Liwa International Festival is back, and it’s wrapped in heritage, adventure and entertainment. Running from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, this desert festival is here for 23 days of non-stop entertainment under the golden dunes of Al Dhafra.
Liwa International Festival 2026 Returns To UAE
Since its debut in 2001, Liwa has evolved from a regional motorsport gathering into Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated winter experience. Nestled right at the foot of the towering 300-metre Tal Moreeb, it’s where families come together, engines roar, and falcons soar. This desert spectacle becomes the UAE’s grandest open-air stage during winter.
According to the official website of Abu Dhabi Media Office, the opening night at Liwa International will set the tone with the Forsan Al Emarat aerobatic team performance. Next up is dazzling fireworks, light shows, and drone performances to enjoy. Here’s a full line-up that
The Lineup: Action-Packed and Culture-Filled
Here’s what you can expect this year:
Motorsports & Challenges
- Freestyle Drift: 12–13 & 22–23 December
- Spartan Race Liwa: 13 December
- Bike Drag Racing: 14 December
- Falconry Championship: 15–17 December
- Car Stunt Championship: 19–20 December & 28–29 December
- Extreme Mudfest (New Event): 19–20 December
- Liwa Running Challenge: 20 December
- Liwa Cycling Race & Liwa UTV: 21 December
- Pigeon Hunt Competition: 23–24 December
- Liwa Burnout Championship: 25 December
- Liwa Drift, Monster Jam, Tal Moreeb Running Challenge: 26–27 December
- Liwa Padel Championship & Liwa Cycling Challenge: 26–28 December
- Sand Wrestling Championship: 26–27 December
- Electronic Freestyle Championship: 30 December
- Tal Moreeb Car Championship: 31 December–3 January 2026
Cultural & Family Activities
- Liwa Village: Carnival rides, skill games, pony rides, ziplines, Classic Car Museum, Horror Escape Room, and petting zoo
- Souk Zone & Pop-Up Heritage Shops: Traditional crafts, local goods, and Emirati heritage
- Performance Stage: Live music, dance, and cultural acts daily
- Fireworks & Drone Shows: Opening night, weekends, New Year’s Eve, and closing night
- Daily Thrills: Dune projection shows, hot air balloons, water karting, and mini tank paintball
Food & Festivities
Food lovers can indulge in everything from Emirati classics to global street eats, spread across numerous F&B outlets throughout the venue.
Also Read: Visiting The Sharjah International Book Fair? Here’s How To Take The FREE Transport Services!
New Year’s Eve In The Desert
Liwa will transform into a desert celebration to celebrate the end of the year. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship kicks off with fireworks, followed by a special New Year’s concert.
So, get ready to experience a full-blown desert adventure celebrating the UAE’s deep connection to its roots, speed, and community.
Cover Image Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Media Office/Website
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