AL GHARBIA(WESTERN REGION)
‘Where the desert meets the sea,’ Al Gharbia makes up over two thirds of Abu Dhabi emirate. Along its hundreds of kilometres of coastline are stunning beaches and islands, which are gradually being developed for visitors.
Al Gharbia is home to Liwa, a historic oasis town that sits at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) - the world’s largest sand desert. Prepare for the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving and some of its most incredible scenery.
ATTRACTIONS
Al Gharbia Watersports Festival
Approximately 120 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, the picturesque harbour town of Al Mirfa boasts a stunning coastline and hosts the annual Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, which is focused on encouraging visitors to explore this pristine and undiscovered area. The festival gathers together champions from across the globe and enthusiasts keen to take part in adrenaline-inducing competitions such as kiteboarding, wake-boarding and surf-ski kayaking. The 10-day festival is a family event, where visitors are encouraged to kick back and relax. Camping facilities are provided for participants and visitors, with live evening entertainment, kids play areas and a magical ‘Sunset Souk,’ a traditional market that opens as the sun goes down every day. Professional trainers and instructors are on hand, offering free sessions for those wanting to learn more about watersport activities.
algharbiafestivals.com
Al Mirfa Public Beach
Home to the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, this is Al Gharbia’s only developed beach. It’s almost never crowded and there is a small town nearby where you can buy supplies for a night of camping or a day of enjoying the turquoise waters. It’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Arabian Wildlife Park
On Sir Bani Yas Island - the core component of the planned Desert Island multi-experiential destination 240 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi - the Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals, takes up more than three quarters of the island. Guests at the boutique Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara can take 4x4 Nature & Wildlife Drives of the park in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert island staff. Alternatively guests of the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna can book a three-hour tour. There are many Arabian Oryx, gazelles and giraffes, along with the newest arrivals, hyenas and cheetahs. Seaplane flight transfers are available from Abu Dhabi and a ferry service from Jebel Dhanna.Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Dhanna
Tel : +971 2 801 5400, desertislands.com
Inhabited for over 7,000 years, Delma Island was once one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving centres, and it still maintains strong links to its maritime heritage. Located just 30 kilometres off the mainland, it can be visited by ferries from Jebel Dhanna. With a good supply of fresh water, the island is surprisingly fertile, with many farms and plantations growing a wide variety of produce.
The vast expanse of desert that lies outside the Liwa oasis is perfect for adrenaline fuelled off-road driving. With 300-metre dunes and long sand valley, you’ll never get bored of desert driving. Rent a four-wheel drive from Abu Dhabi, get a good map and explore to your heart’s content.
Emirates National Auto Museum
Some 45 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi city, this impressive pyramid houses an assortment of cars from one dedicated collector: Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The museum is home to almost 200 cars, including a vast collection of off-road vehicles and classic American cars, the Sheikh’s rainbow collection of Mercedes and the world’s largest truck. Some of this impressive collection was featured in the BBC television programme Top Gear. Even if you’re not particularly interested in cars, this is a fascinating collection and a great place to stop on the way to or from Liwa.
Opening
9am – 6pm daily
Entry is AED 10
South of Abu Dhabi, Hamim Rd, Off E11
Tel Moreeb
Considered by many to be the world’s tallest sand dune, Tel Moreeb is over 300 metres high and the 50-degree incline to the top makes it a prime destination for motor sports enthusiasts. Each year, the region’s most powerful four-wheel drives, quad bikes and dirt bikes compete in the Moreeb Hill Climb event, which is part of the Liwa International Festival in February. It’s well worth the trip if you think you can handle the constant humming of super-modified engines and loud Arabic music. The large flat area at the base of the dune acts as the base camp for competitors and spectators of the annual Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge cross-country rally.
HERITAG E
Al Dhafra Camel Festival
Featuring nearly 24,000 camels and attracting several thousand spectators every January, this is one of the world’s largest desert heritage events. Camel breeders come from throughout the region to compete in this massive camel beauty pageant that celebrates local culture. The event takes place on a huge, barren plain that transforms into a lively city of tents, four-wheel drives, handicraft shops and, of course, camels.
Zayed City
Liwa Date Festival
Held each year in July, the Liwa Date Festival promotes and celebrates the symbolic and historic role that the date palm plays in Emirati culture. The festival revolves around the date competition, in which Emirati farms vie for the title of best date grower. Non-locals can attend and it’s an incredible way to experience Emirati culture up close. Prizes are given away for the top dates in each category and there is a live date auction where some dates sell for over AED 6000 (US$ 1650) per kilo.
Liwa
algharbiafestivals.ae, adach.ae
SPORTS & RECREATION
Off-Road Driving
The massive Empty Quarter dunes present an awesome driving challenge. If you’re in the country during the cooler months and you like adventure, rent a four-wheel drive, find a group of eager drivers (you’ll need at least three vehicles, never drive alone in the desert) and set out for the sand. Be sure that your vehicle is insured for off-road use and that you have the proper equipment. If you’ve never driven off road, you should first learn the ropes with one of the several tour companies in Abu Dhabi.
Camping
A trip to the desert isn’t complete without a night under the stars. You can arrange camping adventures with a tour company or rent a four-wheel drive and buy the equipment yourself. Camping supplies are surprisingly cheap in the emirates and there is no need to buy high quality equipment. In fact, you could probably buy a tent and two sleeping bags from a hypermarket for less than a guided tour.