GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

Al-Safran Air Base (Liwa)

Al-Safran Air Base (also Liwa; ICAO OMLW) is an active military air base in the United Arab Emirates, operated by the United Arab Emirates Air Force. It has 1 runway (3,670 m). Home to Mirage 2000 squadron.

Facility Details

Map
Map of Al-Safran Air Base

23.6519°N, 53.8206°E · 120 m elevation

Summary
Operating Country 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Location🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Status Active
UsageMilitary only
Year built2008
Operating OrganizationUnited Arab Emirates Air Force
Units
Mirage 2000 squadron
Location & Technical Details
Elevation120 m (394 ft)
ICAO codeOMLW
Runways
13/31 · 3,670 m (12,041 ft) · Paved

Description

Al-Safran Air Base, alternatively known as Liwa, is operated by the United Arab Emirates Air Force and is located approximately 80 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi, near Madinat Zayed.

Alnaboodah Construction Group built the facility at an estimated cost of $1 billion, with construction concluding in approximately 2008. A squadron of Mirage 2000 aircraft relocated to the installation in 2007. In 2017, the base underwent an expansion of its airport apron and added six aircraft shelters.

Base infrastructure includes hardened aircraft shelters, a subterranean ammunition dump, and two ground control stations. The installation is defended by the Super aEgis II sentry gun system.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Last updated on 13 August 2026. Suggest a change
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 132026 Updated Runway designations, surfaces and lengths recorded
  2. AUG 132026 Created Al-Safran Air Base page created (specs, description, operators, static map)