Liwa

Liwa is surrounded by a handful of small desert settlements and is relatively isolated from major urban centers. However, it serves as a gateway to the broader Al Dhafra region and is within driving distance of several key areas:

• Asab (1 hour 18 minutes)

• Arabian Oryx Protected Area (2 hours 37 minutes)

• Abu Dhabi City (2 hours 50 minutes)

• Al Beda'a Protected Area (1 hour 50 minutes)

• Moreeb Dune

• Mahdar Shah Field

• Historic Liwa Forts

• Traditional date farms

Public transport options in Liwa are limited due to its remote desert location. The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport operates occasional intercity bus services connecting Liwa to the other parts of Abu Dhabi city via Mezaira'a Bus Station but these are infrequent.

Parking in Liwa is generally abundant and hassle-free. Most residential compounds, hotels, and public attractions offer ample surface parking, with plenty of space for both standard vehicles and off-road cars. During major festivals or events, temporary parking areas are set up to accommodate the influx of visitors.

• Moreeb Dune

• Liwa Oasis

• Al Meel Fort

• Dhafeer Fort

• Umm Hosn Fort

• Traditional date farms

Shopping in Liwa is centered around small retail centers and local markets rather than large malls. Residents rely on community shops and periodic markets for daily needs, with larger shopping trips typically made in Madinat Zayed or Abu Dhabi city.

• Liwa Centre

• Al Dhafra Mall (Madinat Zayed)

• City Mall (Madinat Zayed)

The dining scene in Liwa is modest but authentic, with a focus on traditional Emirati cuisine and casual eateries. Many hotels and resorts offer restaurants serving both local and international dishes, while roadside cafes and small restaurants cater to residents and travelers.

• Liwa Munch Burger

• 28 Degrees Restaurant

• The Empty Quarter

• Al Mabrook Restaurant

Liwa is home to a selection of hotels and resorts that cater to tourists, adventure seekers, and business travelers. Accommodation ranges from luxury desert resorts to comfortable family hotels, all offering a unique experience of the desert landscape.

• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (5-star)

• Liwa Nights Bedouin Glamping Retreat (5-star)

• Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa (5-star)

• Royal Pavilion Villas by Qasr Al Sarab (5-star)

Fitness and outdoor activities in Liwa are shaped by the desert environment. Many hotels feature gyms, swimming pools, and wellness centers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy dune bashing, camel trekking, sandboarding, and guided desert walks. The area also hosts sporting events during festivals, including off-road races and endurance challenges. However, gyms outside the hotels are not available in the locality but in Madinat Zayed.

• Fit Factory - Madinat Zayed

• No Limits GYM - Madinat Zayed

Liwa is located deep within the desert, far from the UAE’s coastline. The nearest beaches are found in the Al Dhafra region, such as Al Mirfa Beach, which is about a two-hour and forty minutes drive away. These beaches offer a peaceful escape with calm waters and basic facilities, popular for picnics and water sports.

Liwa is ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle with a strong sense of tradition. It is usually suitable for tourists to have a vacation in a desert area. Moreover, it can be a choice for retirees, and professionals who have worked in the region or are still working and appreciate open spaces, cultural heritage, and a slower pace of life. The area is also perfect for adventure lovers and anyone looking to experience the authentic desert environment of the UAE.

There are no schools in Liwa but in the nearby communities and education is provided by a handful of schools and nurseries, offering both local and international curriculums. These institutions cater to children of all ages, with a focus on community values and academic excellence.

Schools in and Near Liwa, Abu Dhabi

• Al Farouq School

• As Siddiq Secondary School

• Pinnacle American School - Madinat Zayed

Nurseries in and Near Liwa, Abu Dhabi

• Al Shadah Kindergarten - Madinat Zayed

Healthcare in Liwa is supported by clinics and a regional hospital, offering general medical services, emergency care, and specialist consultations. Residents also have access to pharmacies and dental clinics.

• Al Dhafra Hospitals Clinic

• Liwa Medical Centre

• SEHA - Liwa Hospital

• Shah Al Hosn Gas Clinic

Grocery shopping in Liwa is convenient, with several supermarkets and local stores serving the community. Larger supermarkets are found in nearby towns, while smaller shops cater to daily needs.

• Lulu Hypermarket

• Mougab Grocery Liwa

• Village Supermarket

• Star Al Mafraq Supermarket

There are a few mosques in Liwa that serve the local Muslim community. These places of worship are central to community life and host regular prayers and religious events.

• ADNOC Sour Gas PMT Camp Masjid

• Liwa Mosque

Beauty and grooming services in Liwa are very limited and are provided by local salons offering haircuts, styling, skincare, and spa treatments. These salons cater to both men and women, with a focus on personalized service.

• Liwa Saloon

• Pause Salon

• Tal Marab Gents Hairdressing Salon