The desert’s ultimate winter festival returns to Liwa in Abu Dhabi

If you’ve never spent a day in Liwa during winter, here’s your sign. The Liwa International Festival is back from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, bringing three weeks of adventure, racing, culture, and family fun to the Al Dhafra region.

Liwa sits about three hours from Abu Dhabi city, right by the huge Tal Moreeb dune, which stands over 300 metres tall. That’s where all the action unfolds - from freestyle drift and bike drag racing to the Spartan Race Liwa and car stunt championships.

If you’re into motorsports, you’ll find something happening almost every day, including mud fests, sand wrestling, UTV challenges, and the famous Tal Moreeb Car Championship that closes the festival. There are also drone shows, projection displays, and fireworks lighting up the dunes most nights.

Even if you’re not a petrolhead, it’s hard not to get swept up in it.

If racing isn’t your thing, you’ll want to spend time in Liwa Village - the family hub that feels like a mini theme park in the desert. Kids can ride ziplines, race around in water karts, or visit the petting zoo, while grown-ups can explore heritage souks, pop-up craft shops, and the Classic Car Museum.

There’s even a Horror Escape Room and Smash Room for something a bit different.

And, of course, there’s food - lots of it. From Emirati bites to street food and coffee trucks, you can easily spend the day snacking your way through the festival.

If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve that’s a bit out of the ordinary, Liwa’s got you. The desert sky lights up with a huge fireworks display, live music takes over the stage, and the Tal Moreeb races continue into 2026. It’s an atmosphere you just don’t get in the city - raw, wild, and completely unforgettable.

You can visit for the day, but staying overnight is part of the fun. There’s everything from glamping tents to RV spots, or you can bring your own setup and camp under the stars. The desert gets cold at night, so bring a jacket, a blanket, and your sense of adventure.

Find all the details at liwainternationalfestival.ae or liwavillage.ae, and check out the Liwa Sports Club app to plan your visit.