Al Dhafra Air Base
Al Dhafra Air Base
24.2482, 54.547 A large military air base in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, south-west of the city of Abu Dhabi. Used by the UAE Air Force and a US contingent. It is a closed facility, not a tourist site.
Description
Al Dhafra Air Base is one of the largest military air bases in the region. It hosts the UAE Air Force as well as a US and coalition contingent; reconnaissance missions and tanker aircraft operate from here. It is an active military facility with strict access control and has nothing to do with tourism.
The base lies in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, roughly 30 km south-west of the city of Abu Dhabi — a long way from Dubai. People often search for "Al Dhafra air base on the map", so this page exists above all to show exactly where the facility is on the satellite map, not as an invitation to visit.
Tip: The site is closed: you cannot go inside, you can only look at where it sits on the satellite map.
On the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the place and its surroundings.
Good to know
How to get there
Frequently asked questions about Al Dhafra Air Base
Where is Al Dhafra Air Base?+
It is in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, roughly 30 km south-west of the city of Abu Dhabi, a long way from Dubai.
Can I visit Al Dhafra Air Base?+
No. It is an active military facility with closed access — you cannot go inside, you can only see where it is on the satellite map.
Whose air base is it?+
The base belongs to the UAE: it hosts the UAE Air Force, and a US and coalition contingent is stationed there as well.
What's nearby
Nearby spots — easy to combine into one route.
Entertainment Dubai Parks and Resorts
The region's largest theme park complex — Motiongate, LEGOLAND, Real Madrid World, the LEGOLAND water park and the Riverland district. Closed since March 2026; the season opens on 7 October 2026.
Tip: The complex has been closed since March 2026; the season opens on 7 October 2026. For several days, a combo ticket is better value.
Architecture Expo City Dubai
The legacy district of the Expo 2020 world fair, with futuristic architecture, parks and the landmark Al Wasl Plaza dome.
Tip: Wait for the evening — the giant Al Wasl dome becomes the screen for striking 360-degree light shows.
Infrastructure Ibn Battuta Mall
A themed shopping centre divided into six courts after the countries visited by the medieval Arab explorer Ibn Battuta.
Tip: Look into the Persia and India courts for the most striking interiors and the painted dome — the mall's best photo spots.
Similar places
Infrastructure Dubai Metro
A modern driverless metro: the Red and Green lines link the airport, Downtown, Business Bay and Dubai Marina.
Tip: Buy a nol card — you cannot enter the metro without one, and a single card works on the metro, the tram and the buses.
Infrastructure City Walk
A modern open-air pedestrian quarter and mall in the Al Safa area, with boutiques, restaurants and European-style street frontages.
Tip: Come in the evening: the lit façades, the fountains and the restaurant terraces only come alive after sunset.