The majestic golden red dunes are the grandeur part of the Liwa desert, where native tribes settled in the 18th century. The largest oasis in the world, in the western region of the Emirate, is the Liwa Desert. Previously, this enchanting oasis in the desert was well called Bu Fallah Desert.
The Arabic “Aljawa” is the word from which the Liwa oasis word is derived. The meaning is a charming place for pacification and a green oasis. Empty Quarter (second name is Rub’ al Khali) which is located on the northern border of Abu Dhabi, while the Liwa oasis is located 250 km away on the south of Abu Dhabi.
Geographic history of Liwa Desert, UAE
In the past, Liwa was a major place for Emarati. Bani Yas tribe was one of the tribes, to whom this place belongs. They are the ancestors of the establishment of cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. This is the essential spot for the port because it is located in the ideal position.
The nomadic bedouin of emirate were living a very harsh and tense life, in strict
environments. Their resources depend on camel raising and date farming. The majestic spot where magnificent history and current era coincide. The importance behind the Liwa is due to its optimal location where traders and travelers feel at ease while in history due to its defensive frontier and guarding against invaders and checkpoints for trading.
Customs and traditional practices
The lifestyle of Bedouin forefathers relied on oases, which were used to cultivate date farms and crops, raise livestock, and use water for residential purposes. Over 1000 years, a crescent-featured area known for its fertility and leading habitation of human lives. The single source for living life for floras, faunas, and also for bedouin families.
Till the mid-20th century, the Bedouin lives depended on desert natural resources such as falconry, camel racing, and pearl diving. They still have a rich cultural heritage and Emiratis also celebrate these festivals. After the 20th century, the discovery of oil resources in Dubai happened, and the fate of Bedouins also changed their lifestyle.
Glory of Liwa
Unlike other deserts, the beauty and elegance of Liwa’s desert are entirely distinctive. The major feature of the Liwa desert is its fluctuated sand, which changes its colors with the sunlight from pure shimmering golden to deep orange texture. This enchanting salient feature creates highly attractive landscapes of the Liwa Desert.
Morab Dune is secondly known as “Terrifying Mountain” because of its immense and huge size. It also includes those towering dunes that have heights of 300 meters above. Sense of seclusion, glamorous beauty, and historical significance are all images that express Liwa’s beauty.
The natural world of Liwa
Liwa is an ideal place providing the optimal environment for flora and fauna with a surprisingly multilayered and complex ecosystem. Ghaf trees, acacia, and wild grasses dot the landscapes are examples of hardy desert plants that thrive in areas where groundwater seeps close to the surface.
Liwa is such a blessed place where plants bloom with flowers and fruits after rainfall. The distinct feature of the Liwa desert is that its sand starts turning flowering plants into vibrant tapestry. Elegance and tranquility in life are strongly evidenced in the world’s most arid environment led by the Liwa Desert.
Fauna species of Liwa Desert
There are Arabian oryx, camels, Desert foxes, and multiple reptiles with birds that are adapted to severe conditions involved in the wildlife of Liwa’s Desert. It is heard that Arabian Oryx was extinct in the past but right now it is reintroduced in the desert and freely wanders everywhere without any kind of threat.
Sand gazelles, red foxes, and other reptiles are included in animals that are adapted to desert. Larks, kestrels, and desert wheatear can also be spotted by Birdwatchers. Although the Liwa desert is known as a desert with a harsh environment and ecosystem, it is also popular as home to a vast level of wildlife.
Thrill and Travelling in the Liwa Desert
Liwa’s Desert is a highly popular and well-known desert for Emiratis, civilians, and visitors. The reason behind its popularity is its rich cultural heritage. Each year, there is a festival celebration where competition is arranged among best date sellers. This event was held near the Moreeb Dune where other competitions were also held such as; 4×4 racing, dune climbing, motocross, etc.
Camping and vacationing in the Liwa Desert
Liwa Empty Quarter overnight camping is one of the best decisions anyone can make. This decision provides the chance to witness and notice the enchanting sunset and sunrise views over the desert horizon. A matter of fact behind the obsession over this lovely and charming place is its calmness to grasp the glamor of nature.
The aim of camping in the Liwa Desert is actually to lead a journey towards the heart of Arabia. An experience of spending a night under the dark sky with shimmering stars will attract toward the natural and organic world and this is also an option to escape from the noisy and bustling life of the city.
Choosing Liwa over Remaining Deserts
The excellent and fantastic option to enjoy the vast dunes can only make it happen in the Liwa Desert. The overnight in the Liwa Desert will open your eyes with its blessings and celebrate the calming conversion from ceiling roofs to open sky with shining stars. The summary is that it offers the best and optimal packages to experience the majestic deserts of the Middle East.
The optimal time to arrange camping
The preferable time for camping is between October and April because on those days temperatures are more cooler and comfortable for outdoor activities without any harm.
Summer season
- June to September
- Unbearable temperature
- Above 40°C temperature, camping is difficult and dangerous to arrange
Winter season
- October to April
- Bearable and moderate temperature
- From 12°C to 25 °C, the ideal time for desert excursion
Most nights in winter become strongly chilly and cold, so people prefer to bring blankets and covers along to keep themselves warm and to make the environment cozy.
Versions of camping in the Liwa Desert
Liwa Desert offers different levels of camping from cheap to expensive and from ordinary to top-class. But comfort, interaction with nature, and thrill are offered at every level.
Bedouin and traditional camping
This version of camping is especially for those who want to experience camping as a bedouin historical lifestyle. A genuine route to immerse yourself into the rich cultural heritage of emiratis. This is specifically arranged by highly experienced tour agencies and tries to ensure the camping in Bedouin style.
Arabian hospitality is well-known, they used to serve their regular traditional and special festive foods. A meal cooked over an open fire using wood, food such as rice, grilled food dates, etc. Well-equipped campsites provide vast camp tents with comfortable bedding materials.
Lavish and splendor desert camping
The luxurious and glamorous experience of desert camping is exactly similar to staying in a 5-star hotel and receiving every kind of service. Such types of camping have specific and segregated bathrooms with air-conditioned rooms.
Visitors experience the golden opportunity of a fabulous evening with anticipating sunset views and many nature lovers get mesmerized by the charm of the dunes and far away scenery of sunset. Private dune bashing, falconry, and many other spa treatments are also involved.
Self-drive vehicle camping
Routes to Moreeb dunes are one of the ways where are largest sand dunes located and many solo, adventuros, and self-visitors prefer to choose those routes for safety, precise and urgent way to reach on highway.
There are also great opportunities for self-visitors and they can easily opt for self-camping with full security and enjoy amazing sceneries. Proper preparation is highly required and includes hydrating products, food, camping gear, and a 4×4 vehicle for thrills and personal traveling use.
Conclusion
Hence, the Liwa desert proved as the best place for camping and there’s no deficiency in any kind of services. Everybody enjoys and appreciates their services.
Frequently asked Questions
- What is the best time for camping in the Liwa Desert?
October to April is the best time for camping due to cooler temperatures. - What popular activity can thrill-seekers enjoy in the Liwa Desert?
Dune bashing is a popular adventure activity in the Liwa Desert. - Which animal is commonly associated with desert transportation in the Liwa Desert?
Camels are commonly used for transportation in the Liwa Desert. - What is the tallest dune in the Liwa Desert?
Moreeb Hill is the tallest dune in the Liwa Desert. - Why is the Liwa Desert ideal for stargazing?
The lack of light pollution makes the Liwa Desert ideal for stargazing.