Where is the Moreeb Dune?
Arabian Peninsula, asia
22 km
1,600 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, you'll find the epic Moreeb Dune, or Tal Moreeb, one of the planet's tallest dunes. This beast is nestled near the Liwa Oasis, right on the edge of the Empty Quarter desert, practically waving to Saudi Arabia.
So, what makes it a must-see? For starters, it's the tallest dune in the UAE! We're talking a whopping 5,250 feet long and almost 1,000 feet high, with a seriously steep 50-degree slope. It's not just a pretty face though—it's famous for hosting insane drag races.
Getting there is surprisingly easy. The whole 13.6-mile stretch from the Arada - Hamim Road (E90) is paved. As you drive south of Mzeerʻah, the road winds through the desert, treating you to incredible sand dune vistas before you even reach the legendary Tal Mireb ("Horrifying Hill").
The paved road takes you all the way to the base of Tal Moreeb and ends in a parking lot, so no 4x4 needed, thanks to the government's efforts to make this place accessible. Just follow the signs for 'Moreeb Dune' or 'Tal Mireb'. One heads up though: the desert wind loves to blow sand onto the road, so keep an eye out!
Road Details
- Country
- Arabian Peninsula
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 22 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,600 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
hardRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Kamba La in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kamba La (also called Khamba La or Gampa La)! This sky-high mountain pass in Tibet's Shannan Region sits at a whopping 4,852 m (15,915 ft). Take it easy if you're sensitive to altitude! This road links the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to the sacred Yamdrok Yumtso area – and let me tell you, the views are EPIC. Seriously, this is one of the most gorgeous passes in Tibet! At the top, you'll find a parking area with insane views of Yamdrok Lake (aka Blue Lake), Tibet's largest freshwater beauty and one of its four holiest. The lake is stunning. Plus, along the way, you can snag photos with yaks and Tibetan mastiffs for a small fee (if they're around). The pass itself is draped in colorful prayer flags, and if you look beyond the lake, you’ll catch a mind-blowing view of the glaciated Nojin Kangtsang peak, soaring to 7,191 m (23,593 ft)! Provincial Road 307, also known as the Southern Friendship Highway, will get you there. It's paved, so no crazy off-roading needed. It's a long drive – 70.2 km (43.62 miles) running from Qüxü to Baidi – but not too steep. Word of warning: this route is popular, so expect some company from tourist buses. And remember, at this altitude, even your engine might feel the thin air!
extremeIs the road through Sangchi Mountain Pass paved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I just tackled Sangchi Shan Yakou, a mountain pass that tops out at a staggering 4,061 meters (13,323 feet) in the heart of China's Qinghai Province. Seriously, Jigzhi County in Golog Prefecture is where the wild things are. The good news? The entire route, known as S101 (previously G345), is paved. The not-so-good news? Paved doesn't mean easy. Get ready for a serious driving challenge! Think endless hairpin turns, seriously steep climbs, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. If you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the road ahead, because some of those drops are pretty intense! Clocking in at 154 km (96 miles) from Chugqênsumdo to Duoya, this east-west journey is a proper commitment. I'd say budget about 5-6 hours to complete the drive, and that's without stopping! The landscape is stunning, but the geography is demanding. And pro tip: ALWAYS check the weather before you go. Things can change in a heartbeat up there.
hardKaatu Bannari and Talamalai viewpoints
🇮🇳 India
Okay, Tamil Nadu road trip alert! You absolutely HAVE to check out the NH948 leading up to the Kaatu Bannari and Talamalai viewpoints. This paved road is a total stunner, winding its way up with seriously incredible views. Get ready for a workout though, this climb is NO joke! In just under 10 kilometers, you'll tackle 26 hairpin turns, making your way from around 422 meters to over 1,000 meters above sea level! That’s a pretty consistent steep grade of over 6%, with some sections hitting a whopping 10%! Be prepared to share the road, especially with trucks, but trust me, the scenery is worth the white knuckles.
hardHow long is the Hangzhou Bay Bridge?
🇨🇳 China
Cruising along China's eastern coast? You absolutely HAVE to experience the Hangzhou Bay Bridge! This isn't just a bridge; it's a 36-kilometer (23-mile) "S" curve stretching across the Hangzhou Bay, linking Zhenjiadai (near Jiaxing) in the north to Shuiluwan (near Ningbo) in the south. Imagine a rainbow arcing over the water. That's the vibe here, thanks to the colorful guardrails changing every 5 kilometers – red, orange, yellow, green, you name it! But it's not just pretty; it's practical. You'll find Hai Tian Yi Zhou, a breakdown service and incredible sightseeing platform mid-bridge, shaped like a soaring eagle. Climb its 145-meter (476-foot) tower for insane views of the "rainbow," the Qiantang Tidal Bore, and flocks of seabirds. Since opening in 2008, the asphalted G15 road here has two lanes: stay right for 80 km/h, or go left for 100 km/h if you're in a car or smaller vehicle. There’s a sightseeing platform where you can take in panoramic views, but remember, no stopping on the road itself! And pro-tip: peek at the weather forecast before you hit the road.