Before you go
Health and Safety First. This route is in the Liwa area, on the edge of the Rub al Khali, the Empty Quarter, and it is necessarily an overnighter, due to the distances involved. It crosses remote areas, and passes over some challenging terrain, so it is not suitable for beginners. For any one group attempting this drive, maximum vehicle numbers should be five or six. This should include two vehicles with very experienced off-road drivers, who can take the lead, navigate using GPS, and help when things don’t quite go as planned.
Needless to say, vehicles need to be in tip-top mechanical condition, and fully equipped with recovery gear and recovery points. At least one spare jerry can of fuel is recommended, especially for vehicles with big thirsts and small tanks, like Jeep Wranglers and SWB Nissan Patrols. And talking of thirst, bring lots of water – double what you think you are likely to need. GSM coverage is generally quite good in most parts of the desert, but if you can get hold of a Thuraya phone, better still. Also, devices for vehicle-to-vehicle communications are also very useful. Finally, don’t forget to let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to be back – just in case.
Day 1
After departing Abu Dhabi, take the E11 west to WP01, a distance of 113km from Marina Mall. Turn left at WP01 and continue through Madinat Zayed, stopping at WP02 for fuel. (This will be the last fuel for over 200km.) At WP03, leave the road, and deflate. Follow the small track to WP04, and enter the sand. You will drive through low to medium dunes for a distance of approximately 65km, until reaching WP15. At this waypoint, turn right, and drive parallel to the main road for 6.5km, then go through the underpass at WP16 to cross it.
(Note: this can also be used as a bail-out point, for those not wishing to continue – in which case, enter highway, drive South for 26km, turn left at the T-junction, continue to WP42/43, then home.)
Time and light permitting, continue West approximately 10km to WP20, where there are some very nice places to camp. If the weather is hot, try and chose a spot that will provide maximum shade in the morning, i.e. with a large dune to the East.
(Note: If you have not reached at least WP16 by the end of day one, it is not recommended to attempt day two.)
Day 2
After striking camp around WP20, follow the waypoints in a Southerly direction to WP28. This section is without doubt, the most challenging part of the trip, with numerous high dunes, and long slip faces, so take care. As the crow flies, its about 27km, but you will probably drive at least 35km, taking into account all the detours.
At WP28, turn east. From this point on, the terrain gradually becomes flatter, and after continuing for a further 16 to 18km, you will finally catch sight of the Arada farms at about WP36 or 37. Enter the farms at WP40, and drive through them for 11km, to the exit point at WP41. After exiting, either inflate immediately (compressor required), or drive 26km to the fuel/air stop at WP42, keeping speed under 80km/h, due to the soft tyres.
After refueling, proceed a further 23km to Mazirah at WP43. At that point, either turn left, and return to Abu Dhabi via Madinat Zayed (235km to Marina Mall), or continue straight round the Liwa Crescent to Hameem, then North to take in Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan al Nahyan’s (the ‘Rainbow Sheikh’) Motor Museum at WP47, which is 193km from WP43. This is truly a fabulous place with over 200 vehicles of all types and ages, all in pristine condition, so it is well worth the visit; and the detour only adds another 25km to the total return trip. But please note that the Museum closes at 5pm. Leaving the Motor Museum, continue 13km to WP48, turn right, and follow the signs for Abu Dhabi. Enjoy.
