Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates — Desert
Middle East

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis

United Arab Emirates

Point-to-point
Dubai Tal Moreeb

In short: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis is a about 700 km desert road trip in United Arab Emirates, typically driven over 3 days, best in Oct–Mar. Highlights: Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Distance
about 700 km
Duration
3 days
Best Season
Oct–Mar
IconicModerateDesert

Three measured days link Dubai with Abu Dhabi’s principal landmarks and the paved oasis road to Liwa and Tal Moreeb. The extra day makes the mosque, Louvre and Qasr Al Watan realistic without short-changing the Empty Quarter landscape.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to the UAE (Level 3; advisory issued March 3, 2026); recheck immediately before departure. The mapped route to Liwa and Tal Moreeb is paved and suitable for a sedan. Any dune driving is a separate optional activity requiring a licensed guide, proper 4WD, recovery equipment and a second vehicle. Carry water and fuel before the Liwa spur and avoid peak heat.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Dubai → Abu Dhabi (about 145 km; 1.5–2 hr)

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque · Louvre Abu Dhabi · Al Dhafra Restaurant – Abu Dhabi

Day 2Abu Dhabi → Madinat Zayed → Liwa/Qasr Al Sarab (about 300 km; 3.5–4 hr)

Qasr Al Watan · Westbound desert transfer · Al Liwan – Qasr Al Sarab

Day 3Liwa → Tal Moreeb → Dubai (about 360 km; 5 hr plus stops)

Tal Moreeb paved-road visit · Optional licensed dune excursion · Packed desert lunch

Stops along the route

Dubai — Departure — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Departure
Dubai
Leave after breakfast for Abu Dhabi.
Madinat Zayed — City — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
City
Madinat Zayed
Refuel and buy supplies before Liwa.
Tal Moreeb — Arrival — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Arrival
Tal Moreeb
Reach the giant dune by paved road; do not drive onto sand unless on a licensed excursion.

Things to Do

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — Landmark — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Landmark
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Prebook the visitor slot and follow dress rules.
Louvre Abu Dhabi — Landmark — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Landmark
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Pair with the mosque on day one; do not also force Qasr Al Watan into the same day.
Qasr Al Watan — Landmark — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Landmark
Qasr Al Watan
Visit on day two before the westbound transfer.
Liwa Oasis — Nature — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Nature
Liwa Oasis
Follow the paved arc of settlements and date farms.
Grand Mosque and Louvre — Architecture and Art — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Architecture and Art
Grand Mosque and Louvre
Make these the two anchors of the first Abu Dhabi day.
Qasr Al Watan — Palace — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Palace
Qasr Al Watan
Use the second morning, checking opening and event closures.
Show 2 more
Liwa oasis road — Scenic Drive — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Scenic Drive
Liwa oasis road
Stop at signed forts and date groves without entering private farms.
Tal Moreeb sunset — Scenic Viewpoint — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Scenic Viewpoint
Tal Moreeb sunset
Paved-road visit; guided dunes are optional and separate.

Where to Eat

Al Dhafra Restaurant – Abu Dhabi — Emirati and seafood — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Emirati and seafood
Al Dhafra Restaurant – Abu Dhabi
Officially listed Abu Dhabi waterfront restaurant for the first night.
Al Liwan – Qasr Al Sarab — Middle Eastern and international — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Middle Eastern and international
Al Liwan – Qasr Al Sarab
Current resort restaurant near Liwa; reserve because access and meal periods can vary.
Packed desert lunch — Provisions — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis — United Arab Emirates
Provisions
Packed desert lunch
Buy water, fruit and a proper lunch in Madinat Zayed; do not depend on an unverified roadside café.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis drive?

The Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis covers about 700 km from start to finish.

How long does the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3 days on the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis?

The recommended season for the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis is Oct–Mar.

Where does the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis start and end?

The Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis runs from Dubai to Tal Moreeb.

What are the main stops on the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis?

The Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis passes through Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

How difficult is the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis to drive?

The Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis in a regular car?

Yes — the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis, based on its about 700 km length.

Is the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis safe to drive?

As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to the UAE (Level 3; advisory issued March 3, 2026); recheck immediately before departure. The mapped route to Liwa and Tal Moreeb is paved and suitable for a sedan. Any dune driving is a separate optional activity requiring a licensed guide, proper 4WD, recovery equipment and a second vehicle. Carry water and fuel before the Liwa spur and avoid peak heat.

What scenic tier is the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis?

The Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Liwa Oasis is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.