Qasr Al Sarab desert retreat planned for Liwa desert in the Empty Quarter

Qasr Al Sarab will be built seven kilometres from the main Hamim Highway crossing the Rub Al-Khali, made famous in the West through the work of desert adventurer Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the desert expanse in the 1940's.

"Today Liwa desert attracts many visitors and has become a much desired tourist destination not only to be travelled across by those with nomadic aspirations, but also as a special place to spend time and experience" said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADTA and TDIC.

"This will be a signature destination in Abu Dhabi's expanding and rapidly diversified tourism offering. It brings an added dimension in breadth of product appeal."

The retreat, will lie just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and will boast a five-star hotel with 150 rooms and 50 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom villas, a luxury health spa, conference centre, adjoining excursion and tented villages, a children's playground and an observatory from where guests can monitor the awe-inspiring Liwa night skies.

The Qasr Al Sarab's spa is designed along the Hammam healing baths theme as a place of time-honoured rituals for cleansing and revitalising both body and soul. Deep in the desert, the spa is tucked into tranquil courtyards with trickling fountains and aromatic hanging gardens.

Construction of Qasr Al Sarab is due to begin in May this year and is scheduled for completion within two years. The retreat will be managed by an international hospitality operator which has yet to be appointed.

"Qasr Al Sarab will have significant appeal among UAE residents, tourists from around neighbouring Gulf states and beyond and will also have a substantial draw among the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions segment offering a singular environment in which to hold corporate gatherings,"

said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA and Managing Director, TDIC.

South Africa's Northpoint (Pty) Ltd, the name behind the Green Valley Golf and Marina Resort in Mauritius and Portugal's Lisbon Centre, designed Qasr Al Sarab concept architecture.

"Qasr Al Sarab design reflects the simple grandeur of the old desert fortress with the traditional Arab ethos of delivering sheltered spaces hidden behind walls," explained Al Muhairi. "The interiors will have dense use of carpets and cushions all rich in texture and design.

"This will be a place of tranquility with architecture which is bound to its unique landscape. The use of water - that most valuable of commodities in the desert - is incorporated into the design where possible, bringing its cooling and reflective qualities to the setting.

Northpoint was appointed for its international reputation for conceptual and themed architectural design and its primary focus on sensitive and practical design."

At the adjoining tented village, guests will be able to sample traditional desert pursuits including falconry and camel riding, while they can leave from the excursion village on a range of tours and safaris.

"The Liwa desert, despite its arid conditions, supports a rich variety of plant and animal life and is home to a number of rare species of wildlife, including the Arabian Oryx gazelle and many birds," explained Al Muhairi. "It also comprises the largest sand dunes on earth, rising hundreds of metres above the surrounding plains, which makes it an alluring setting for hot air ballooning and dune biking."