20 Experiences To Try At Liwa International Festival
Running until 3 January 2026, Liwa International Festival invites visitors to experience a dynamic mix of motorsports, live entertainment, cultural moments, and family-friendly attractions set against the sweeping dunes of the Al Dhafra Region.
From sunrise to nightfall, Liwa International Festival brings together a diverse range of experiences, from adrenaline-fuelled activities to cultural highlights and family attractions, all set within the winter desert.
Motorsports & Competitions
- Tal Moreeb Championship: High-octane hill climbs on the UAE’s most iconic dune.
- Liwa Drift: A high-precision drifting competition pushing drivers to the limit.
- Liwa Burnout:High-power burnout spectacle.
- Sand Show Championship:High-intensity dune stunt car competition at Tal Moreeb.
- Electronic FreestyleChampionship: Freestyle drifting experienced through digital simulators.
Thrilling Experiences
- Monster Jam:Watch massive trucks battle.
- Mini PaintballTanks:Drive and shoot paintballs.
- Go Water Kart:Ride jet-ski powered kartsin the desert.
Family & Cultural Experiences
Liwa Village
The heart of the festival, bringing together entertainment, culture, and activities for all ages.
- Souk:A culturally immersive area inspired by Emirati markets and crafts
- Art Hub:Interactive creative workshops for children, youth, and families
- Smash Room: A controlled, supervised activity offering safe smashing for fun and stress relief.
- Skyline (Zipline): Aerial zipline ride offering panoramic views of Liwa Village
- Desert Rally: Off-road driving challenges within the village experience
- Classic Cars Exhibition: An iconic exhibition of timeless classic cars
- Live Concerts & Family-Friendly Entertainment: Daily performances and shows for all ages
- Maze Adventure: An interactive maze experience for families and kids.
Festival Grounds
Experiences located outside Liwa Village, across the wider festival area.
- Liwa Walk & Tal Moreeb Market : Food trucks, retail, and open-air market experiences
- Hot Air Balloon: Balloon rides with stunning views across the Liwa desert, taking place on weekends.
- New Year’s Eve Concert: Welcome the New Year on December 31 with an exceptional lineup of artists, including Khalid Abdulrahman, Hamad Al Ameri, Aseel Hameem, and Fouad Abdulwahed.
- Liwa Sign: A central desert landmark with food outlets, festive vibes, and nightly light displays.
Experiences worth planning your visit for
At Liwa International Festival, the experience goes beyond watching — it’s about deciding where to spend your time. The festival brings together a selection of headline moments and interactive experiences that encourage visitors to shape their own journey, whether that means following the action, stepping into hands-on attractions, or discovering experiences designed for all ages. These are the moments that define the festival and form the highlights visitors build their visit around.
Liwa International Festival 2026 is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Miral
