The Liwa Desert — part of the vast Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) in Abu Dhabi — remains one of the most spectacular desert destinations in the world. In 2026, it’s not just about dune bashing and sunset photos anymore. Travelers are looking for deeper experiences, cultural immersion, adventure diversity, and sustainable tourism, and Liwa is evolving fast to meet that demand.

Here’s what’s trending this year:

 Deep Desert and Specialized Routes

Instead of the classic half‑day dune ride, more visitors in 2026 are choosing full‑day, overnight, and specialized routes that explore specific parts of the Empty Quarter:

Moreeb Dune Route: Taking travelers deep into the heart of Liwa’s tallest dunes for dramatic scenery and photography.

Empty Quarter Edge Trail: A quieter, more remote experience that stretches farther from mainstream routes.

Oasis Belt Route: A mix of nature, heritage, and cultural stops through date farms and historic forts.

These tailored routes are trending because travelers want authentic engagement with the landscape and local history, not just quick sightseeing.

Overnight and Multi‑Day Experiences

Safari itineraries in 2026 increasingly include overnight camping, stargazing, and multi‑day exploration. These extended experiences let visitors take full advantage of Liwa’s remote beauty — including sunrise and sunset shoots, desert trekking, and peaceful moments under a star‑filled sky. Companies are adding camp comfort upgrades like larger tents, better bedding, and cultural storytelling sessions around campfires.

Self‑Drive and Off‑Road Adventures

A notable trend is the rise of self‑drive desert safaris where travellers get a hands‑on off‑road experience with 4×4 vehicles. These tours include safety briefings and guidance before letting guests navigate their own route through the dunes — perfect for driver enthusiasts.

Self‑drive tours are particularly popular among:

·       Adventure travellers seeking control and challenge

·       Small groups and families wanting a unique shared experience

This trend also adds to Liwa’s appeal as a destination for experienced off‑roaders who want to explore beyond regular tour itineraries.

Photography‑Focused Safaris

High‑end safari operators now offer photography‑exclusive experiences, tailored for influencers and enthusiasts — with extended golden hour stops, guided sunrise sessions, and access to rarely‑visited scenic spots. These often include:

·       Professional photo guides

·       Drone‑friendly locations (where permitted)

Sunrise and sunset vantage points

Photography safaris tap into the global trend of visual storytelling, letting travelers capture dramatic desert landscapes that stand out on social media and blogs.

Focus on Sustainability and Local Engagement

2026 also sees a shift toward eco‑friendly and community‑centric desert experiences. Operators are increasingly:

·       Minimizing off‑track driving to protect fragile ecosystems

·       Using solar‑powered camps

·       Supporting local Bedouin communities and artisans

This appeals to eco‑conscious travelers who want meaningful travel that respects the desert as a living environment.

Enhanced Food & Cultural Experiences

Safari packages in 2026 are also upping the culinary game. Beyond standard BBQ buffets, many camps now include:

·       Emirati specialty meals

·       Local date tasting sessions

·       Traditional coffee ceremonies

·       Craft and artisan showcases

This evolution makes the desert safari not just an adventure, but a cultural immersion.

Family & Festival‑Friendly Options

Events like the Liwa Village festival create family‑friendly safari formats with activities for all ages — water karting, zip lines, petting zoos, performance stages, and food zones — blending desert tourism with festival culture and entertainment.

Final Thought

In 2026, Liwa Desert Safari are no longer a one‑size‑fits‑all adventure. They’re multi‑dimensional experiences — blending heritage festivals, deep desert exploration, interactive culture, photography, eco‑travel, and self‑drive challenges. These trends reflect a global shift toward experience‑centric travel where visitors seek deeper engagement with a place and its stories.