If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix roaring engines, soaring dunes, glowing fireworks, cultural charm, and the kind of family fun that tires the kids and the adults — let me introduce you to your new winter obsession: the Liwa International Festival. Or as locals affectionately call it, “The Desert’s Grand Stage.”
From 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the golden dunes of Al Dhafra are basically clocking in for their busiest shift of the year — hosting 23 days of action, adventure, culture, food, and the kind of entertainment that makes you forget your screen time limit ever existed.
And the star of this desert drama?
None other than Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, standing a casual 300 metres high — basically the Burj Khalifa of dunes, just sandier.
Since kicking off in 2001, the Liwa International Festival has evolved into a full-blown seasonal ritual, pulling in motorsports lovers, culture enthusiasts, families, curious wanderers, and anyone who’s ever looked at a dune and said, “Hmm… I bet I could drive up that.”
The Festival Kicks Off With a Bang — Literally
Opening day sets the tone in the most extra way possible.
Picture this: the Forsan Al Emarat, the UAE Air Force’s official aerobatics team, swooping across the sky while fireworks paint the desert with colour.
Yes, the desert is starting strong.
Motorsports & Adventure: The Desert Doesn’t Do Calm
If Liwa had a heartbeat, it would be revving at 9000 RPM. Winter here basically belongs to motorsports fans, and this year’s lineup reads like a highlight reel of desert adrenaline.
Brace yourself:
- Freestyle Drift – 12–13 & 22–23 December
- Spartan Race Liwa – 13 December
- Bike Drag Racing – 14 December
- Falconry – 15–17 December (heritage, but make it dramatic)
- Car Stunt Championship – 19–20 December
- Mud Fest – also 19–20 December (pack extra clothes)
- Liwa Running Challenge – 20 December
- Liwa Cycling Race + Liwa UTV – 21 December
- Pigeon Hunt Competition – 23–24 December
- Liwa Burnout Championship – 25 December (your ears won’t forget this one)
- Liwa Drift + Monster Jam + Tal Moreeb Running Challenge – 26–27 December
- Liwa Padel Championship – 26–28 December
- Liwa Cycling Challenge – 27 December
- Sand Wrestling Championship – 26–27 December
- Car Stunt Championship (Round 2!) – 28–29 December
- Electronic Freestyle Championship – 30 December
- Tal Moreeb Car Championship – 31 December to 3 January
And because no true UAE festival is complete without something happening every weekend, you’ve also got:
- Football & Padel
- Boxing (15–21 December)
- Jetour Travel Conference – 19, 20 & 21 December
Still not enough?
Of course not — this is Liwa.
Expect daily Dune Projection Shows, Drone Shows, and every weekend, Hot Air Balloons floating over the dunes like something from an Arabian fairytale.
Plus, the daily thrill twins:
Water Karting and Mini Tank Paintball — both open throughout the festival for the brave at heart.
And fireworks?
Expect them at the opening, the weekends, New Year’s Eve, and the closing ceremony. Basically, if you hear a “boom,” don’t panic — it’s just Liwa partying.
Family Fun: The Desert’s Happiest Village
At the core of the festival is Liwa Village, which is basically your one-stop shop for making memories, eating great food, and losing track of time.
Kids (and fully grown kids at heart) can enjoy:
- Water karting
- Carnival rides
- Skill games
- Pony rides
- Two ziplines (child-friendly & adult-sized — yes, adults, you get your own!)
- Smash Room
- Horror Escape Room
- The Classic Car Museum
- Auto Zone
- Petting zoo
- Pony Grove
Shopping lovers, prepare your wallets:
Souk Zone and Pop-Up Heritage Shops are packed with handmade crafts, local treasures, and everything you didn’t know you needed until you saw it.
Meanwhile, the Performance Stage keeps the vibe alive with cultural acts, live music, daily shows, and plenty of good energy.
And the food?
Think Emirati favourites mingling with global cuisine — basically a culinary passport without customs.
New Year’s Eve: A Desert Celebration Like No Other
As 2025 gives way to 2026, Liwa plans to throw a New Year’s Eve party that’ll make your group chat jealous.
The Tal Moreeb Car Championship kicks off its three-day saga, crowds gather around the dunes, music fills the air, and a special NYE concert sets the perfect mood. Then, right at midnight, a spectacular fireworks show lights up the entire desert sky.
It’s grand. It’s dramatic.
It’s everything New Year’s Eve should be.
More Than Just Thrills: A Celebration of Culture
While the engines roar and the ziplines zing, the heart of the festival remains deeply rooted in Emirati heritage. Think:
- Falconry
- Traditional handicrafts
- Souk Liwa
- Pigeon shooting competitions
- Heritage displays and workshops
It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and modern adventure — a reminder that Liwa is not just about adrenaline, but about culture, community, and the timeless spirit of the desert.
If you’re looking for a winter escape that has everything (and I mean everything), the Liwa International Festival is calling your name — probably loudly, because even the dunes here love a bit of drama.
