Mahdar Bin Usayyan is a gateway to the lush Liwa Oasis and a great base for exploring the Empty Quarter, a sprawling desert dotted with golden sand dunes. From luxury resorts to adventurous 4WD safaris, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Mahdar Bin Usayyan.

Things to do

One of the best ways to explore the Empty Quarter is on a 4WD tour. The rugged vehicles will get you face to face with the mighty Tel Moreeb. Towering almost 300 metres high, it's one of the tallest sand dunes on the planet. Keep an eye out for gazelles, camels and rare Arabian oryx.

Looking for a lively street scene? Head to Mezairaa, the commercial heart of the Liwa Oasis that’s brimming with authentic restaurants, bustling markets and traditional tea houses.

With its graceful minarets and spacious prayer hall, Salim Ali Fadhil Al Mansouri Mosque attracts a stream of local worshippers. If Abu Dhabi's bustling Sheikh Zayed Mosque feels a little crowded, you'll love the peaceful atmosphere at Salim Ali Fadhil Al Mansouri Mosque.

Getting around

The best way to get around Mahdar Bin Usayyan is by car or by hailing a taxi. From Liwa, the drive to Mahdar Bin Usayyan takes around one hour. If you're heading to Abu Dhabi, allow two hours.