Tal Moreeb is one of the tallest sand dunes in the world: more than 300 m high, with a slope of up to 50 degrees. It rises on the edge of the Empty Quarter, about 25 km south of Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region. Its Arabic name is usually translated as 'Scary Hill'.
What to see
The dune itself is the attraction: a smooth orange slope climbing above a flat plain, with the endless ridges of the Empty Quarter all around. Walking to the top is hard work and many visitors stop halfway, but the view is impressive even from there. At sunset the sand turns red and the shadows of the ridges become sharp.
Every winter since 2001 the dune has hosted the Moreeb Hill Climb, with 4x4s, quad bikes and motorbikes racing up the slope. Today it is part of the Liwa International Festival: the 2026–27 edition runs from 11 December to 2 January, with the Tal Moreeb Car Championship finale planned for 30 December – 2 January. General admission is free, and the village at the foot of the dune has a Ferris wheel, a craft souk, a petting zoo, concerts and fireworks. The previous festival drew more than 700,000 visitors.
Getting there
Tal Moreeb is about 250 km from Abu Dhabi city, roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive on a clear, signposted road; the tarmac reaches the foot of the dune. There is no public transport. It is easiest as an overnight trip to Liwa, where Tilal Liwa Hotel, Liwa Hotel and the Qasr Al Sarab desert resort are nearby.
Planning your visit
The best months are November to March; summer heat in Al Dhafra is extreme. Come at sunrise or late afternoon for cooler air and better light for photos. One or two hours is enough for the dune itself, while on festival days you can easily spend a whole day at its foot. Festival dates and the programme can change, so check liwainternationalfestival.ae before you travel.
Before you go
Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. Fill up with fuel and supplies in Liwa or Mezaira'a: outside the festival there are almost no services at the dune. Only leave the tarmac in a 4x4 with an experienced driver; first-timers are better off booking a guided 4x4, quad or buggy safari.
Tal Moreeb, Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi · 22.980497, 53.786587
