Liwa Festival: Abu Dhabi’s 23-day winter extravaganza in the Al Dhafra region

The Desert's Grand Stage', the Liwa International Festival, has returned (from December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026), bringing 23 days of culture, adventure, motorsports, music, and family fun to the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the soaring, 300-metre Tal Moreeb, the UAE's tallest dune, the festival has become one of the country's most anticipated annual events, where heritage and adventure blend with the warmth of quality time with family and friends. Since its debut in 2001, the Liwa International Festival has grown into Abu Dhabi's ultimate winter experience, offering something for everyone – from world-class racing and dune sports to immersive cultural moments and lively entertainment.

This year, the festival opened with the Forsan Al Emarat show – the official aerobatics demonstration team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force – and a captivating display of fireworks set to light up the desert sky.

Motorsports and Adventure

Each winter, Liwa becomes the beating heart of motorsport in the region, and this year's edition promises even more action and excitement. The festival kicked off with Freestyle Drift on December 12–13 and December 22–23, followed by the Spartan Race Liwa on December 13 and Bike Drag Racing on December 14. The excitement continues with Falconry from December 15–17, showcasing precision and heritage, and the Car Stunt Championship on December 19–20, alongside the highly anticipated Extreme MudFest.

The Liwa Running Challenge follows on December 20, together with the Liwa Cycling Race and Liwa UTV on December 21. From December 23–24, the Pigeon Hunt Competition takes place, leading into the high-energy Liwa Burnout Championship on December 25. On December 26 and 27, the desert will roar to life with Liwa Drift, Monster Jam, and the Tal Moreeb Running Challenge (December 26), while the Liwa Padel Championship and Liwa Cycling Challenge run from December 26–28 December and on December 27, respectively. Motorsport fans can also enjoy the Sand Wrestling Championship on December 26–27, followed by the return of the Car Stunt Championship on December 28–29.

The festival continues with the Electronic Freestyle Championship on December 30, and the Tal Moreeb Car Championship from 31 December to 3 January, featuring multiple racing categories. The lineup also includes Football and Padel every weekend, as well as Boxing from December 15–21, ensuring there's never a dull moment until the very end. The Jetour Travel Conference will also take place on December 19, 20, and 21.

Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy daily Dune Projection Shows and Drone Shows and Hot Air Balloons every weekend, transforming the Liwa desert skyline each evening into a spectacular display of light, sound, and motion. Water Karting and Mini Tank Paintball will also be available daily from December 12 to January 3, offering a thrilling experience for visitors looking for some action.

Fireworks will illuminate the desert sky during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year's Eve and the closing ceremony, creating memorable moments throughout the festival.

At the heart of the festival lies Liwa Village, a lively hub of entertainment and discovery designed for all ages. Families can enjoy water karting, carnival rides, skill games, pony rides, and two exhilarating ziplines (one for children and one for adults). The Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room, and Smash Room add extra excitement, while younger visitors will love the Pony Grove and petting zoo.

Attractions this year include the Souk Zone and Pop-Up Heritage Shops for handmade crafts and local treasures, while the Performance Stage hosts live music, cultural acts, and daily entertainment.

Food lovers can savour both Emirati favourites and global cuisines across the festival's many F&B and retail outlets.

A New Year's Celebration To Remember

The grand finale of the Liwa International Festival is set to be unforgettable. On December 31, the Tal Moreeb Car Championship begins its three-day run, setting the stage for thrilling motorsport as 2025 turns to 2026. Visitors can enjoy a special New Year's Eve concert, followed by a magnificent fireworks show lighting up Liwa's vast desert sky.

This celebration invites visitors to welcome the new year surrounded by music, adventure and the breathtaking landscape of Al Dhafra.

Beyond the thrills, Liwa International Festival celebrates the UAE's proud heritage and traditions. From falconry and handicrafts to Souk Liwa and the pigeon shooting championship, the festival connects the spirit of the desert to the nation's enduring love for culture, community, and innovation.

Plan Your Visit

Join the UAE's must-do winter event and create lasting memories with family and friends at the Liwa International Festival 2026 – where adventure, culture, and connection meet in one extraordinary setting.

Visitors can pre-book glamping tents or local accommodation, or bring their own RVs and tents to camp under the stars in the heart of Liwa, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region. - TradeArabia News Service