Abu Dhabi: The Liwa International Festival, widely known as the desert’s grand celebration, is set to make its return from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026, bringing 23 days packed with heritage, culture, motorsports, adventure, music, and family entertainment to the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra Region.
Held against the breathtaking backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune standing at 300 metres, the festival has become one of the country’s most anticipated annual gatherings, where heritage meets adventure and families come together to enjoy quality time in the desert.
Since its launch in 2001, the event has evolved into Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter experience, offering something for everyone, from world-class races and dune sports to immersive cultural showcases and vibrant entertainment.
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This year, the festival will open with a spectacular Forsan Al Emarat aerobatic performance by the UAE Air Force, alongside dazzling fireworks, light shows, and drone displays that will illuminate the desert sky.
Liwa motorsports hub
Each year, Liwa transforms into the region’s hub of motorsport, and this year’s festival promises even more excitement. The action begins with Freestyle Drift (December 12–13 and 22–23), followed by the Spartan Race Liwa (December 13) and Bike Drag Racing (December 14).
Falconry competitions from December 15–17 will highlight Emirati heritage, while the Car Stunt Championship (December 19–20) and the debut of Extreme Mudfest (December 19–20) add high-octane thrills to the lineup.
Additional events include the Liwa Running Challenge (December 20), Liwa Cycling Race and Liwa UTV (December 21), and the Pigeon Hunt Competition (December 23–24). The Liwa Burnout Championship follows on December 25, delivering spectacular desert motorsport action.
From December 26 to 27, visitors can experience Liwa Drift, Monster Jam, and the Tal Moreeb Running Challenge, while the Liwa Padel Championship and Liwa Cycling Challenge take place from December 26 to 28 and 27, respectively. The Sand Wrestling Championship (December 26–27) and a second Car Stunt Championship (December 28–29) will further energize the festival grounds.
The Electronic Freestyle Championship happens on December 30, leading into the Tal Moreeb Car Championship from 31 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, marking the festival’s thrilling finale. Additional highlights include football and padel tournaments every weekend, and a Boxing Championship from December 15–21. The Jetour Travel Conference will also be held from December 19–21.
Visitors can enjoy daily Dune Projection Shows, Drone Shows, and Hot Air Balloons every weekend, turning Liwa’s night sky into a mesmerizing light and sound spectacle. For adventure seekers, Water Karting and Mini Tank Paintball will run daily throughout the event.
Fireworks will light up the sky during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year’s Eve, and the closing ceremony, ensuring magical moments for all.
Liwa Village
At the core of the celebration is Liwa Village, a lively hub of entertainment, discovery, and family fun. Attractions include carnival rides, pony rides, two ziplines (for children and adults), a Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room, Smash Room, Pony Grove, and a petting zoo.
The Souk Zone and Pop-Up Heritage Shops showcase handmade crafts and traditional treasures, while the Performance Stage hosts live music, cultural acts, and daily shows. Culinary enthusiasts can explore an array of Emirati and international cuisines at numerous F&B and retail outlets across the venue.
New Year’s Eve 2025 promises to be unforgettable as the Tal Moreeb Car Championship kicks off its three-day run, accompanied by a special concert and a grand fireworks display to ring in 2026 under the desert sky.
Through its diverse lineup, the Liwa International Festival continues to celebrate the UAE’s heritage, community spirit, and innovation, weaving together the traditions of the desert, from falconry and handicrafts to Souk Liwa and pigeon shooting, with the nation’s modern passion for adventure and celebration.
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