Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Liwa International Festival 2025‑2026 – 23 Days of Adventure, Culture & Family Fun in Abu Dhabi Published on
November 16, 2025The Liwa International Festival will return to the heart of the Al Dhafra region in Abu Dhabi for 23 unforgettable days — from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. Nestled at the foot of the towering Tal Moreeb dune (one of the UAE’s highest sand slopes), the festival has cemented its place as a winter‑season highlight, blending adrenaline‑fuelled motorsports, Emirati culture, family entertainment and natural wonder.Where Heritage Meets High SpeedThis year’s edition brings back all the things that have made the festival a landmark event and introduces fresh surprises. Expect car and bike drag races, freestyle drifting, hill climbs up the dune, family‑friendly zones, cultural workshops, desert camping and nightly spectacles under the stars. The “vibe” is equal parts dune thrill and heritage connection.Advertisement Motorsports that Roar Over SandFor the motorsport‑obsessed (and those happy to stand in awe), Liwa offers big thrills. The festival lineup includes:Freestyle drift competitions and bike drag racing in mid‑December.Car stunt shows, UTV adventures, sand‑wrestling and a dedicated car‑championship series towards the New Year.The grand finale: the Tal Moreeb Car Championship over 31 December to 3 January — packed with speed, spectacle and a dramatic dune backdrop.Culture, Family Fun & Heritage in the DesertThe festival isn’t just for daredevils. At its core is Liwa Village, a vibrant hub set up for families, culture‑seekers and casual visitors. There you’ll find:AdvertisementA souk zone with Emirati crafts, local cuisine and pop‑up heritage stalls.Activities for kids: pony rides, petting zoo, carnival rides, ziplines for younger and older adventurers.Night‑time lights, drone shows, and fireworks to mark the New Year under a desert sky.It’s a full‑spectrum experience: from serious racing to gentle cultural discovery.Camping Under the Stars & Desert AdventureOne of the festival’s signature experiences is staying in the desert. Visitors can choose from glamping tents, bring their own RV or pitch a tent beside the dunes. As night falls, the desert opens into a wide canopy of stars, with fires, music, and the hum of off‑road excitement in the distance — a rare blend of nature and event.Why This Festival Matters for Abu DhabiThe Liwa International Festival is more than just another event; it reflects Abu Dhabi’s push to diversify its tourism offerings — turning sand and silence into stage and spectacle. The festival leverages the natural beauty of the Al Dhafra region, promotes Emirati culture, and offers a distinctive winter‑season event that stands apart from beach or city holidays. For the UAE, it means building memorable experiences beyond the usual.Advertisement Top Tips for VisitorsWhen to go: 12 Dec 2025 to 3 Jan 2026. Arrive early in the festival to catch the drift shows; stay through New Year’s Eve for the grand finale.Getting there: The festival is in the Al Dhafra region, away from the city buzz. A 4‑wheel‑drive or high‑clearance vehicle is recommended if you plan desert driving.What to bring: Desert evenings can be cool; pack layers. Daytimes might still be warm. Add sunscreen, sunglasses, and sturdy shoes.Accommodation: Options range from hotels to desert glamp …
