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Liwa International Festival 2026: Abu Dhabi's Winter Festival in the Heart of Al Dhafra Region
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the soaring, 300-metre Tal Moreeb, the UAE's tallest dune, the festival has become one of the country's most anticipated annual events, where heritage and adventure blend with the warmth of quality time with family and friends. Since its debut in 2001, the Liwa International Festival has grown into Abu Dhabi's ultimate winter experience, offering something for everyone – from world-class racing and dune sports to immersive cultural moments and lively entertainment.
This year, the festival opens with the Forsan Al Emarat show – the official aerobatics demonstration team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force – and a captivating display of fireworks set to light up the desert sky.
Each winter, Liwa becomes the beating heart of motorsport in the region, and this year's edition promises even more action and excitement. The festival kicks off with , followed by the and . The excitement continues with , showcasing precision and heritage, and the , alongside the highly anticipated
The follows on , together with the and on . From , the takes place, leading into the high-energy . On and , the desert will roar to life with , , and the , while the and run from 26–28 December and on 27 December, respectively. Motorsport fans can also enjoy the , followed by the return of the .
The festival continues with the , and the , featuring multiple racing categories. The lineup also includes , as well as , ensuring there's never a dull moment until the very end. The will also take place on
Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy , transforming the Liwa desert skyline each evening into a spectacular display of light, sound, and motion. Water Karting and Mini Tank Paintball will also be available daily from 12 December to 3 January, offering a thrilling experience for visitors looking for some action.
Fireworks will illuminate the desert sky during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year's Eve and the closing ceremony, creating memorable moments throughout the festival.
At the heart of the festival lies Liwa Village, a lively hub of entertainment and discovery designed for all ages. Families can enjoy water karting, carnival rides, skill games, pony rides, and two exhilarating ziplines (one for children and one for adults). The Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room, and Smash Room add extra excitement, while younger visitors will love the Pony Grove and petting zoo.
Attractions this year include the Souk Zone and Pop-Up Heritage Shops for handmade crafts and local treasures, while the Performance Stage hosts live music, cultural acts, and daily entertainment.
Food lovers can savour both Emirati favourites and global cuisines across the festival's many F&B and retail outlets.
The grand finale of the Liwa International Festival is set to be unforgettable. On 31 December, the begins its three-day run, setting the stage for thrilling motorsport as 2025 turns to 2026. Visitors can enjoy a special New Year's Eve concert, followed by a magnificent fireworks show lighting up Liwa's vast desert sky.
This celebration invites visitors to welcome the new year surrounded by music, adventure and the breathtaking landscape of Al Dhafra.
Beyond the thrills, Liwa International Festival celebrates the UAE's proud heritage and traditions. From falconry and handicrafts to Souk Liwa and the pigeon shooting championship, the festival connects the spirit of the desert to the nation's enduring love for culture, community, and innovation.
Join the UAE's must-do winter event and create lasting memories with family and friends at the Liwa International Festival 2026 – where adventure, culture, and connection meet in one extraordinary setting.
Visitors can pre-book glamping tents or local accommodation, or bring their own RVs and tents to camp under the stars in the heart of Liwa, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region.
Learn more at liwainternationalfestival.ae and instagram.com/liwafest
For bookings, use the Liwa Sports Club app, or contact: +971 54 279 0830 and +971 54 279 0831
For Liwa Village tickets, visit liwavillage.ae
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Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822367/Liwa_International_Festival_2026.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822368/Liwa_International_Festival.jpg
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