On my multi-stop drip from Germany to Jakarta in Indonesia, I had one free day on the outbound leg in Abu Dhabi. Having a rental car with Hertz, I just did not feel driving to the city or one of its key places around, but rather enjoy some spot on the countryside. I went for the Liwa Forts Oasis Route, a road trip on the very edge of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, which is featuring a couple of (rebuilt) historic forts, which were originally constructed to protect the long oasis. Let me take you on this trip in my Pictured Story.

 

Liwa Forts Oasis Route – Location and Forts

Liwa or the Liwa Oasis is an area in the Southern part of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. It is rather close to the border to Saudi Arabia. Driving distance from the U.A.E. capital is about 230 km, a but more than two hours. Once you left Abu Dhabi, there are generally two routes. The Eastern route goes along the E65 route. This is a two lane route with a high speed of 100km/h. Even though it might be slightly longer the route along E45 is quicker, as it is a highways with a maximum speed of 140 and 160km/h, so it is quicker. This route also has more services. You should be aware that, in contrast to all other Emirates, Abu Dhabi speed limits are strict. Exceeding it just by a few km/h will lead to a fine.

Once your reached the Liwa region, it is quite easy to navigate. There are numerous signs to the forts. However, some are a bit confusing, so that I did not finally spot them. Quite some of them are close to the E90 route, which you drive along to visit all the sites. Some confusion also arises that the forts may have different names. Additionally, of course the transition from Arabic to Latin characters leads to some differences. U-turns on the E90 are typically just allowed on dedicated locations. As all the forts are located North of the road, I suggest visiting them from East to West, like sorted in the posting. There is no admission to the forts. They should be open all day, even though some of them have gates or fences which may be locked.

 

The Liwa Forts

Here are the Liwa Forts I visited, sorted from East to West. Some of them feature QR codes at the entrance, which gives you access to an audio guide. You have to say that all of the forts have been reconstructed, typically during the 1990’s, as a display of the cultural heritage. Despite that, it is really interesting exploring all these buildings. The original buildings are typically dated from earlier parts of the 20th century. Once you approached the first fort, you should at least allow for two, better three hours for the whole trip.

There are even more forts in the area. I skipped a few of them, either because the road did not feel suitable for the car or because I at least felt to pass private property to visit them. For one or two, I just have to admit that I simply did not find them. Typically, there are doors which you can open. Don’t forget to close them afterwards. Some towers allow to climb up via wooden ladders. I was not brave enough to do so.Be aware that you have sufficient water with you. Only the central area around Mezaira’a Fort has a wider range of opportunities to stock up your food and drink reserves.That area also has a couple of hotels. There are some shops at other locations, but they may especially be closed if you visit on a weekend.

 

(Al) Yabbana Fort

The most remote fort on the East side of the trip is Yabbana Fort. Despite it might influence your road trip planning quite a bit, it is definitely one which is worth visiting. It’s a rather large fort and a really nice construction. The location is a bit away from the main road, but quite easy to spot, as there are no other buildings around.

 

 

Attab Fort

It is already quite a drive, some 25km, until you reach the next stop of your visit, Attab Fort. I would have loved to visit this place – I feel it is one of the most beautiful on the route. Unfortunately, it was closed for construction during my trip in October 2024.

 

 

Mezaira’a Fort

Mezaira’a Fort is likely the most centrally located of the forts along the route. It is very close to the roundabout connecting the E90 and E45 trip. You pass a school bus depot on the well-signed route to the place. It is also very convenient as it as a parking lot right in front. Definitely one of my favorite spots on that road trip, also because there is quite a lot to explore.

 

 

Dhafeer Fort

In fact, I did not go from East to West (which finally cost me a lot of time). Thus, Dhafeer Fort was in fact the first one I visited – and it was one of my favorites. It is right next to the road, so that you cannot miss it. It is also the only fort which has solid (no wood) stairs up to the tower, which is a nice treat. From there you have a beautiful view of the LIWA sign as well. You shouldn’t be too enthusiastic when you park your car, though. Especially the exit to the main road is a bit of steep – it is easily doable with a standard car, though.

 

Qutuf / Qotouf Tower

Qotouf Tower is a short drive away from the main road. You easily spot it if you come from the West, but it is not too easy to find if you follow the order in my posting. There is a mosque right next to it. As long as there are no religious service, you may park here (at least I asked one of the people around and he was very friendly about that. The fort with one tower has a quite unique architecture. It even felt to host a restaurant in former times (at least Google Maps names one), which would be a lovely dining opportunity. The sand in front of the fort is rather deep – I would not recommend trying to drive in front of it.

 

 

Khannour Fort

The Western part of the Liwa Forts Oasis Route gave me some challenges. For example, I did not find Mougab Tower close to Qotouf Tower, even though there are signs. Also the next stop was a bit of a challenge. The directions towards Khannour Fort stop at a certain point. The map above give a very precise position. Especially if you don’t have a 4WD, approach it from the North, the Southern paths are very sandy. Khannour Fort feels excellently maintained, it even has a paved road to get right in front of the main gate. Unfortunately, it was closed to public – I felt that this place must be an amazing visit.

 

 

Marya Al – Gharbiya Tower

In the area of Taraq and Khannur, there are three forts and towers altogether. Despite there are signs, I just found two, Khannour Fort (see above) and the Marya Al – Gharbiya Tower. It is located close to a roundabout and can easily be spotted. Not only that you can enter the fort (the stairs to the tower have been taken away), there is also another reason why this one is interesting. Close to the parking lot, there is a small and friendly grocery store.

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