Al Gharbia, meaning ‘west’ in Arabic, is a vast expanse of undulating desert sands and 350 kms of picturesque coastline. This region lies west of Abu Dhabi and makes up a whopping 2/3rds of the UAE’s land. The area is sparsely populated with major concentrations in Mirfa, Kiwa, Ghayathi, Ruwais and Madinat Zayed, the capital city. Al Gharbia is also a haven for nature lovers and is home to many interesting flora and fauna, such as the indigenous oryx, sand gazelle and pink flamingoes.

If you’re looking for an authentic adventure experience while exploring the desert, Al Gharbia is the place to be. The sand dunes and desert tracks are perfect for a night spent camping under the stars. The region, once under-developed, is gradually opening up to tourism as people are setting out to discover these unexplored regions of the UAE.

Getting There

Al Gharbia is easily accessible by road from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with a drive time of approximately three hours. You can easily get a car rental in Abu Dhabi and drive down for a weekend of exploring the wilderness with family or friends. If you’re planning to go off-roading, you need to ensure that your vehicle is a 4X4 that is properly equipped for driving on sand.

Off-Roading in Liwa

Liwa, one of the largest cities in Al Gharbia, is a popular destination for off-roading enthusiasts thanks to its location on the edge of the Empty Quarter of the Sahara Desert. It also has the highest dunes in the UAE, which are an incredible sight towering over you at a height of 300 m above sea level. This is where you need to head to for some of the most exciting off-roading experiences.

Liwa has some of the best landscapes for adventure driving. Moreeb Hill in Liwa is renowned as one of the tallest sand dunes in the world at 360 m, and its 50-degree incline makes it the destination of choice for motor sports lovers. If you visit in January, you can catch the Moreeb Hill Climb at the Liwa International Festival. The Climb features the region’s most powerful quad bikes, four wheel drives and dirt bikes.

We recommend you head to Al Gharbia in the cooler months if you plan to drive off-road. Just make sure you find a group of enthusiastic adventure lovers (never drive alone in the desert) who are ready for toughing it out over the extreme landscape of Al Gharbia.

With the ever-shifting landscape and harsh desert vistas, we can guarantee that you will never tire of driving in the desert. Just make sure that you have the proper papers and insurance in place. If this is the first time you will be driving off-road, you have the option of learning the basics and getting the proper equipment at several Abu Dhabi-based tour companies.

ABU DHABI MALL Voco Hotel - Trade Centre Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Dubai Motor City Dubai Marina Dubai Festival City Abu Dhabi Airport Al Reem, Abu Dhabi Al Reef, Abu Dhabi Sharjah Airport Al Hamra Mall, RAK

ABU DHABI MALL

Address

AK07 Al Mayaani Street, Al Zahiyah, AUH Mall,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates

Phone

026315320

Opening Hours

Sunday to Thursday - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Voco Hotel – Trade Centre

Address

VOCO HOTEL Nassima Tower - Trade Centre Trade Centre 1 – Dubai,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates

Phone

04-5510287

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Dubai Head Office, Al Rashidiya

Address

Um Ramool, Rashidiya,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2060206

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 07:00-22:00

Dubai Airport Terminal 1

Address

Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2245222

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Airport Terminal 3

Address

Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall, Dubai International Airport,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 2203013

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Dubai Motor City

Address

Shop 8, Ground Floor, Foxhill 8, Motor City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4273200

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday; Closed Sun 15th Sep 2024; Closed

Dubai Marina

Address

Hertz - Dubai Marina City Premiere Marina Deluxe Hotel Apartment ,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 4226775

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00-20:00 Saturday Closed Sun 15th Sep 2024; Closed

Dubai Festival City

Address

InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City,
Dubai ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 4 7011239

Opening Hours

Sunday-Friday; 08:00 - 17:00 Saturday; Closed Sun 15th Sep 2024; Closed

Abu Dhabi Airport

Address

AUH Terminal A Rental Returns, short term park 2nd level,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2805 8090 971 2805 8089

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 24 hours

Al Reem, Abu Dhabi

Address

Marina Square, Al Reem Island,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 6320494

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday : CLOSED Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun 15th Sep 2024; Closed

Al Reef, Abu Dhabi

Address

Al Reef Downtown, ,
Abu Dhabi ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 2 645 8488

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday : CLOSED Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00 Sun 15th Sep 2024; Closed

Sharjah Airport

Address

Inside Arrivals Terminal, Kiosk 2, Outside baggage claim area, Sharjah Airport,
Sharjah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 6 5528290

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday; 08:00-20:00

Al Hamra Mall, RAK

Address

Unit 52, First Floor, Al Hamra Mall, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Rd,
Ras Al Khaimah ,
United Arab Emirates 36800

Phone

971 7 2434386

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00, 19:00 to 22:00

Select your pickup depot
Start Typing your Address or select on Map