Bateen Liwa Resort is a landmark in experiential hospitality design in the Middle East
The remote sands of Liwa, in the western reaches of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, now host a new destination of rare architectural and experiential significance.
Bateen Liwa Resort, designed by international multidisciplinary practice BDP, sets a new benchmark in luxury eco-hospitality across the Middle East.
Commissioned by Modon Properties and operated by Bab Al Nojoum, the resort is a masterclass in how sensitive, sustainable design can elevate the guest experience while honouring context, culture, and place. Nestled into the dramatic topography of the Rub’ al Khali, the project blends the authenticity of desert life with contemporary luxury — a spatial narrative that respects the past while welcoming the future.
BDP’s design for Bateen Liwa Resort places experience and ecology at the heart of the architectural language. A collection of low-rise villas and communal buildings is arranged to echo the rhythms of traditional desert settlements while maximising views to the ever-shifting dunes and golden sunsets. The 50 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas are crafted with sustainable materials and shaded structures, ensuring minimal environmental impact and optimum comfort year-round.
“Designing in the desert calls for restraint, respect and responsiveness.
“At Bateen Liwa, we sought to capture the stillness and beauty of the landscape while delivering a guest experience that is intimate, immersive and inherently sustainable. This is not a resort that imposes itself on the environment, it belongs to it.”
From arrival, guests are immersed in a setting that prioritises serenity and surprise. Meandering paths connect public and private spaces, encouraging exploration of the expansive site without disturbing its delicate ecosystem. The architectural palette takes cues from the desert itself: sun-baked tones, textured surfaces, and organic forms that reflect the terrain’s elemental character.
Carefully integrated into the design are a series of central piazzas, swimming pools, stargazing platforms, and shaded lounges, offering a seamless blend of community and seclusion. Every detail, from wind orientation to material finish, has been considered to optimise passive cooling and natural light.
The resort also exemplifies a broader shift in the hospitality sector, where design is no longer just about aesthetics but about storytelling, sustainability, and sensory depth. With the completion of Bateen Liwa Resort, BDP reinforces its global reputation for delivering world-class hospitality environments, rooted in context, rich in experience, and resilient in design.
Further Reading
Bateen Liwa Resort
Bateen Liwa Resort offers everyone a chance to embrace the Liwa Desert's beauty.