In the heart of Abu Dhabi‘s vast Liwa Desert, where rolling dunes stretch endlessly under a blazing sun, lies a fortress that feels plucked from legend. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara rises like a mirage—a palace of sand-colored stone, intricate archways, and lantern-lit courtyards that echo Arabia's ancient heritage while reimagining desert life for the modern traveler.

A Landmark in the Empty Quarter

Opened in 2009 and located about two hours from Abu Dhabi city, Qasr Al Sarab is one of the UAE's most celebrated luxury resorts. Its setting is extraordinary: the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, and Qasr Al Sarab lies at its edge in the Liwa region of Abu Dhabi. The resort's architecture is a masterpiece, blending traditional Emirati design with modern craftsmanship so seamlessly that it feels as though it has always belonged here.

Where Desert Meets Luxury

Accommodations range from elegant rooms and suites to private pool villas with sweeping views of the dunes. Interiors are richly layered with hand-carved wood, embroidered fabrics, and touches of Arabian artistry, creating a sense of authenticity without sacrificing comfort. Each space offers a direct dialogue with the landscape—balconies open onto infinite sands, plunge pools shimmer against the desert heat, and courtyards capture the quiet rhythm of the evening breeze.

Experiences Rooted in the Desert

The desert itself shapes life at Qasr Al Sarab. Guests can retrace Bedouin traditions through camel trekking or falconry, ride across dunes in 4x4s, or embrace stillness with yoga at sunrise. At night, stargazing sessions reveal constellations with a clarity lost to city skies. For those who prefer indulgence, the Anantara Spa uses desert-inspired rituals with ingredients like dates, honey, and desert rose to nurture both body and spirit.

Culinary Journeys

Dining is no less immersive. Suhail, the resort's signature rooftop restaurant, pairs fine cuts of meat and seafood with panoramic desert views. Al Waha serves Arabian and international cuisine in a lavish buffet, while Ghadeer offers Mediterranean flavors by the pool. Every meal becomes an extension of the desert story—whether it's a traditional Bedouin barbecue under the stars or private dining atop a dune.

A Destination of Global Recognition

Over the years, Qasr Al Sarab has become a symbol of Emirati hospitality and one of the world's most photographed desert resorts. It has hosted travelers seeking solitude, romance, and cultural discovery. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its grandeur, but in its profound ability to connect guests with the soul of the desert—a landscape at once unforgiving and profoundly beautiful.

A Living Mirage

Qasr Al Sarab is more than a retreat; it is a realm in the sands, where heritage and luxury meet. To stay here is to experience the desert not as a backdrop, but as a living presence—silent, majestic, and eternal. It is a journey into the heart of Arabia, one that lingers long after the dunes fade from view.

A journey into the stillness of the Liwa Desert, where scale, silence, and time recalibrate the senses — and where the experience lingers long after the dunes recede from view. For many travelers, encounters like this shift the question from where to go next to how to travel with greater intention — with context, access, and a sense of place that cannot be reverse-engineered from lists or trends. When that moment arrives, there is a quieter way to move forward.

The Insider Circle offers thoughtful travelers a private layer of access — a space where perspective comes first, and journeys are shaped through insight, relationships, and care. Begin with curiosity. Learn more about the Insider Circle here.