If you are a fan of Wilfred Thesiger’s Arabian Sands, photographs from Empty Quarter are sure to bring back vivid images reminiscent of his adventure in this region. Today, visiting Empty Quarter is great weekend trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

A great weekend trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

The world described in Thesiger’s memoirs has now long disappeared. There are no Bedouin nomads crossing these massive dunes. However, a trip to this part of the world is still an exciting adventure. Set near Liwa Oasis, it is still the largest contiguous desert landscape. Easily accessible from Abu Dhabi on a 3 hour drive, the road to Empty Quarter is in pretty good condition.

One of the highlights of the trip is visiting Moreeb sand dune. At 300 meters high, it is the tallest sand dune in the world! Moreeb dune also hosts the Liwa Festival – which brings many motor heads in a challenging face-off.

What else to do near Empty Quarter?

Depending on where you are staying, your hotel can arrange quite a few exciting activities for you. Most of the properties are all-inclusive, and great for family trips.

• Arrange for a jeep safari across the dunes
• Ride a camel or an Arabian horse across the desert
• Take a lesson in falconry
• Learn how to board down a sand dune

Where to stay on a trip to Empty Quarter?

There are a couple of great options close to the core sand dunes area. We stayed at Tilal Liwa hotel – which is a beautiful property in the middle of nowhere. Offering quad bikes, camel rides, and a swimming pool overlooking the desert, this is a great place to stay at an affordable rate. If you are looking for luxury, Anantara’s Qasr Al Sarab desert resort can’t be beat.

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About Praveen Maloo

Praveen is currently based out of Seattle, United States. He loves coffee, conversations, micro-brews, and intimate jazz music scenes. When its not raining in Seattle, he can be seen enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific North-West.

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