If you’re planning a winter adventure with motorsports, desert culture, and family entertainment, the Liwa festival is one of the most exciting events to look forward to this season. Running from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the festival brings together racing enthusiasts, culture lovers, families, and travellers for an immersive 23-day celebration in the Abu Dhabi desert.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to the Festival, from entry and location to events, accommodation, and practical tips.
- Liwa International Festival 2026: What to expect
- Entry to the Liwa Festival and how registration works
- Festival location and where to stay in Liwa
- Top events and activities at the Liwa Festival 2026
- Tips for visiting the Liwa International Festival 2026
- Liwa Festival 2026 Summary Table
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Liwa International Festival 2026: What to expect
The festival takes place in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Miral, and Abu Dhabi Media Network.
Across its 23-day programme, the festival combines high-adrenaline motorsports with cultural displays, live entertainment, markets, fireworks, and immersive desert activities. Most events take place around Tal Moreeb, the tallest dune in the UAE, where the iconic racing climbs occur.
Entry to the Liwa Festival and how registration works
Understanding how entry and registration work for the festival makes planning your visit much easier, especially if you’re joining popular activities or competitions.
Tickets and registration
Entry to the Liwa festival is managed through online registration, especially for motorsport events and workshop-style activities. Visitors can sign up through the official Liwa International Festival website, while on-site ticket booths remain available for concerts and select attractions at Liwa Village.
It’s best to register early if you’re planning to participate in competitions, as slots fill out quickly each year. Camping passes and vehicle-access permits can also be booked through the Liwa Sports Club app, which is the official platform for campsite reservations.
How to get to the Liwa Festival in 2026
Getting to the festival is straightforward. Most visitors prefer driving, as it gives more flexibility in the desert, especially when moving between Tal Moreeb and Liwa Village.
- By car: Follow the E10/Sweihan–Al Ain Road towards Liwa. Clear festival signages begin as you approach the Al Dhafra region.
- By taxi: Long-distance taxis from Abu Dhabi operate regularly, and many travellers book return rides in advance for convenience.
Festival location and where to stay in Liwa
Knowing where the festival takes place and the accommodation options nearby helps you plan a comfortable and well-organised desert getaway.
Festival hub: Tal Moreeb Dune
Tal Moreeb is the heart of the Liwa festival, with motorsport events held at its base. Rising over 300 metres, this dune is famous for its steep gradient, making it a perfect challenge for professional racers and off-road specialists.
Location
It is located in Mzeerʻah, Mahader Liwa, Abu Dhabi.
Liwa village and themed zones
Liwa Village is the central community hub within the Liwa festival, offering:
- Crafts markets
- Heritage workshops
- Amusement rides
- Family zones
- Food courts
- Retail stalls by local artisans
The area is divided into six themed zones, each offering a different cultural or adventure-driven experience. This makes it ideal for visitors who want more than just motorsports.
Accommodation near the festival
Visitors can choose between camping, glamping, or staying in nearby desert resorts:
Camping
Official campsites can be booked through the Liwa Sports Club app, with dedicated amenities set up for the festival.
Luxury stays
- Aldhafra Resort – Vignette Collection by IHG
- Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa
- Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
- Desert Islands Resort by Anantara
If you’re comparing prices or planning based on your preferred community in Abu Dhabi, Property Finder’s Data Guru tool can help you view detailed rental and sales insights across nearby areas like Al Dhafra and Al Mirfa.
Top events and activities at the Liwa Festival 2026
The festival offers a packed lineup of activities, bringing together motorsports, culture, and family fun across its vibrant desert setting.
Motorsports
The festival is best known for its thrilling motorsport schedule:
- 4×4 and quad bike climb up Tal Moreeb
- Drag racing
- Drift arenas
- Off-road and endurance racing competitions
Professional drivers from the region and around the world participate in the dune races, making it a major motorsport attraction.
Cultural and family-friendly attractions
Beyond adrenaline sports, the festival showcases Emirati traditions and provides a wealth of family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy:
- Heritage parades
- Falconry displays
- Craft workshops
- Traditional Emirati performances
- Amusement rides and themed zones
- Escape rooms
- A petting zoo
- Nightly fireworks at 8:00 p.m.
Food and dining at the festival
The festival features a diverse range of food outlets, from traditional Emirati street food to international pop-ups. Cafes, tea houses, and gourmet stands operate throughout Liwa Village, making it easy to explore the festival without worrying about meals.
Dining options include:
- Emirati dishes such as Harees, Regag, and grilled meats
- Asian and Arab fusion stands
- Coffee spots and dessert kiosks
- International food trucks
Tips for visiting the Liwa International Festival 2026
Planning can make your Liwa festival trip smoother:
- Pack warm layers for desert evenings, as temperatures drop at night.
- Book your accommodation early, as December is the peak travel season.
- Follow @liwafest on Instagram for event updates and programme releases.
- Respect cultural norms, especially in family-only areas.
Liwa Festival 2026 Summary Table
This table provides a quick overview of the key details for the Liwa Festival 2026. From dates and location to attractions, entry options, accommodation, and travel tips, it’s a handy reference to help you plan your visit efficiently.
| Aspect | Details |
| Dates | 12 December 2025 – 3 January 2026 |
| Location | Tal Moreeb, Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi |
| Main Attractions | Motorsports, heritage shows, Liwa Village, family activities |
| Entry | Online registration; on-site ticketing for select events |
| Accommodation | Camping, glamping, luxury desert resorts |
| Travel | Car or taxi |
Key takeaways
The Liwa festival offers an exciting blend of culture, motorsport, and family entertainment, taking place from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Its central hub is situated around Tal Moreeb in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, offering a range of activities, from dune racing to cultural shows and fireworks.
Visitors can register through the official site or book camping spots through the Liwa Sports Club app. With a mix of camping, glamping, and luxury resorts, the festival caters to every type of traveller. Whether you’re coming for motorsports, heritage, or a family-friendly winter escape, the festival delivers a memorable desert experience.
FAQs
It is held from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.
It is taking place at Tal Moreeb Dune in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi.
You can register through the official Liwa International Festival website, with on-site registration available for select events.
Official campsites, glamping tents, and several luxury resorts are within driving distance of the festival.
Yes, Liwa Village includes workshops, kids’ rides, cultural entertainment, and nightly fireworks.
