---
type: "Article"
title: "Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – 5-stars, sandstorm included"
description: "200 km south of Abu Dhabi you can experience the Rub al-Khali Desert up close: The 5-star desert resort Qasr Al Sarab offers stellar experiences."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/united-arab-emirates/qasr-al-sarab-desert-resort-abu-dhabi"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 35
tags: ["Desert", "Experience", "United Arab Emirates"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/resort"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/luxury-travel"
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timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:34:14+00:00
---

# Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – 5-stars, sandstorm included

> Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a five-star luxury hotel built to resemble a desert fortress, located 200 km south of Abu Dhabi in the Rub al-Khali — the world's largest contiguous sand desert — offering camel rides, dune walks, and dramatic desert scenery including the occasional sandstorm.

## Destination
Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, approximately 200 km south of Abu Dhabi, in the Liwa oasis area, United Arab Emirates.

## Getting there
A roughly two-hour drive south from Abu Dhabi on wide paved highways, parts of which allow 160 km/h. Only two ADNOC gas stations exist along the route, so monitor fuel levels carefully. A rental SUV or similar vehicle is suitable; the road winds through sand dunes as you approach the resort.

## When to go
November through March is the recommended period, with daytime temperatures of 25–35°C (77–99°F) and pleasant evenings of 15–20°C (59–68°F). Summer months are best avoided.

## Why visit
The resort delivers an immersive Rub al-Khali desert experience — sweeping dunes said to have been used as Star Wars filming locations, camel caravans at sunset, and the raw spectacle of desert life, all from the comfort of a five-star fort-style hotel.

## What to see
- **Rub al-Khali sand dunes** — Endless dunes stretching to the horizon; the landscape reportedly served as a filming location for desert scenes in the Star Wars movies.
- **200-metre house dune** — A towering dune directly adjacent to the hotel, accessible barefoot and rewarding at both sunrise and sunset.
- **Liwa oasis views** — Hotel rooms overlook the oasis and surrounding desert, and zodiac-themed nighttime lighting adds atmosphere after dark.

## What to do
- **Sunset camel ride** — Roughly one-hour guided caravan ride with comfortable saddles across the dunes as the sun sets.
- **Dune walk** — Self-guided barefoot exploration of the house dune at sunrise or sunset; a guided desert sunrise hike is also available.
- **4WD dune bashing** — Guided off-road excursions with drivers tackling the dunes at speed — a thrilling but rough experience.
- **Night walk excursions** — Guided walks into the desert after dark, offered by the resort.
- **Dining at Al Falaj** — Outdoor Arabic restaurant at the foot of the house dune; guests sit on carpets in the sand while dishes are grilled to order under the stars; blankets are provided when evenings turn chilly.
- **Cocktails and dinner at Suhail** — Posh tower restaurant above Al Waha with a sunset cocktail lounge and grill menu; reservations essential as it fills up despite high prices.

## Good to know
A two-night stay is recommended to experience everything on offer. The main restaurant Al Waha serves international buffet breakfast and dinner; outdoor dining is possible in winter. The Suhail restaurant is expensive and requires advance reservations. The giant pool area also has an Italian restaurant (Ghadeer).