A real camp, not a resort
Igloo tents, Arabic seating, camp chairs, bedsheets and blankets set up in the open desert.
Camping in the Liwa desert, properly
Liwa camping in the Empty Quarter is the fullest way to experience the Rub' al Khali: not a resort stay and not a quick photo stop, but a real night camping in the Liwa desert, on the sand, under the stars. After pickup, the drive out crosses roughly 230 km from Abu Dhabi, about two and a half hours, before the tarmac ends and dune bashing begins on some of the tallest dunes on earth.
Camping Liwa Oasis style means igloo tents, proper bedding and Arabic seating set up at camp rather than a fixed structure, with your Arabiers guide handling the driving, dinner and setup throughout.
Which Liwa experience suits you
Compare a guided day tour, supervised self driving and a full overnight desert camp.
| Liwa Day Tour | Self Drive Adventure | Liwa Camping | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Guided, single day | You drive, supervised | Guided, overnight |
| Duration | About 9 to 10 hours | About 9 to 10 hours | 20 to 21 hours |
| Dune bashing | Empty Quarter | Moreeb Dune focus | Tel Moreeb |
| Overnight camp | No | No | Yes, tents and bedding |
| Sunset and sunrise | No | No | Yes, both |
| Best for | First-time visitors and day trips | Confident off-road drivers | Genuine camping and stargazing |
Your camp, from pickup to drop-off
Timings are indicative and may shift slightly with traffic and desert conditions.
Day 1Afternoon to overnight
Pickup in Abu Dhabi
Your guide collects you from anywhere in Abu Dhabi for the drive to Liwa, with an ADNOC fuel and comfort stop en route.
Arrival and dune bashing
Enter the Empty Quarter in a rollover protected 4x4 for dune bashing on Tel Moreeb.
Black camel farm
A stop at a Liwa camel farm to meet the region's black camel herd.
Arrive at camp
Settle into the campsite before sunset.
Sunset over the dunes
Free time for sunset photographs while the campfire is prepared.
BBQ dinner
An outdoor BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu options.
Campfire and stargazing
Arabic seating around the campfire under the Empty Quarter sky.
Settle in for the night
Sleeping bags, bedsheets and blankets are provided.
Day 2Sunrise to return
Sunrise over Rub' al Khali
Wake for sunrise views across the Empty Quarter.
Kahwa, Arabic coffee
Arabic coffee served at camp.
Light breakfast
A light outdoor breakfast before the camp is packed away.
Mezairaa Fort
A visit to the historic fort if time permits.
Drop-off in Abu Dhabi
Return to Abu Dhabi to complete the 20 to 21 hour tour.
What is included, and what is not
Included
- 20 to 21-hour guided tour with a private 4x4 and an experienced Liwa dune guide
- 4x4 pick-up from any location in Abu Dhabi
- Bottled water on board
- Camping gear: igloo tent, Arabic pillows, carpet and sleeping bags
- Dune bashing on the tallest Empty Quarter dunes
- Live outdoor BBQ dinner
- Soft drinks, Arabic coffee, dates and tea at the camp
- Light outdoor breakfast
- Insurance and a rollover-protected 4x4 vehicle
- Black camel farm stop
- Sunset and sunrise viewing
- Bedsheets and blankets
- Camping chairs and an Arabic seating mattress
- Campfire setup
- Mezairaa Fort visit, if time permits
- UAE VAT and all service charges
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
Who this tour suits
This is authentic desert camping, not a luxury resort stay. It is not recommended for:
- Luxury travellers wanting hotel-style comfort
- Those who do not enjoy long road travel; Liwa is around 230 km from Abu Dhabi
- Guests who want facilities such as a washroom, standard hotel food or a proper bed
Have a date in mind?
Tell us your date and group size and we will confirm pickup time and hold your place for Liwa camping in the Empty Quarter.
WhatsApp our team
Liwa camping FAQs
It is 2490 AED per 4x4 vehicle, covering up to 4 adults or a family combination. That includes the guided 20 to 21 hour tour, camping gear, a BBQ dinner, breakfast, Arabic coffee, insurance and the rollover protected vehicle. Only alcoholic drinks are excluded.
Message Arabiers on WhatsApp or by email with your preferred date and group size. Guides handle the driving, camp setup and meals throughout, so no camping experience or equipment is needed.
No. This is authentic desert camping in igloo tents with sleeping bags, bedsheets and Arabic seating, not a fixed luxury structure with a washroom or hotel-style bedding.
Not for guests booking with Arabiers. Guides camp at an established Liwa desert location and handle all permissions as part of the guided tour.
Arabiers uses insured, rollover protected 4x4 vehicles with experienced Liwa dune driving guides throughout the tour, including the overnight camp.
Guests camp in the Empty Quarter, known in Arabic as Rub al Khali, close to the Liwa Oasis and Tel Moreeb.
The Rub al Khali covers around 650,000 square kilometres across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen, making it the largest uninterrupted sand desert on earth.
Yes, when travel dates overlap with the festival season. Camping availability and pricing during the festival depend on the exact dates and demand, so check before booking.
The Liwa day tour and self drive adventure are single day trips with no overnight stay. This tour runs 20 to 21 hours with a full night camping in the Empty Quarter, including sunset, dinner, a campfire and sunrise.
No. The price is per 4x4 vehicle regardless of how many people travel, up to 4 adults or a family combination.
