Liwa International Festival returns this December with new attractions

Shweta Srikanth

4 hours ago

2 min read

If you've spotted a Liwa sticker on a car around Abu Dhabi, or have one on your own, you'll know the festival is a winter tradition for many in the UAE. It means packing food for the trip, gathering in the desert with family and friends, and joining hundreds of others to watch the fireworks light up the sky, with engines roaring around Tal Moreeb. And this December, there's even more to add to your Liwa plans.

Liwa International Festival returns from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, with new rides at Liwa Village, the debut of international action sports show Nitro Circus, and a first-ever Heritage Village celebrating Emirati culture.

What's new at Liwa Village?

More than half of Liwa Village's rides and attractions will feature new or reimagined concepts this year. New additions include the Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower, along with challenges such as Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run, Desert Heist and Climb Quest. There's also a new bungee jumping experience, while returning attractions include the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Slingshot, House of Horror and Maze Adventure.

Nitro Circus is coming to Liwa

The global action sports show will make its festival debut on 19 and 20 December, with three performances featuring more than 15 athletes. The programme includes freestyle motocross and BMX stunts, choreographed performances and pyrotechnics.

Tickets are available via Platinumlist.

Motorsport is back at Tal Moreeb

The festival's motorsport programme includes a motorbike drag race on 13 December, Falcon Race from 14 to 16 December, Sand Freestyle Displays on 18 and 19 December, and Liwa Drift on 25 and 26 December.

The Liwa Burnout Challenge takes place on 24 December, while the Tal Moreeb Car Championship runs from 30 December to 2 January.

You can also sign up for the Liwa Sign Climb Challenge on 19 December, a cycling race on 21 December, the Liwa Festival Community Run on 23 December, and a padel tournament on 24 and 25 December.

A new Heritage Village celebrates Emirati traditions

This year's festival will introduce a Heritage Village inspired by Al Fareej, a traditional Emirati neighbourhood. The programme will explore Emirati culture through demonstrations and hands-on activities. You can watch live falcon displays, try traditional games such as Teelah and Karabi, go camel riding, and join workshops on palm-leaf crafts and weaving. The House of Poetry and Poets will explore Nabati poetry, while another experience will introduce traditional Emirati Majlis etiquette and hospitality, including the preparation and serving of gahwa.

The festival programme will also extend to heritage sites across Al Dhafra Region, including Khanour Fort and Mezairaa Fort, as well as Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort.