Liwa

Hunt for a sign in the desert.

Liwa is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas, the most prominent tribal confederation in the emirate. This arc of oases along the northern edge of the Rub‘ Al Khali desert has been a settlement since the early 17th century, valued for its access to water and its position along ancient caravan routes.

A timeless atmosphere lingers in Liwa: camels graze in desert pastures, flat-roofed sha’bi houses are sparsely scattered along palm-fringed streets and the remains of ancient forts watch over it all. Looking out at the sun-baked landscape from the 19th-century mudbrick Mezaira’a Fort, it seems inconceivable that the towers of Abu Dhabi city are just a couple of hours away.

Finish your trip with a hike (or drive) up to the Hollywood-style 23.5-metre Liwa sign, possibly the tallest landmark sign in the world and well worth the climb.