From thrilling motorsports and family fun to cultural discoveries and drone shows, the desert comes alive from December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026. Don’t miss a moment of Abu Dhabi’s quintessential winter festival.
ABU DHABI, UAE, November 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “The Great Desert Stage”, the Liwa International Festival, will return 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 Tal Moreeb, the highest dune in the UAE, rising to 300 meters, 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 become Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter experience, offering something for everyone – from world-class racing and dune sports to immersive cultural moments and vibrant entertainment.
This year, the festival opens with the Forsan Al Emarat Show – the official aerobatic display team of the UAE Air Force – and a captivating fireworks display that lights up the desert sky.
Motor sports and adventure
Every winter, Liwa becomes the beating heart of motorsport in the region, and this year’s edition promises even more action and excitement. The festival starts with Freestyle Drift on December 12-13 and 22-23followed by Spartan Race Liwa on December 13 And Bike Drag Racing on December 14. The excitement continues with Falconry from December 15 to 17highlighting precision and heritage, and the Car stunt championship on December 19 and 20alongside the highly anticipated Extreme mud party.
THE Liwa Running Challenge follows December 20with the Liwa cycling race And Eating UTV on December 21. From December 23-24THE Pigeon hunting competition takes place, leading to high energy Liwa Burnout Championship on December 25. On 26 And December 27the desert will roar with life Liwa drift, Monster Jamand the Tal Moreeb Running Challenge (December 26)while the Liwa Padel Championship And Liwa Cycling Challenge will take place from December 26 to 28 and December 27 respectively. Motorsport fans will also be able to enjoy the Sand wrestling championship on December 26 and 27followed by the return of Car stunt championship on December 28 and 29.
The festival continues with Electronic Freestyle Championship on December 30and the Tal Moreeb Automobile Championship from December 31 to January 3featuring several racing categories. The range also includes Football and Padel every weekendas well as Boxing from December 15 to 21ensuring that there is 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 will also be able to enjoy Daily dune projection shows, drone shows and hot air balloons every weekendtransforming the Liwa Desert horizon each evening into a spectacular spectacle of light, sound and movement. Water Karting and Mini Tank Paintball will also be available daily from December 12 to January 3, providing an exciting experience for action-seeking visitors.
Fireworks will light up the desert skies during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year’s Eve and closing ceremony, creating memorable moments throughout the festival.
Family fun for everyone
At the heart of the festival is Liwa Village, a bustling center of entertainment and discovery designed for all ages. Families can enjoy water karting, carnival rides, skill games, pony rides and two exhilarating zip lines (one for children and one for adults). The Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room and Smash Room add an extra touch of excitement, while younger visitors will love the Pony Grove and Petting Zoo.
Attractions this year include the souk area and heritage pop-up shops offering local crafts and treasures, while the performance stage hosts live music, cultural acts and daily entertainment.
Foodies can savor both Emirati specialties and world cuisines at the festival’s many food and beverage outlets.
An unforgettable New Year’s celebration
The grand finale of the Liwa International Festival promises to be unforgettable. On December 31, the Tal Moreeb Automobile Championship begins its three-day journey, setting the stage for thrilling motorsport as 2025 looks towards 2026. Visitors can enjoy a special New Year’s Eve concert, followed by a magnificent fireworks display 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, the Liwa International Festival celebrates the proud heritage and traditions of the UAE. From falconry and crafts to Souk Liwa and the pigeon shooting championship, the festival connects the spirit of the desert with the nation’s undying love for culture, community and innovation.
Plan your visit
Join the UAE’s must-see winter event and create lasting memories with family and friends at the Liwa International Festival 2026, where adventure, culture and connection collide in an extraordinary setting.
Visitors can pre-book glamping tents or local accommodation, or bring their own campervans and tents to camp under the stars in the heart of Liwa, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region.
Learn more about liwainternationalfestival.ae And instagram.com/liwafest
For reservations, use the Liwa Sports Club app or contact: +971 54 279 0830 and +971 54 279 0831
For tickets to Liwa Village, visit liwavillage.ae
SOURCE Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Discover Abu Dhabi
