A full schedule of events is will drop very soon…
From 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the Liwa International Festival brings the desert to life, offering 23 days of motorsports, culture, music, and family fun in the heart of Al Dhafra.
Set against the iconic Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, the festival brings together thrilling racing, desert sports, and immersive cultural experiences for all ages.
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Motorsport fans can enjoy Freestyle Drift, MudFest, Car Stunt and Tal Moreeb Car Championships, as well as Bike Drag Racing, Spartan Race Liwa, Liwa UTV, and Liwa Burnout competitions.
Evenings feature drone shows, Dune Projection performances, fireworks, and hot air balloons, creating a vibrant desert spectacle.
Families can explore Liwa Village, filled with carnival rides, ziplines, a petting zoo, pony rides, and skill games.
Food lovers can enjoy Emirati and international cuisine, while cultural enthusiasts can visit Souk Liwa, pop-up heritage shops, and Liwa Forts to experience traditional crafts and Emirati heritage.
The festival culminates in a New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with a concert, fireworks, and a spectacular desert backdrop.
Visitors can camp under the stars, stay in glamping tents, or enjoy local accommodation, making the Liwa International Festival 2026 an unforgettable winter experience.
Take a closer look at some of the festival highlights and zones coming your way in this edition.
Opening Ceremony – Fri 12 Dec
Kick off the Liwa International Festival in style with dazzling performances, vibrant lights, and a lively atmosphere. F&B stands, entertainment, and family-friendly activities set the tone for the weeks ahead, marking the start of an unforgettable desert celebration.
Liwa Village – Fri 12 Dec to Sat 3 Jan
Explore the festival’s heart, with zones for thrill-seekers, car enthusiasts, families, and culture lovers. Enjoy high-energy games, classic cars, artisan workshops, carnival rides, pony rides, live entertainment, and immersive cultural experiences.
Mini Tank Paintball – Fri 12 Dec to Sat 3 Jan
Climb into custom mini tanks and navigate a safe, desert battlefield. Armed with low-impact paintball markers, players of all ages experience teamwork, adrenaline, and friendly competition in a fun, action-packed arena.
Freestyle Drift Championships – 12-13 & 22-23 Dec
Drivers showcase drifting skills on purpose-built tracks in a safe, thrilling environment. Competitions highlight precision, speed, and creativity, providing a high-energy spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts.
Bike Drag Racing – Sun 14 Dec
Quad bikes, UTVs, and buggies compete in desert drag races across five categories. Visitors witness heart-pounding speed and skill under the golden desert sun.
Falconry Championship – 15-17 Dec
Elite falconers compete in traditional hunting contests, blending heritage with modern techniques. Witness precision, patience, and the unique bond between falconer and bird.
Sand Show Championship – 19-20 & 28-29 Dec
Watch powerful cars tackle the dunes in a test of skill, acceleration, and precision. The Sand Show combines adrenaline, spectacle, and desert thrills for motorsport fans.
Extreme MudFest – 19-20 Dec
Off-road races push quads, mega trucks, rock crawlers, and UTVs to their limits. Meet drivers at the Pit Party and watch daring challenges like the Bounty Hole in this desert motorsport showdown.
UTV Racing – 21 Dec
Side-by-side UTVs navigate obstacle-filled desert tracks. High jumps, tight corners, and sharp turns demand skill and precision from all competitors.
Pigeon Hunt Competition – 23-24 Dec
Falconers showcase speed and accuracy in this traditional UAE hunting contest, celebrating heritage and connecting new generations to cultural practices.
Liwa Burnout – 25 Dec
Drivers perform high-energy burnouts and wheel spins in a dramatic desert display. Precision and power captivate audiences in this thrilling motorsport spectacle.
Liwa Drift – 26-27 Dec
Competitors test drifting skills on specialized tracks, evaluated on speed, continuity, and precision. A high-octane desert competition for all skill levels.
Monster Jam – 26-27 Dec
Monster trucks defy gravity with racing, freestyle, and skills competitions. Attend the Pit Party for an up-close look at trucks and drivers. Includes freestyle motocross stunts for extra adrenaline.
Electronic Freestyle Championship – 30 Dec
Combining technology and motorsport, drivers compete in digital and real-time drift challenges. Experience a cutting-edge twist on traditional drift racing in the desert.
Tal Moreeb Car Championship – 31 Dec to 3 Jan
The festival’s crown jewel, featuring cars racing dunes up to 300m high. Multiple categories test power, skill, and endurance in one of the region’s most iconic motorsport competitions.
Liwa Nightly Shows – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
Experience cinematic projections, laser sand lights, and artistic storytelling across the desert dunes. A fusion of culture, art, and innovation brings Liwa to life after sunset.
Drone Shows – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
Watch the sky light up with mesmerizing drones creating colorful, dreamlike displays, blending imagination and heritage in a spectacular desert spectacle.
New Year’s Eve – 31 Dec
Celebrate under the stars with live music, cultural performances, fireworks, and a festive countdown. The desert comes alive in a magical, communal celebration of the New Year.
Liwa Sign – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
A 24/7 hub of entertainment, laser shows, and F&B stands. Iconic light displays highlight the festival’s spirit and provide a stunning backdrop for visitors of all ages.
Liwa Forts Activation – 1 Dec to 9 Jan
Step inside Mezaira’a, Al Meel, Qutuf forts, and Mougab Tower to explore Emirati heritage through cultural cafés, workshops, and artisanal products, connecting visitors to history and community traditions.
Sports Amenities – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
From padel courts to football fields, basketball, volleyball, and kids’ play areas, stay active and enjoy fitness alongside festival fun.
Tal Moreeb Market – 24/7
Everything you need for the festival—camping gear, essentials, clothing, and accessories—available in a lively marketplace.
Tal Moreeb Dune Park – 4 PM onwards
Outdoor stage, family-friendly zones, and competitions bring joy to visitors of all ages in a vibrant desert park setting.
Liwa Walk – 24/7
A vibrant shopping and dining promenade with events, restaurants, and brand showcases. Perfect for strolling, socialising, and enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Al Dhafrah Sports & Cultural Club – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
Modern indoor gym, VIP camp, and sports facilities for visitors and athletes alike, offering fitness, comfort, and Emirati hospitality in the desert.
Al Dhafrah Municipality – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
Explore heritage, kids’ fun zones, live performances, and community initiatives. Learn, play, and celebrate Emirati culture in an engaging, inclusive space.
ADNOC Energy Camp – 12 Dec to 3 Jan
Educational and interactive pavilions highlight sustainability, energy innovation, and Emirati culture, inspiring visitors and celebrating national pride
12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi. For further information, follow @liwafest on IG
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