Tel Moreeb
تل مرعب · Mahdar Liwa, Al Dhafra · Abu Dhabi
You climb one of the tallest sand dunes in the world on foot, more than 300 metres of sand at up to 50 degrees, with the Empty Quarter all around.
- Free
- About 2 h
- Hard
- Needs a car
How it works
A paved road runs to the base and you walk straight up the face. Go at sunrise for cool sand and long shadows; outside the December-January festival you will mostly have it to yourself.
The catch
It is about two and a half hours from Abu Dhabi city, and the sand slope is so punishing that many people turn back partway.
Bring
Lots of water, socks or bare feet for the sand, sunglasses
Checked Nov 2026