The newly opened Qasr Al Sarab Resort in Abu Dahbi.

An authentic ode to it’s desert forefathers.

Measuring 2.5 kilometres end to end, the crescent-shaped Qasr Al Sarab resort overlooks an incredible winding valley of sand in the Liwa Desert. It’s part of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted body of sand, which extends from the United Arab Emirates into Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

The resort’s architects spent months studying ancient forts and liaising with staff at the Al Ain museum to ensure its authenticity. They’ve used traditional building techniques such as rope joins between the walls to allow them to expand and contract in the heat. The walls themselves are rough and imperfect and the vast array of pots, rugs and ornaments scattered around the resort are genuinely old.

The reason for this?

Apart from the spectacular valley view the location affords, it was in the Liwa Desert that the Bedouin ancestors of the current rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai used to live. Qasr Al Sarab will keep some of this heritage alive.

It’s a five star hotel with all the mod cons you would expect.

Find out more at: qasralsarab.anantara.com.