Liwa Festival: 23 Days of Desert Adventures

Liwa Festival: 23 Days of Desert Adventures at Tal Moreeb

One of the United Arab Emirates' premier winter events, the Liwa International Festival returns this year to the legendary dune of Tal Moreeb, located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. From December 12 to January 3, visitors are invited to experience a unique blend of culture, motorsports, music, and family programs — all with free entry and breathtaking spectacles. Over the past two decades, the festival has evolved into an iconic event, celebrating tradition while introducing exciting modern elements to the desert sands.

Venue and Background

The festival is held at the UAE's tallest sand dune, Tal Moreeb, known for its over 300-meter height, which not only makes it a stunning natural formation but also a venue for extreme motorsport events. The three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi offers an ideal weekend getaway for families, couples, and adventurous travelers alike. The site is easily accessible by road along the Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) heading towards Sweihan or Al Ain.

Spectacular Opening Elements

On opening day, visitors are treated to a special experience: an aerial acrobatic show by the UAE Air Force’s demonstration team, Forsan Al Emarat, kicks off the festival, followed by a grand fireworks display. This magnificent opening is just the beginning: every evening of the festival features a drone show and dune-projected light displays enchanting the audience.

Cultural Traditions Meet Modern Entertainment

The Liwa International Festival is renowned for its harmonious blend of Emirati cultural heritage with contemporary entertainment. The festival’s centerpiece is Liwa Village, where traditional handicraft markets, live music performances, cultural shows, and children’s programs await visitors. Various zones, such as the Souk Zone and Heritage Pop-up shops, offer opportunities to explore local crafts and cuisine.

Entertainment for the Whole Family

The festival is specifically family-friendly, offering activities for all ages:

Amusement park rides, pony rides, Ferris wheel

Horror Escape Room and Smash Room

Petting zoo and ziplines for kids and adults

Classic car exhibition, interactive car zone

Foodies will not be disappointed either: a series of food trucks and stands offering local and international cuisine ensure culinary delights.

Glamping or Camping Under the Stars

Those looking to immerse themselves in the desert experience for a longer period have multiple options. During the festival, “glamping” tent sites are available for booking, or visitors can bring their own tents or RVs. The starry silence of the desert night offers a special retreat for those wanting to escape city noise.

New Year’s Specialties

The end-of-year celebrations are not to be missed: December 31 marks the start of the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, followed by a concert and a spectacular fireworks show. The New Year is welcomed with a true desert extravaganza — a fitting conclusion to both the year and the festival.

Motorsports and Desert Races

One of the festival's most renowned and popular elements is motorsport. Every year, Tal Moreeb’s steep dunes witness impressive car and motorcycle performances. Upcoming events include:

Freestyle Drift (Dec. 12–13 and 22–23)

Spartan Race Liwa (Dec. 13)

Motorcycle drag race (Dec. 14)

Falconry (Dec. 15–17)

Car stunt championship (Dec. 19–20 and 28–29)

Mud festival (Dec. 19–20)

Liwa Running Challenge (Dec. 20)

Bike race and UTV challenge (Dec. 21)

Pigeon racing contest (Dec. 23–24)

Liwa Burnout Championship (Dec. 25)

Drift, Monster Jam, and Dune Bashing (Dec. 26–27)

Sand wrestling championship (Dec. 26–27)

Electronic freestyle championship (Dec. 30)

Tal Moreeb race final (Dec. 31–Jan. 3)

Additionally, other sports like padel, soccer, and boxing will be present, ensuring sports enthusiasts find challenges in every direction.

Who Can Enter the Competitions?

Both professional athletes and enthusiastic amateurs can participate in motorsport and hunting competitions. Participation requires registration through the Liwa Sports Club mobile application, where all conditions and regulations are available.

How to Prepare?

Visiting the festival offers a full-day or even multi-day experience. It is advisable to register for competitions in advance, book glamping spots early, and download the LSC mobile application to track programs, venues, and ticket information. The app also provides details on fees for VIP zones, competitions, and special events.

A Desert Festival Not to Be Missed

The Liwa International Festival is a perfect example of how a desert can become a living, vibrant community space where culture, sports, and entertainment combine to offer an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s family relaxation, extreme sports, or simply soaking in the desert landscape, this festival has something for every visitor — all under the mesmerizing shadow of Tal Moreeb.

(Source of the article: Liwa Sports Club press release.)