With open horizons and enduring traditions, Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region welcomes you to explore desert landscapes, ancient forts, and incredible islands, at your own pace.
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Welcome to Al Dhafra Reigon
Adventure & Family
Culture & Heritage
Dining Hotels & Glamping
Shopping
Wellness
Business
Getting around
Useful information
WELCOME TO AL DHAFRA REGION
Stretching west from Abu Dhabi City, Al Dhafra Region is defined by vast desert landscapes, coastal heritage and deeply rooted traditions. Home to iconic destinations such as Liwa Oasis, the desert retreat of Qasr Al Sarab, historic Al Dhafra forts and the nature-rich sanctuary of Sir Bani Yas Island, the region offers visitors an authentic connection to the emirate’s past and present—shaped by desert life, the sea and enduring community ties.
ADVENTURE & FAMILY
COASTAL & WATERFRONT
• Al Mirfa Port
• Al Mirfa Corniche
• Al Mugheirah Bay
• Al Mirfa Beach
• Mirfa Mangrove
PARKS & FAMILY SPACES
• Madinat Zayed Park
• Mughira Park
NATURE & WILDLIFE
• Al Marzoom Hunting Reserve
• Al Yasat Marine Reserve
• Jebel Dhanna Seawatch: Bird Observatory
DESERT & LIWA
• Al Dhafra Oasis
• LIWA Sign
• Moreeb Dunes
ISLANDS & MARINE ESCAPES
• Al Bazm Island
• Marawwah Island
• Jannah Island
LEISURE & ACTIVITIES
• Al Dhafra Shooting Club
• Al Dhafra Equestrian Club
• Al Dhannah Golf Club
• Abu Dhabi Pearls Center
COASTAL
& WATERFRONT
AL MIRFA PORT
A historic coastal port town known for fishing, boating and its traditional maritime heritage near the Gulf.
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COASTAL & WATERFRONT
AL MIRFA CORNICHE
A tranquil seafront promenade where visitors can stroll, enjoy sea views and connect with coastal life in Al Dhafra.
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COASTAL & WATERFRONT
AL MUGHEIRAH BAY
A vibrant waterfront destination combining sandy shores, natural mangroves, boardwalks and family-friendly leisure experiences on the Al Dhafra coast.
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COASTAL & WATERFRONT
AL MIRFA BEACH
A scenic beach area along Al Dhafra’s coastline, ideal for swimming, beach picnics and relaxing by the turquoise sea.
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COASTAL & WATERFRONT
MIRFA MANGROVE
A tranquil seafront promenade where visitors can stroll, enjoy sea views and connect with coastal life in Al Dhafra.
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PARKS & FAMILY SPACES
MADINAT ZAYED PARK
A popular park in Madinat Zayed providing shaded green space, walking paths and family-friendly facilities in Al Dhafra’s main urban centre.
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PARKS & FAMILY SPACES
PARK
NATURE & WILDLIFE
AL MARZOOM HUNTING RESERVE
A traditional hunting reserve where falconry and sustainable desert-bird watching give visitors a taste of Arabian sporting heritage.
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NATURE & WILDLIFE
AL YASAT MARINE RESERVE
A protected marine area where visitors can snorkel, dive and kayak amid rich marine life along the emirate's western coast.
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NATURE & WILDLIFE
JEBEL DHANNA SEAWATCH: BIRD OBSERVATORY
A prime location for coastal birdwatching and seawatching, with views over migratory bird routes near Al Dhafra’s coastline.
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DESERT & LIWA
AL DHAFRA OASIS
A defining landscape of the region, where date farms, desert settlements and traditional life continue to shape the character of Al Dhafra.
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DESERT & LIWA
LIWA SIGN
A striking desert landmark and popular photo stop marking the gateway to Liwa’s dramatic dunes and the heart of the Liwa desert.
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DESERT & LIWA
MOREEB DUNES
Home to Liwa International Festival, this is one of the region’s most iconic landscapes, known for its towering slopes, such as Tal Moreeb—reaching 300m in height.
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ISLANDS & MARINE ESCAPES
SIR BANI YAS ISLAND
Just off the coast of Abu Dhabi lies a hidden gem with so much life and action – a place that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Sir Bani Yas Island was established in 1971 by the late founder of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a Royal Nature Reserve, and is one of eight islands located in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi's western region. It boasts 87 km² of stunning nature, all sorts of wildlife, forty-two historical sites and adventure-based activities. It's the perfect escape for those seeking a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and adventure.
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ISLANDS & MARINE ESCAPES
AL BAZM ISLAND
A coastal island in Al Dhafra’s archipelago offering scenic marine and birdlife environments.
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ISLANDS & MARINE ESCAPES
MARAWWAH ISLAND
A serene offshore island within the Marawah marine biosphere, known for its ecological significance and coastal tranquillity.
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ISLANDS & MARINE ESCAPES
JANNAH ISLAND
A low-lying island in the Al Dhafra coastal waters, part of the emirate’s diverse island ecosystem.
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AL DHAFRA SHOOTING CLUB
Al Dafraa Shooting Club is a sports facility affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, specializing in managing various sports and community-cultural activities, and interested in sponsoring athletes and their practice of these sports. The club is considered the first of its kind in the Al Dhafra region.
LEISURE & ACTIVITIES
AL DHAFRA EQUESTRIAN CLUB
One of the most highly regarded riding schools in the region, with instructors available to teach the principles and practices of horsemanship to all.
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AL DHANNAH GOLF CLUB
A serene golf destination in Al Dhafra offering scenic fairways and leisure play against a desert backdrop.
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ABU DHABI PEARLS CENTER
A celebration of the emirate’s pearl-diving heritage, highlighting the craftsmanship, trade and maritime traditions that shaped coastal life in Al Dhafra.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS & HERITAGE
• Alsila Camel Track
• Delma Museum
• Emirates National Auto Museum
• Heritage Village Al Dhannah
FORTS OF AL DHAFRA
• Al Dhafra Fort
• Mezaira’a Fort
• Qutuf Fort
• Khannour Fort
• Yabbana Fort FAITH
& COMMUNITY
• Sir Bani Yas Church and Monastery
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS & HERITAGE
ALSILA CAMEL TRACK
A purpose-built track for camel racing, one of the UAE’s most enduring sporting traditions.
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CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS & HERITAGE
DELMA MUSEUM
Reopened in 2023, this local museum explores Delma Island’s long history of settlement, pearl diving and maritime trade.
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CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS & HERITAGE
EMIRATES NATIONAL AUTO MUSEUM
An unparalleled private car collection. Visit the striking pyramid-shaped museum, housing an extraordinary collection of rare, customised and oversized vehicles.
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CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS & HERITAGE
HERITAGE VILLAGE
A
FORTS OF AL DHAFRA
AL DHAFRA FORT
A landmark fort in Madinat Zayed symbolising governance, protection and community life in Al Dhafra.
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FORTS OF AL DHAFRA
MEZAIRA’A FORT
One of Liwa’s key forts, historically associated with protecting oasis communities and trade routes.
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A restored desert fort offering insight into traditional Emirati fortification and rural life.
FORTS OF AL DHAFRA
KHANNOUR FORT
A desert fort that reflects Al Dhafra’s historic defence systems and tribal heritage.
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FORTS OF AL DHAFRA
YABBANA FORT
A traditional fort reflecting the network of strategic, defensive structures that supported communities across Al Dhafra Region.
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SIR BANI YAS CHURCH AND MONASTERY
The remains of a 7th-century Christian monastery, offering rare archaeological insight into the UAE’s early religious history.
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DINING
Qasr Al
+971 2 886 2088
EASTERN
Dhafra Beach Hotel, Al Dhannah City
+971 2 801 2000
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+971 2 419 7171
- Commercial
+971 2 801 2222
+971 2 419 7171
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+971 2 894 6111
Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Madinat Zayed
Area - Abu Dhabi
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Al Dhannah City
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG
+971 50 977 1498
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City Mall, Madinat Zayed 28 Degrees Restaurant Ghadeer Restaurant
Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa
+971 2 894 8888
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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
+971 2 886 2088
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Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
+971 2 886 2088
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Qasr
CAFÉS, COFFEE & DESSERTS
Latte Cafe, Madinat Zayed
City Mall, Madinat Zayed
+971 2 884 9444
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Thary Café
Madinat Zayed, Nakhel Al Zera’a
+971 56 111 4260
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Dope Café and Restaurant
Near Starbucks, Madinat Zayed
+971 56 223 5947
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N10 Specialty Coffee
Mohamd Khalaf Street, Madinat Zayed, Nakhel Al Zera’a
+971 2 886 2088
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HOTELS & GLAMPING
LUXURY
• Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
• Al Dhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG
• Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort
• Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort
• Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort
COMFORT
• Mirfa Hotel
• Western Hotel – Madinat Zayed
• Dhafra Beach Hotel
• Remal Hotel
• Beach Bay Hotel Mirfa, Edge by Rotana
• Western Hotel – Ghayathi
• Western Hotel – Liwa
• Liwa Hotel
GLAMPING
• Bab Al Nojoum Liwa Bateen
• Bab Al Nojoum Al Mughira
• Liwa Nights
DESERT ISLANDS
A safari-style villa resort offering close encounters with wildlife in a tranquil savannah setting.
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RESORT & SPA BY ANANTARA
QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT
A safari-style villa resort offering close encounters with wildlife in a tranquil savannah setting.
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BY ANANTARA
ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND AL SAHEL VILLA RESORT
An intimate beachfront villa retreat blending barefoot luxury with island wildlife experiences.
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ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND AL YAMM VILLA RESORT
A safari-style villa resort offering close encounters with wildlife in a tranquil savannah setting.
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A relaxed beachfront resort offering family-friendly facilities, sea views and easy access to the western coastline.
DANAT JEBEL DHANNA
A laid-back seaside hotel popular with families and visitors exploring Al Mirfa’s coastline.
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WESTERN HOTEL –MADINAT ZAYED
A comfortable business and leisure hotel in the heart of Madinat Zayed, ideal for exploring Al Dhafra Region.
A welcoming regional hotel offering comfortable stays close to Ghayathi town centre.
COMFORT
AL DHAFRA BEACH HOTEL
A relaxed coastal hotel offering easy beach access and casual seaside stays.
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BEACH BAY HOTEL MIRFA, EDGE BY ROTANA
A modern beachfront hotel combining casual comfort with sea-facing rooms and leisure facilities.
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LIWA HOTEL
Liwa Hotel is a 5-star desert resort located atop a majestic hilltop in Mezairaa, overlooking the Liwa Oasis and the Rub' Al Khali (Empty Quarter)
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NOJOUM
BAB AL NOJOUM AL MUGHIRA GLAMPING
A nature-led coastal camp offering serene stays by the sea under open skies.
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SHOPPING & MALLS
Al Dannah Mall
A compact neighbourhood mall serving Al Dhannah with retail outlets, cafés and family amenities.
+971 2 884 9444
aldhannah.ae
Al Dhannah City, Ruwais City, Abu Dhabi
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Al Dhafra Mall
A central community mall offering everyday shopping, dining and essential services in Madinat Zayed.
+971 2 888 1133
instagram.com/aldhafra_mall
Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
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Al Dhafra Walk
An open-air retail and dining promenade designed for casual strolls, cafés and family outings.
+971 50 140 3104
instagram.com/aldhafra_mall
Liwa, Tarif Rd, Madinat Zayed, Commercial Area, Abu Dhabi
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City Mall
A local shopping destination providing retail, food and convenience services for Ruwais residents and visitors.
+971 2 678 7995
citymalluae.com
Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
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Central Plaza Mall
A small-scale retail plaza fin Al Dhannah City, ocused on daily needs, dining and essential services.
Sheikh Khalifa Rd, Al Dhannah City, Abu Dhabi
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Central Park Mall
A neighbourhood shopping centre offering retail, food outlets and leisure facilities.
aldhannah.ae
Ruwais Central Park, RHC buildings, Ruwais ,Abu Dhabi
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Ghayathi Mall
A modern town mall offering a mix of shops, dining options and everyday conveniences.
+971 50 431 8884 instagram.com/ghayathimall
Ghiyathi, Maraba' Ghayathi, Abu Dhabi
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Western Souk & Mall
A modern town mall offering a mix of shops, dining options and everyday conveniences.
+971 2 888 2028 westernsoukandmall.com
Tarif Rd, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
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WELLNESS
ANANTARA SPA LIWA DESERT
A luxury spa at Qasr Al Sarab offering desert-inspired treatments in a tranquil dune setting.
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DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA BY ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND
A simple, budget-friendly option providing essential accommodation for road travellers.
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DOING BUSINESS IN AL DHAFRA REGION
Al Dhafra Region offers world-class event venues set against one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth, where the scale of the desert and the Gulf coastline gives every meeting, incentive, and conference a sense of occasion.
DISCOVER OUR VENUES
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
• Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
• Al Dhafra Desert Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG
• Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort
• Bab Al Nojoum Mugheirah
• Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa
Capacity:
+971 2 801 2222
reservations.jebeldhanna@danathotels.com
A boutique desert property offering an intimate setting for leadership offsites, small conferences, and incentive groups seeking something beyond the conventional.
Capacity: up to 40 pax
+971 2 894 6111
+971 2 656 2512
reservations@aldhafraresort.com
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BAB AL NOJOUM MUGHEIRAH BAB AL NOJOUM BATEEN LIWA
a Set on the edge of the Rub' Al Khali, this desert camp delivers one of the most dramatic incentive travel experiences available in the region. It’s exclusive, immersive, and unlike anywhere else. facilities, extensive accommodations, and the professional infrastructure to support large-scale conferences and events.
Capacity: up to 1,000 pax (outdoors)
+971 2 801 2222
reservations.jebeldhanna@danathotels.com
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