Complete darkness in search of Liwa

Setting out from Al Ain with the goal of reaching Liwa through the desert, we expected a long but rewarding ride. The plan was simple: follow a road that would take us deep into the desert, covering around 300 kilometers. What we did not anticipate was the road ending abruptly after 250 kilometers, forcing us to turn back. Despite not reaching Liwa, the journey revealed an unexpected treasure: the darkest place in the UAE, Al Quaa, perfect for stargazing and spotting the Milky Way.

The road from Al Ain that unexpectedly ended after 250 kilometers

The journey into the desert

The desert ride from Al Ain towards Liwa is known for its vast, open landscapes and challenging terrain. Our route was planned to take us through a remote stretch of desert, promising solitude and adventure. The first 250 kilometers passed smoothly, with the landscape shifting from rocky outcrops to endless sand dunes. The silence and isolation were profound, broken only by the hum of our wheels rolling over the asphalt.

At 250 kilometers, the road simply stopped. There was no warning, no sign of continuation—just a dead end in the middle of the desert. This unexpected halt forced us to reconsider our plans. We decided to turn back, riding an additional 50 kilometers to at least reach our intended total kilometers. Reaching 300 kilometers, we jumped into the support car and drove home.

Discovering Al Quaa, the darkest place in the UAE

While riding towards Liwa, we passed through Al Quaa, a location known among photographers and astronomers for its exceptionally dark skies. The absence of light pollution here creates ideal conditions for stargazing. We had not planned to stop, but the darkness was so striking that we pulled over to take a closer look.

Trying to capture the darkness with a mobile phone camera

Without any signs of the moon or any other light, the sky above Al Quaa was a breathtaking canvas of stars. The Milky Way stretched across the horizon in a brilliant band of light, something rarely visible in most parts of the UAE. We spent some time simply gazing upward, appreciating the vastness of the universe and the rare opportunity to see it so clearly.

The Milky Way shining brightly over Al Quaa, the darkest spot in the UAE (AI generated image)

Final thoughts

Our ride from Al Ain to Liwa did not go as planned, but it led us to an unforgettable experience in the heart of the UAE’s desert. The discovery of Al Quaa’s dark skies reminded us that sometimes the journey itself holds the greatest rewards. For desert explorers and stargazers alike, seeking out these hidden gems can turn a simple trip into a memorable adventure.