert, camels are often the first thing that comes to mind. In Liwa Oasis, however, there is a unique breed of camels called the Liwa camel. As you travel to Moreeb Dune in the Liwa desert, you can stop at one of the Bedouin-operated camel farms and see these camels for yourself, free of charge. Unlike their counterparts in Abu Dhabi, Liwa camels originally came from Saudi Arabia and have black fur. If you're fortunate, you may even witness herds of black camels wandering across the red sand of the Liwa desert. While you're at the farm, you may also have the opportunity to try some fresh camel milk if you are able to speak with the owner or workers.
Dhafeer Fort is one of many forts constructed across the Liwa Oasis to protect against invading tribes. This fort appears to be a sandcastle and provides a glimpse of the prevalent mud-brick architecture of the 19th century. While it doesn't have much historical significance, the highlight of this attraction is ascending the stairs to the terrace, which provides an elevated view of the endless sand dunes that appear to stretch beyond the horizon.
Qasr Al Sarab Anantara is a popular destination for those looking for a luxurious desert experience in the UAE. It has won several awards for its outstanding service and facilities. Due to this reason, it is better to plan to get a good deal, and it is even better to check with us so that we can secure you a better Qasr al sarab desert resort price. To answer the question "When to book Qasr Al Sarab?" We must first consider the qasr al sarab weather, which is the same as the Liwa weather. Liwa is a city that experiences only two seasons: summer and winter, with rare rain occurring for 23 days throughout the year. During the summer, the city experiences predominant hot temperatures that can rise to 41 C / 106 F. Even during winter, the daytime temperature can reach up to 31 C / 88 F. In UAE, the peak summer season runs from June to September, while the winter season is from November to May. For those planning to visit Liwa for holidaying and sightseeing, it is recommended to plan the trip during the winter season, as the temperatures are relatively pleasant.
Due to the dry nature of desert sand, it takes longer for moisture to heat up than air, causing the desert to heat up quickly in the morning but cool rapidly in the late afternoon. Therefore, our desert safaris in Liwa are typically conducted in the late afternoon and evening during summer. Additionally, the desert air has very low humidity due to the lack of water vapour, a significant greenhouse gas that moderates the earth's temperature. Consequently, the desert ground doesn't retain heat well, resulting in temperatures up to 7 degrees Celsius cooler at night than on the coast.
Making a Qasr Al Sarab booking or a reservation for transfers during the Liwa festival period would be very pricey. Below are some significant and well-known events that take place each year in Liwa. Make sure to book in advance if you wish to experience any of the Liwa festivals.
The Liwa Sports Festival is considered one of the most significant cultural events in the United Arab Emirates and attracts visitors and participants from around the world. The festival is held annually for a period of nine days from the end of December to the beginning of January. It promotes the preservation and celebration of Emirati culture and traditions, while also providing a platform for modern sports to flourish in the region. The festival includes various competitions and events such as camel racing, falconry, archery, shooting, horse racing, and traditional Emirati sports such as Al-Azi and Al-Yola. In addition to the sports competitions, the festival also includes cultural and entertainment activities such as traditional dances, music performances, and a souq (marketplace) selling handicrafts, food, and souvenirs. However, the highlight of the festival is the bike and car races that must ascend the 300-meter-high Moreeb Dune with an astounding 50-degree slope.
The date festival of Liwa is a vibrant and colorful celebration of one of the region's most prized commodities. It provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the culture of the region, taste delicious food, and learn about the significance of dates in Emirati culture. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the culture of the region. There are traditional performances such as dance, music, and poetry, as well as activities such as falconry, camel races, and traditional sports.This event is an effort to protect one of the many iconic elements of Emirati history, the date palms and the locally referred-to Ratab fruit that is harvested from them. The date festival in Liwa is famously acknowledged as a unique event for individuals and companies concerned about the Emirati date trees. You can experience this festival in 2023.