The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that the Liwa International Festival 2026 will be held from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
The event will take place in Liwa, located in the Al Dhafra Region, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region.
Liwa International Festival 2026
The festival is organised in cooperation with several local entities including Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Miral, and Abu Dhabi Media Network.
Liwa International Festival is recognised as a key winter destination in the UAE and the wider region. The 23-day event will feature a range of activities centred around Tal Moreeb, the highest sand dunes in the UAE.
The program includes professional speed races, drift shows, and dune driving competitions attracting experienced competitors from across the globe.
Activities and attractions
In addition to motorsport events, the festival will offer family entertainment, live music concerts, cultural tours, and other recreational activities.
It aims to draw a varied audience including domestic and international visitors, desert campers, adventure seekers, heritage enthusiasts, and motorsport fans.
DCT Abu Dhabi will also organise desert-based art and entertainment activities. A key feature of the festival is “Liwa Village,” which focuses on authentic Emirati heritage. This area includes a crafts market, creative workshops, family activities, children’s games, local vendors, and a selection of restaurants offering diverse cuisine.
The festival’s broad program reflects the region’s natural landscape and cultural traditions, making it a notable event on Abu Dhabi’s winter calendar.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
