Post by : Meena Ariff

Mark your calendars! The Liwa International Festival returns from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, promising 23 days filled with thrilling entertainment, cultural immersion, and adventure against the stunning Al Dhafra Region’s golden dunes.

This festival has become a prominent staple of UAE's annual calendar, elegantly merging heritage with exhilarating family activities and high-octane motorsports at the country’s tallest dune, Tal Moreeb, standing at 300 meters.

Kicking off the festivities, attendees will witness an awe-inspiring performance by Forsan Al Emarat, the UAE Air Force's aerobatics team. The grand opening will also include dazzling fireworks, light spectacles, and drone performances illuminating the desert skyline.

This year's festivities promise a memorable fusion of contemporary entertainment with rich Emirati culture, designed to enchant visitors of every age.

At the festival's core lies its thrilling motorsport offerings. Notable events include Freestyle Drift on 12–13 and 22–23 December, the Spartan Race on 13 December, Bike Drag Racing on 14 December, and the Car Stunt Championship on 19–20 December.

New this year, the Extreme Mudfest invites adrenaline seekers to navigate adventurous terrain on 19–20 December. Other exciting motorsport events encompass Liwa Drift, Monster Jam, Tal Moreeb Car Championship, Liwa Burnout Championship, and Sand Wrestling, ensuring a feast of action for motorsport enthusiasts.

The festival also pays homage to UAE’s heritage, hosting falconry exhibitions from 15–17 December, a Souk Zone with Pop-Up Heritage Shops, pigeon hunting competitions, and traditional craft showcases.

Guests can fully immerse in desert culture while partaking in interactive and educational experiences that intertwine tradition with contemporary festivities.

At Liwa Village, families will find water karting, carnival rides, pony rides, ziplines, and skill games. Additional attractions feature the Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room, Smash Room, and a petting zoo for both youngsters and adults.

Daily Dune Projection Shows, Drone Displays, and Hot Air Balloon rides enhance the magical ambiance, complemented by food stalls offering Emirati delicacies and international cuisine.

Beyond motorsports, the festival includes the Liwa Running Challenge, Liwa Cycling Race, Liwa UTV, Liwa Padel Championship, as well as weekend football tournaments. Boxing events will occur from 15–21 December, with the Jetour Travel Conference slated for 19–21 December.

These activities promote participation, wellness, and community spirit, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve at the festival is sure to be a highlight. On 31 December, the Tal Moreeb Car Championship embarks on a three-day journey, joined by a special concert and an explosive fireworks display.

Join in the festivities and welcome 2026 amid music, excitement, and the breathtaking desert vistas of Al Dhafra Region.

With a mix of falconry, handicrafts, motorsports, and adrenaline-fueled challenges, the Liwa International Festival champions UAE's history, creativity, and community ethos.

It guarantees a unique blend of tradition and modern thrills, allowing visitors of all ages to indulge in culture, adventure, music, and family fun in one of the UAE’s most majestic desert venues.

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