The Liwa International Festival 2026 concluded after 23 days of celebrations in the Al Dhafra Region, welcoming more than 700,000 visitors. The strong turnout reflects the festival’s growing popularity as one of the UAE’s leading winter events.
Held from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the festival transformed the area around Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, into a lively destination for families, motorsports fans and culture lovers from across the country and abroad.
The event was organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Miral. Together, they delivered a large-scale festival that combined heritage, adventure and entertainment in the unique desert landscape.
Liwa Village Sees Strong Growth
At the centre of the festival, Liwa Village attracted 274,440 visitors, marking a 26 per cent increase compared to the previous edition. The village served as a key gathering point for families and friends.
Expanded for 2026, Liwa Village featured five themed zones offering cultural activities, live shows, dining options, retail outlets and family entertainment. New additions included more seating areas, attractions for both adults and children, and a stronger focus on sustainability. Solar power provided a significant portion of the village’s daily energy needs.
Motorsports Participation Up by 47%
Motorsports remained a major highlight of the festival. Participation in races increased by 47 per cent this year, showing growing interest among competitors and fans.
The programme included the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, freestyle and drift competitions, drag racing, off-road challenges and Utility Terrain Vehicle races. Large-scale shows such as Monster Jam and Extreme MudFest also drew strong crowds and added excitement to the event.
Heritage at the Core
Heritage continued to play a central role in the festival. Traditional competitions, cultural showcases and activities around Tal Moreeb and nearby historic sites highlighted the rich desert traditions of the Al Dhafra Region and preserved its living heritage for future generations.
Next Edition Announced
The next edition of the Liwa International Festival is scheduled to take place from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Organisers aim to build on the festival’s growing success and strengthen its position as a major winter attraction in the UAE.
