Liwa International Festival 2026-27

Every winter, the dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region become a huge festival ground because of a massive 23-day desert celebration that runs from December to January. This year, the Liwa International Festival 2027 will be held from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. It takes place around the iconic Tal Moreeb, the world’s tallest dunes at over 300 meters high, hosting intense competitions like the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, motorbike drag racing, freestyle drifting, burnouts, UTV tracks, and hill-climbing challenges. You can learn about Emirati traditions and enjoy live entertainment. Liwa Village is the festival’s main entertainment hub, with its own rides, food and shops. This guide covers the top Liwa festival attractions, key dates, a one-day plan and practical travel tips.

What Is Liwa International Festival and Where Is It Held?

The festival originally started in 2004; before that, it used to be hosted during winter months as a local gathering. It is an annual event that celebrates heritage, sports, and culture. It is held every year around Dec in Tal Moreeb, located in the Liwa Desert within the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi. DCT Abu Dhabi organises it with Liwa Sports Club and several local partners. It runs under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. Last year it welcomed more than 700,000 visitors over 23 days.

Top Liwa Festival Attractions You Should Not Miss

Some of the top Liwa Festival attractions that you might not miss if you are attending the festival this year:

Liwa Village: The Main Entertainment Hub

Liwa Village is a big part of the festival experience. It has six themed zones:

Shams Liwa
Wanasa
Meydan
Souk
Adrenaline
Tahadi

Each zone has its own mood. Shams Liwa is home to the Ferris Wheel, which gives you a view over the lit-up village. Adrenaline and Tahadi suit thrill-seekers. The Souk is the place for shopping. The village also has about 30 dining outlets and 22 shops. Because the zones differ, you can pick by interest instead of rushing through everything. More than half of the village’s rides and attractions are new or reimagined this year.

Tal Moreeb Dune: The Festival’s Biggest Highlight

Tal Moreeb stretches roughly 1,600 meters long in the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert near the Liwa Oasis. Located about 2.5 hours south of Abu Dhabi city. It is the heart and most hyped attraction of Dubai as it’s the highest dune of Dubai. It is also used for competitions as racing cars try to climb up the hill.

Liwa Forts and Heritage Attractions

The festival also reaches beyond the main site. Activities take place at forts and heritage locations across Al Dhafra, including:

Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort: retail and dining
Khanour Fort: a heritage experience with traditional Emirati crafts
Mezairaa Fort: a cultural experience inspired by Liwa’s stories
Liwa Sign: a landmark activation

These places are not all within walking distance of Liwa Village. Plan extra driving time if you want to visit them. They add a quieter, more historical side to your trip. If you have extra time to explore beyond the festival locations, discover our guide to Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for more sightseeing ideas across the emirate.

Things to Do at Liwa Festival: Activities for Every Visitor

If you are thinking of doing some adventure yourself, then you can take part in these events or experience traditions. Here is the list of things to do at Liwa Festival. Before that, if you are planning to explore Dubai as part of the same UAE holiday? Explore our Custom Dubai Tour Packages in 2026 to plan sightseeing experiences around your travel preferences.

Watch Motorsport Competitions and Desert Racing

Motorsport is the festival’s roots. Liwa Sports Club runs the 2026-27 programme. It includes Liwa Drift, the Liwa Burnout Challenge, a Motorbike Drag Race, the Liwa UTV Track, freestyle displays and the Tal Moreeb Car Championship. You can expect smoky burnouts and drifting due to the cars’ racing and speed.

Experience Traditional Emirati Culture and Heritage

Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority presents the first-ever Heritage Village. It is inspired by Al Fareej, a traditional Emirati neighbourhood.

Falconry Tent: See live falcon displays. Learn how falcons are raised, trained and cared for. Children can make model falcon hoods.
House of Poetry and Poets: Discover Nabati poetry and how it expresses community values.
Traditional games: Try Teelah and Karabi, tug of war and a palm-climbing simulation. Camel riding is also on the list.
Crafts: Join workshops in palm-leaf weaving and khoos products.
Emirati Majlis: Learn majlis etiquette, from greeting to seating guests. A live workshop shows how Emirati gahwa (coffee) is prepared and served.

Enjoy Adventure Rides and Thrilling Activities

This year, there are so many exciting rides that you can go for if you want that adrenaline rush in your stomach. You can do Bungee Jumping, Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower. New challenges include Play Strike, Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run, Desert Heist, Drift Trike, Target Shooting and Climb Quest.

There are some old favourites that are also back with the new theme, including the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Slingshot, Booster, Go Water Kart, Mini Tank Paintball, House of Horror, Maze Adventure and the 4×4 Track.

Enjoy Live Entertainment, Concerts and Night Shows

Liwa Village feels different at night. Lights glow, music plays, and the crowds grow. Live singers perform at the Grand Arena. The big confirmed show is Nitro Circus, making its festival debut on 19 and 20 December. It has three shows with more than 15 athletes. They perform freestyle motocross, BMX stunts and pyrotechnics.

Try Food, Shopping and Family Activities

Liwa Village offers live BBQ dining, food outlets and shops. The Souk zone is the place for browsing. Families can mix rides, meals, shopping and heritage activities in one evening. If you want to experience the surrounding desert beyond the festival grounds, explore our Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi, which takes place in the Liwa Desert and includes dune bashing and camel rides

Liwa International Festival 2026–27: Important Dates and Events

The overall dates are 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. These are selected highlights from the official programme:

11–12 and 21–22 December: Freestyle Display
13 December: Motorbike Drag Race
14–16 December: Falcon Race
18–19 and 27–28 December: Sand Freestyle Display
19–20 December: Nitro Circus
20 December: Liwa UTV Track
21 December: Cycling race
22–23 December: Traditional Pigeon Race
23 December: Liwa Festival Community Run
24 December: Liwa Burnout Challenge
24–25 December: Padel tournament
25–26 December: Liwa Drift
29 December: Fitness tour
30 December–2 January: Tal Moreeb Car Championship finale

Check the official website of Liwa International Festival for the exact schedule.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary for Liwa International Festival

Liwa Village opens at 4 PM. It closes at midnight from Sunday to Thursday and at 2 AM on Friday and Saturday. This one-day itinerary covers the must-see attractions for Liwa International Festival in one day.

Afternoon: Arrive and Explore Liwa Village

It’s a 3 hour drive from Abu Dhabi and approx. 4 hours from Dubai; you will arrive by afternoon near opening time, which is 4 PM. Check the village map and choose your zones that you want to explore first. Browse the Souk, take photos, and enjoy a slow walk.

Early Evening: Enjoy Rides and Adventure Activities

Head to the Adrenaline and Tahadi zones. Pick a few rides that you want to try instead of trying them all. Families can start with children’s activities.

Evening: Watch Live Entertainment and Enjoy Dinner

Enjoy the live music show, if there is any. Then pick a dinner spot in the village. The village looks best after dark. It gets lit up beautifully with the lights, all the crowd, cafes, and vibrant streets all sum up together and create an awesome environment that you would not want to leave.

Late Evening: Finish with Your Favourites

Go back to the attractions you liked most. Leave time to plan your drive home. If you came for a motorsport event, shift your arrival to match its schedule. And after having dinner, be back at the hotel.

Note: For help planning your journey or enquiring about transportation arrangements to Liwa, Contact Us and speak with our team.

How to Reach Liwa International Festival from Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Travelling from Abu Dhabi

Liwa is about a three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic. Driving yourself is the most practical option. You can also take taxis, but the prices would be a little higher. We also provide transportation service Dubai this is the most reliable and budget-friendly option amongst these.

Travelling from Dubai

The drive from Dubai is longer, often around four hours. Check your route and timings before you leave. Consider staying overnight so you do not rush back. Planning to explore Dubai along with your UAE trip? Explore our Dubai Tour Packages to discover holiday options with sightseeing, desert experiences and accommodation.

Is a 4×4 Vehicle Necessary?

Not for the main festival area. The main roads are paved, and a regular car can reach the venue. A 4×4 is recommended for dunes, off-road areas, and desert camping. Never drive onto dunes without the right vehicle and experience.

Travel Tips for Visiting Liwa International Festival

If you have extra time before or after the festival, check out our guide to the 10 Best Sites in Abu Dhabi to discover more attractions across the emirate.

Pick your date: Match your visit to the competition you want to see.
Book stays early: The New Year period is especially busy.
Dress for the desert: Wear light clothes by day and bring a jacket for the cool evenings.
Pack essentials: Carry water, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a power bank.
Plan transport: Liwa is remote, so do not count on easy taxis. Always either bring your car or already have a private transfer ready.
Check ticket rules: Festival grounds, Liwa Village, rides and special events can have different entry terms.
Respect the desert: Stay on marked routes and take your litter with you.
Check ride limits: Age and height rules may apply.

Note: International visitors planning a Dubai trip to the UAE should check their entry requirements in advance. Explore our Dubai Visit Visa Services for assistance with visa-related enquiries.

Where to Stay During the Liwa International Festival

If you are going from Dubai or even Abu Dhabi and coming back won’t be feasible for you. Then, an overnight stay makes the trip more relaxed. There are multiple options available, including:

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Distance: It is deep in the Liwa desert, about 30 km from Moreeb Dune.
Budget: It typically ranges from AED 1,387 to over AED 3,700 per night, depending on the room category, season, and whether breakfast or taxes are included.
Transport: The resort offers transfers within the UAE, depending on the car you choose.
Families: It is child-friendly. It has a kids’ club, a splash pool, and desert activities.

Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa

Distance: It is the closest of the three, about 7.5 km from Tal Moreeb, on Tal Murib Road.
Budget: It is an upscale all-villa stay. It typically ranges from AED 600 to AED 2,200+ per night, depending on the day of the week, villa size, and active seasonal or promotional discounts.
Families: It has family rooms, a children’s pool and a games room. Many villas have private pools.

Western Hotel Liwa

Distance: It is in Mezaira’a, a short drive from Mezairaa Fort and the Rub’ al Khali. Check the drive time to the festival before booking.
Budget: It is the most affordable of the three, around AED 1,170 per night for 2 adults (excluding taxes and fees).
Families: It has an outdoor pool and two restaurants. Confirm room types and child policies directly.

Note: If you’re planning to extend your stay and enjoy the desert surroundings, explore our guide to 11 Best Camping Places in Abu Dhabi for camping locations, including Liwa Oasis

Conclusion: Experience the Best of Liwa International Festival 2027

The Liwa International Festival 2027 blends motorsport, Emirati heritage, family entertainment,t and desert scenery into one place. And you can enjoy altogether. Always decide beforehand if you want to spend the night there and book your stay, as it might sell out fast during peak seasons. Want to add Liwa to a wider UAE holiday? Travel Saga Tourism can help you plan your trip, from visas to hotels to transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the Liwa International Festival 2026–27?

It runs from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Individual competitions and shows have their own dates, so check the official calendar.

Q. Where is Liwa International Festival held?

It is held in the Liwa desert, in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, around Tal Moreeb.

Q. What are the main attractions at Liwa Festival?

The main attractions are Liwa Village, Tal Moreeb, motorsport competitions and the Heritage Village. Also look out for rides, live entertainment and the forts across Al Dhafra.

Q. What are the best things to do at Liwa Festival with family?

Try the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars and Maze Adventure, or visit the Heritage Village. Falconry demonstrations, craft workshops, dinner in the village and the Classic Cars display also suit families. Some rides have age or height limits.

Q. Is entry to Liwa International Festival free?

General admission to the festival grounds has been free, based on the festival’s official FAQ. Liwa Village is ticketed separately, and some competitions or special events cost extra. For more details, you can refer to the FAQs section.