Things to do in The Empty Quarter
Discover the best attractions and experiences The Empty Quarter has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore vestiges and iconic desert-era structures that dot the edge of the Empty Quarter in the UAE.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
A luxury desert resort styled after a fortress, set among dramatic dunes in the Liwa Oasis.
Rub' al Khali Lookout Points
Prominent dune vistas built for visitors to glimpse the vast Empty Quarter.
Liwa Oasis
Ancient palm-fringed oasis at the edge of the desert, offering a window into traditional desert life.
Museums
The Empty Quarter is mostly natural landscapes; nearby towns offer small heritage centers.
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We're currently working on adding museums recommendations for The Empty Quarter. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites in the desert are modest but accessible around the Liwa and Madinat Zayed area.
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We're currently working on adding religious monuments recommendations for The Empty Quarter. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
National & Theme Parks
Desert landscapes and protected areas showcase the vast sands of the Empty Quarter.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for The Empty Quarter. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Communities and towns that serve as gateways to the Liwa Desert and the Empty Quarter.
Liwa Oasis
A palm-fringed oasis and gateway to the desert dunes, with traditional desert culture.
Madinat Zayed
A regional town near the western edge of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa region, acting as a base for desert trips.
Free Things to Do
Many experiences here are nature-driven and free with no admission required.
Sunset dune viewing
Watch the dunes glow as the sun sets over the Empty Quarter.
Stargazing in the desert
Clear skies make for spectacular night-time stargazing.
Long walk among the dunes
Explore the rolling dunes on foot and soak in the silence.
Gastronomy
Emirati desert hospitality shines through simple, hearty meals around campfire and in towns.
Arabic coffee and dates tasting
A traditional pause with fragrant coffee and sweet dates.
Desert camp dinner experience
Camp-style meals featuring regional flavors under the stars.
Traditional Emirati barbecue
Grilled dishes prepared with desert-style techniques.
Nightlife
Evenings in the desert are about quiet experiences under the stars.
Starlit desert camp
Relaxing evenings around a campfire with storytelling and music.
Moonlit dune walk
Gentle guided walk across the cool sands after dark.
Entertainment
Cultural demonstrations and desert experiences add flavor to the trip.
Bedouin storytelling
Local storytellers weave desert legends around a campfire.
Camel rides at dusk
Calm, scenic rides to experience traditional desert travel.
Sports
Adventure sports thrive on the soft sands and expansive dunes.
Dune bashing (4x4)
Pulse-quickening ride across towering dunes with a skilled driver.
Sandboarding
Slide down the dunes on a board for a thrilling desert ride.
Off the Track
Go beyond the beaten path with immersive desert experiences.
Overnight desert camping
Camp under the stars with a traditional desert setting.
Camel trek across dunes
Passive, scenic camel journeys through rolling sands.