Your Journey To Liwa Desert
Visiting the Liwa Desert offers an unparalleled experience of the vast and mesmerizing Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. With its endless dunes and serene landscapes, this desert provides a stunning backdrop for activities such as dune bashing, camel trekking, and stargazing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region. Staying at luxurious resorts enhances the experience, combining adventure with opulent comfort.
October 14th - 20th
- Abu Dhabi | 6 nights | Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
If you need any urgent assistance while you are travelling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in the UAE you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
- Local Contact: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
- Local Contact Number: +971 2 886 2088 or go to Front Desk/Concierge
- Your Curator: will be provided or via scenset app chat
- scenset Emergency Line: will be provided
You can also reach out to us on the scenset app and we will be happy to help.
Important: If something needs immediate assistance, your local contact is the best person to call first as they are in the same time zone.
In October, the Liwa Desert begins to transition from the extreme heat of summer to more moderate temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit. Daytime temperatures typically range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), providing warm but bearable conditions for exploring the stunning dunes and engaging in outdoor activities.
Nights become cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F), offering a pleasant contrast to the daytime heat. The clear skies and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for stargazing and enjoying the serene desert landscape.
US Passport holders traveling to the UAE for tourism purposes do not need to obtain a visa in advance.
Upon arrival, they can receive a free 30-day visa, which can be extended for 30 days for a fee. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry into the UAE.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
The UAE is a wonderful country, full of cultural wonders and warm people to meet. Despite being a global hub for business, leisure and medical tourism, it is polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs:
- Swimwear is permissible at beaches, waterparks, public pools and spa areas but is not considered appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls.
- Dressing conservatively is appreciated in historic neighbourhoods or when in culturally important places.
- Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues, and churches. Ladies should wear loose-fitting, non-see-through clothes and shoulders should be covered.
- The UAE has zero tolerance for drugs.
- Make sure you check any prescription medicine you are bringing with you is allowed to enter the UAE, as this may be confiscated. You may bring in prescribed medicines for personal use in normal quantities. Many pharmacies in the UAE carry most prescriptions you might need. Click here for more information.
- Public displays of affection are best kept to a minimum. Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted.
- Alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and specialised shops to those over 21 years of age. However, drunk and disorderly conduct and drunk driving are not acceptable in the UAE.
In addition to your clothing, we recommend to pack the following:
- Very comfortable walking shoes
- Hats that shade your face from the sun
- A light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders (both for entering religious sites and to protect from the sun)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and if you wear contact lenses, consider bringing extra glasses as sand may irritate your eyes
- Moisturizing creams and chapstick
- A flashlight for viewing works in dark tombs
- If you want to enjoy a nice dinner, bring chic or cocktail attire. Dubai is a well-dressed city, especially at high-end establishments
Don't forget your travel adapter and charging devices or phone charges!
The dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai, as well as the UAE's six other emirates. The AED currency is pegged at AED3.67 to the US dollar.
MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at major restaurants, almost all hotels, and many shops.
American Express is less common but is still normally accepted at major hotels.
ATMs are very easy to find and are safe to use. Popular banks and machines you will see in the UAE are Emirates NBD, Mashreq, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB); to name a few.
Tipping during your trip is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:
Currency: We advise clients to take spending money in the form of US Dollar cash, as this is favored for tips.
- Drivers: A tip is appreciated.
- Guides: A tip is appreciated.
- Hosts/Greeters: A tip is appreciated.
- Bartenders: round-up the bill.
- Wait-staff: 10% of the bill.
- Porters: A tip is appreciated.
- Hotel Room/Staff: A tip is appreciated.
- Crew Staff: A tip is appreciated.
We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through the desert!
- Desert Sounds is your answer to desert lounging! Soothing music inspired by the desert to enjoys those endless dunes...
- Summer Chill is the perfect soundtrack for basking in the sun and enjoying the laid-back island life.
- Lazy Beach Days is designed for you to unwind on the sand and relax.
Today, a helicopter ride from Dubai took you to your hotel in the Liwa Desert.
Your private driver will pick you up in a luxury SUV and escort you to the hotel.
- Time: midday
- Meeting point: Five Palm Jumeirah
- Duration: approximately 3.5 hours
- Driver contact: will be provided
📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact the driver. If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the hotel at the number provided by the front desk/concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services.
While you drive from the airport through Sharjah into Dubai, local radio stations are a great way of getting to know the pulse of the city!
The most popular radio stations to listen are:
- Virgin Radio (104.4 FM) is definitely the most popular, and the go-to station for most people. It plays the Top 40.
- Dubai 92 (92.0 FM) is the most popular radio station for the city's sprawling expat community, especially those from several Western countries. It plays music from the 80s, 90s, 00s and today.
- Radio 1 (104.1 FM in Dubai or 100.5 FM in Abu Dhabi) is popular with all ages, and plays Top 40 as well as hits from other decades.
- Dubai Eye (103.8 FM) is a talk radio station that discusses a host of topical conversations around life in the UAE, business topics, current affairs and entertainment.
- Al Arabia (99.0 FM) is the most popular Arabic radio station to listen to, broadcasting nationally across the country for over a decade.
Check into your hotel and get ready for a week of sun and sand!
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to settle into your villa and relax at leisure until dinner.
Booked by a user
Take in your first desert sunset and dinner with a private, exclusive dinner catered by the culinary team at your hotel. Gaze at the inky blue, star-studded sky as you recline on traditional Majlis seating and enjoy a banquet courtesy of your private chef and butler.
Note: This can be at your preferred time, and with or without kids, but please note it is for a maximum of 2 adults.
- Time: Evening
- Number of people: 6 adults, 2 kids (reconfirm upon check-in)
- Booked under name: will be provided
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact +971 2 886 2088 or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to relax.
Why we love it for you: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab stands as a luxurious oasis in the heart of the Liwa Desert, offering an unparalleled blend of opulence and traditional Arabian charm. Its unique location amidst the sweeping dunes of the Rub' al Khali, combined with world-class amenities and authentic cultural experiences, makes it a remarkable destination for a birthday getaway outside of the hustle of Dubai.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Three Bedroom Family Pool Villa
- Breakfast included
Your villa includes:
- Dedicated private butler
- Daily breakfast
- Private plunge pool
- Outdoor terrace
- Indoor lounge, dining and kitchenette spaces
- Luxury bath amenities
- Jacuzzi
- Flat-screen TV
- Complimentary WiFi
Booked by someone.
We advise comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen!
Avoid eating shortly before the experience.
After breakfast, head out with your private guide on a scenic adventure through the dunes. Stop on some of the tallest dunes to snap incredible photos as you learn about the phenomenal environment that surrounds the resort.
Note: Suitable for children over the age of 2.
- Meeting time: Late morning
- Meeting point: Library, beside the hotel lobby
- Activity start time: Late morning
- Number of people: A family of three
- Duration: Approximately 1hr 30mins
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the resort's number or go to the Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax.
Explore the delicious diversity of global flavours cuisine at this shimmering poolside haven. Enjoy a casual dinner this evening suitable for the whole family.
Note: Al Ghadeer doesn't require a reservation as it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
No Reservations Have Been Made - Paid Locally.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Three Bedroom Family Pool Villa
Booked by someone.
Happy Birthday!! 🎂
We encouraged you to arrive 15 minutes before your treatment time. This will allow for a smooth check-in and the opportunity to customize your treatment. Late arrivals will be subject to reduced treatment times unless times allow us to do so. Mobile phones and smoking are not permitted in the Spa at any time.
- Time: Morning recommended
Start your birthday by indulging in a spa day at the world-class wellness center at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab. At your request, we have included a 60-minute couples massage at a time of your choosing.
- Time: Morning
- Meeting point: Anantara Spa is on level B2 near the family hotel pool.
- Number of people: 2
- Type of service: 60-minute couples massage for 2 people
- Therapists: 2 x female therapists
- Cancellation policy: In case you need to cancel or reschedule your Anantara Spa treatment, a minimum notice of five hours is required to avoid being charged.
- Includes: Complimentary steam and sauna
- **Adding people**: 2 extra persons for the couple massage can be accommodated in the early afternoon, as there are not enough therapists available to accommodate 4 persons in the morning.
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to lounge by the pools, order lunch and spend time as a family.
Recommendation by Scenset
Tonight, set off for a romantic private dinner in the dunes catered by the Anantara culinary team. Stroll to a candlelit table on the dunes, where your butler for the evening will be waiting for you. Indulge in a choice of Middle Eastern and international fine dining menus, or design your own in consultation with your personal chef.
- Time: Evening
- Number of people: 4
- Booked under name: will be provided
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact +971 2 886 2088 or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by scenset via Guest Services.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Three Bedroom Family Pool Villa
Booked by a guest
Follow in the footsteps of the Liwa tribesmen and try your hand at archery. The sessions last around 90 minutes and are led by a skilled teacher.
- Meeting time: Morning
- Meeting point: Library, beside the hotel lobby
- Activity start time: Morning
- Number of people: 4 adults
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including pick-up and drop-off
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the provided number or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by scenset via Guest Services.
Relax for the rest of the afternoon.
A Bedouin set-up of plush carpets and cushions awaits at Al Falaj, serving the flavours of Arabia.
Dine like royalty with a selection of mezze as your starter, a choice of lamb, and completed with Arabic sweets for desserts with a view of uninterrupted desert.
Note: Al Falaj is reopening in October, although the specific date is not yet confirmed. If not available during your stay, we can arrange a backup restaurant.
- Time: Evening
- Number of people: 4
- Booked under name: will be provided
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact +971 2 886 2088 or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services - Paid Locally.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to relax.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Three Bedroom Family Pool Villa
Booked by a guest
After breakfast, set off with a private guide to Ezba, a unique farmhouse with a breathtaking desert landscape, an array of animals and desert life, and a cultural center showcasing many cultures and traditions of the Emiratis.
Note: Suitable for all ages.
- Meeting time: Late morning
- Meeting point: Library, beside the hotel lobby
- Activity start time: Late morning
- Number of people: 8 in total
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour, including pick-up and drop-off
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the provided number or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Shared experience, 8 people.
Booked via Guest Services.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace.
Tonight, allow a private chef to cook a gourmet meal for the family in the comfort of your villa. Menus can be catered to your preferences after booking.
Note: This can be arranged at your preferred time.
- Time: Evening
- Meeting point: In your villa
- Number of people: 6 adults, 2 children
- Booked under name: will be provided
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact +971 2 886 2088 or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by scenset via Guest Services.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Three Bedroom Family Pool Villa
Booked by a guest.
Update: This has now moved to the afternoon, the team on-the-ground will give you the updated timings once you arrive.
Experience the Liwa Desert in a purpose-built Polaris dune buggy. Each buggy is equipped with the latest bucket seat, roll cage, 4 wheel drive system, and harness with helmets, gloves, and goggles.
Note: 2 buggies will be provided for 40 minutes, with each buggy seating 2 people.
- Meeting time: Early morning
- Meeting point: Polaris Base
- Number of people: 4 adults
- Number of buggies: 2 (2 people per buggy)
- Duration: 40 minutes buggy; approximately 1 hour, including pick-up and drop-off
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact +971 2 886 2088 or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services.
Bask in stunning views of the sunset at this refined rooftop steakhouse, Suhail. Feast on the finest cuts of beef, as our Wine Guru complements your meal with an award-winning bottle from the resort's very own cellar.
- Time: To be confirmed
- Number of people: 4
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the provided number or go to the Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services - Paid Locally.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Three Bedroom Family Pool Villa
Booked by a guest
After checkout, meet your private driver who will return you back to Dubai.
- Time: Afternoon
- Meeting point: Library, beside the hotel lobby
- Drop off: Five Palm Jumeirah
- Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
📞 Contact: If you need to make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please contact the provided number or go to Front Desk/Concierge.
Booked by Scenset via Guest Services.
Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a fantastic trip and we wish you a safe flight home!
While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions prior to booking your trip.
While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.