The Liwa Oasis is a large oasis area in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
History of Liwa Desert
The oasis holds a significant place in the heritage of Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s ruling families. In 1793, the Al Nahyan ruling family relocated their residence from Liwa to Abu Dhabi. Traditionally, men from Liwa, belonging to the Bani Yas tribe, engaged in pearl diving along the coast during the summer months, supplementing their income through this trade.
Spanning a vast expanse in the southern part of the Al Dhafra Region within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Liwa Oasis is a stunning testament to nature’s resilience amidst the arid landscape. Stretching approximately 100 kilometers from east to west, it encompasses over 50 villages, with Muzayri` (or Mezairaa) serving as its central hub, both geographically and economically.
With its flourishing farms and settlements, Liwa has emerged as a burgeoning tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant Emirati lifestyle amidst the vastness of the Rub Al Khali Desert.
Breaking the monotony of endless desert dunes, Liwa stands as the ancestral home of the Bani Yas Tribe, the most populous and influential tribe in the UAE. Prior to the discovery of oil in the region, tribe members relied on camel herding and other livestock activities for sustenance, with date farming emerging as a predominant livelihood, essential for the survival of the Bani Yas community.