The iconic Liwa International Festival is set to make its grand return to the foot of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, this winter, offering 23 days of immersive desert adventure. Scheduled to run from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the festival has cemented its status as one of the country’s most anticipated seasonal events, blending heritage, adrenaline-pumping sports, and modern entertainment in the heart of the Empty Quarter.
The opening ceremony will be a spectacular affair, featuring a breathtaking aerial display by the UAE Air Force’s Forsan Al Emarat aerobatics team and a vibrant fireworks show. Throughout the festival, evenings will be illuminated by mesmerizing drone shows, while weekend visitors can enjoy hot air balloon rides that offer panoramic views of the endless sandscapes. New Year’s Eve will be marked by special concerts and a celebratory fireworks display to welcome 2026.
At the core of the experience is Liwa Village, the main family zone. This bustling area will host amusement rides, craft workshops and fairs, a petting zoo, multiple stages for concerts and cultural performances, a classic car museum, and dedicated play areas. Entry to the festival is free, though certain competitions, VIP zones, and special programs may require tickets, with details available through the official LSC app.
For motorsports enthusiasts, the event boasts an packed lineup including drag racing, drifting competitions, motorcycle and buggy challenges, stunt championships, and even falconry contests. The festival will reach its thrilling climax with the Tal Moreeb Car Championship from December 31 to January 3. Both professional and amateur participants can register for events through the Liwa Sports Club app, where all terms and conditions are listed. Visitors can choose to stay in glamorous glamping sites, local hotels, or pitch their own tents and RVs under the vast desert sky. Accessible by a roughly three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi via Sheikh Zayed Road (E10), the festival continues its legacy, first established in 2001, of creating a spectacular winter destination in the desert.
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