Driving to Moreeb Dune: A Desert Drive Guide to UAE's Tallest Sand Hill
Located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, the Moreeb Dune, also known as Tal Moreeb, is one of the highest dunes in the world.
Why is Moreeb Dune famous for?
This massive sand dune lies near the Liwa Oasis at the edge of the Empty Quarter desert. Boasting a reported 50-degree slipface and a staggering height of 300 meters, it is recognized as the tallest dune in the UAE. Spanning 5,250 feet in length and soaring 984 feet high, its slope presents a formidable 50-degree angle. Moreeb Dune's significance is such that it frequently hosts organized drag race competitions, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe.
The paved road to Moreeb Dune
For those eager to behold the majesty of Moreeb Dune, the journey begins on the stunning asphalted Tal Mireb road, which winds through the Rub al Khali desert south of the Liwa oasis. This road, considered one of the most picturesque in the country, offers a taste of the desert's grandeur without requiring a rugged 4WD vehicle. Beginning at Alyhyali, the 22km (13.6 miles) route offers breathtaking views of barren sand dunes, eventually leading travelers to the awe-inspiring Tal Mireb ("Horrifying Hill"). This dune sits at the threshold of Rub’ Al Khali (Empty Quarter), widely acclaimed as the world's largest sand desert.
Where does Tal Mireb road end?
The road's bitumen eventually concludes at the foot of Tal Moreeb. As you continue on this well-signposted road, you'll encounter signs pointing to 'Moreeb Dune' or 'Tal Mireb'. Upon reaching its end, on a parking lot, the magnificence of the dune is unmistakable. Due to Moreeb Dune's prominence, the government has constructed this road right up to the dune, ensuring accessibility even without a 4WD. However, travelers should exercise caution. Winds can occasionally blanket sections of the road with sand, requiring vigilant driving.