Liwa Village Abu Dhabi: Zones, Things to Do and Visitor Guide

Liwa Village Abu Dhabi brings the desert to life with thrilling rides, family entertainment, Emirati heritage, shopping and dining. Set against the dunes of Al Dhafra, the village offers six themed zones where visitors can enjoy everything from a Ferris wheel and adventure activities to traditional markets and cultural experiences.

Part of the annual Liwa International Festival, Liwa Village returns from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a trip with friends or an evening in the desert, here’s everything you need to know about Liwa Village tickets, opening hours, attractions and facilities.

What is Liwa Village Abu Dhabi?

Liwa Village is a seasonal entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as part of the Liwa International Festival.

The wider festival is all about motorsport and desert competitions on Moreeb Dune. Liwa Village is where visitors go for everything else: rides, live shows, heritage experiences, food and shopping. The 2026–27 edition has six themed zones, 30 dining outlets and 22 shops, so plan to spend a good few hours here.

It’s also worth knowing that the festival’s Liwa Village is different from the liwa villages of the oasis itself. According to Property Finder’s Area Insights, Liwa Oasis is home to around fifty small villages. There’s also a residential Liwa Village community in Al Ghadeer, which is covered in the properties section below.

Liwa Village dates and opening hours

The later closing time at weekends gives you more time for dinner, live shows and the rides after sunset.

Where is Liwa Village and how to get there

Liwa Village sits beside Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb) in Liwa, in the Al Dhafra region, on the edge of the Empty Quarter. It’s about three hours from Abu Dhabi city by car, so most visitors make a full day of it or stay overnight.

By car

Driving gives you the most flexibility. Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) towards Sweihan/Al Ain and follow the signs for Liwa. The main roads are paved, so you don’t need a 4×4 to reach the village.

By bus

Liwa Village runs direct bus services from Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the season. Check the routes, stops and timings on the official Liwa Village website before you travel.

By taxi

Taxis can take you from anywhere in Abu Dhabi straight to Liwa, and most drivers know the route. Since it’s a long trip, book your ride back in advance.

For more on the drive and desert conditions, see our Liwa International Festival guide.

The six Liwa Village zones

Liwa Village is divided into six zones for 2026–27: Shams Liwa, Wanasa, Meydan, Souk, Adrenaline and Tahadi. Each has its own mix of rides, games, shows or shopping, so it’s worth walking the full loop.

Shams Liwa

Shams Liwa is home to the Liwa Ferris Wheel, the village’s best-known landmark. From the top, you get views over the lit-up village and the Al Dhafra desert, which makes it a favourite with couples and families.

Wanasa

Wanasa is the family zone, built around games and hands-on activities for children. The 2026–27 line-up includes:

• Children’s rides
• Slime activities
• Climbing
• Zip line activities
• Skill games

Meydan

Meydan means “square” or “arena” in Arabic, and it’s the village’s main gathering point. Last season, it hosted live shows on the Village Stage, along with a House of Horror and a Smash Room.

Souk

The Souk recreates a traditional Emirati marketplace, with heritage alleys and stalls. It’s the place to see crafts like Sadu weaving and Talli embroidery, pick up local products and souvenirs, and stop for Arabic coffee and local food.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline is the zone for thrill-seekers, with carnival rides, skill games and a food court.

Tahadi

Tahadi, Arabic for “challenge”, completes the six zones and adds another stop to your route around the village.

Best things to do at Liwa Village

Ride the Liwa Ferris Wheel

If you only do one ride, make it this one. The Ferris wheel in Shams Liwa is the best way to take in the size of the village, especially after dark.

Try the bungee jump

New for 2026–27, the bungee jump offers a free fall for visitors after the biggest thrill in the village.

Take on Climbing Quest

Another new addition, Climbing Quest has four climbing lanes that test your strength and balance.

Glide on Skyline

Skyline is a gliding zip line experience with two tracks, one for adults and one for kids, so the whole family can have a go.

See the classic cars

Car fans can browse a collection of classic and vintage vehicles at the Classic Cars exhibition.

Join a heritage workshop

Craft workshops let you try perfume-making, henna, weaving and Arabic coffee, a hands-on way to experience Emirati heritage.

Family favourites

Alongside the rides, families can look out for a petting zoo, escape rooms and carnival games. Check the age and height rules for each attraction before you buy tickets for younger children.

Liwa Village tickets and prices

Liwa Village is a ticketed attraction, with separate prices for adults, children, seniors and families. Here are the 2026–27 ticket prices:

Children aged 4–10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Where to buy Liwa Village tickets

Tickets are sold online through Platinumlist, the village’s official booking platform. Booking online as soon as sales open is the easiest way to secure entry, especially for weekend evenings.

Does the ticket include all attractions?

Not always. Some rides and special experiences carry an extra charge, so check what’s included before you book.

Food, dining and shopping

Liwa Village has 30 dining outlets spread across five zones, so you’re never far from a meal, a snack or a coffee:

The Souk has the most choice, making it a good place to stop for dinner. Expect local favourites, specialty coffee and desserts like kunafa, churros and hot chocolate, which are just right for a cool desert night.

For shopping, the village has 22 shops. Start at the Souk for local crafts, gifts and souvenirs, then browse the rest between rides.

Facilities and visitor rules

Liwa Village is set up for long evenings, with:

• Information booths: staff can help with directions and questions
• Lost and found: handled through the nearest information booth
• Prayer rooms and a clinic on site
• Security checks: bags are searched at the entrance, and items such as weapons, fireworks and drones aren’t allowed
• Dress code: modest clothing is expected

Are pets allowed at Liwa Village?

No. Liwa Village has a no-pets policy, so make arrangements for your pets before you leave home.

Tips for visiting Liwa Village

• Arrive at opening time: the village opens at 4:00 PM, so you can explore before the evening crowds build.
• Wear comfortable shoes: you’ll be walking between six zones.
• Bring a jacket: desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially in December.
• Plan your must-dos: pick the rides and experiences you don’t want to miss and check which carry an extra charge.
• Leave the drone at home: drones aren’t allowed inside the village.
• Follow @liwavillage on Instagram for ticket releases and programme updates.

Where to stay near Liwa Village

With a three-hour drive back to Abu Dhabi, staying overnight makes the trip far more relaxed. The festival has family and individual camping areas, and there are several desert resorts in the Al Dhafra region, from Liwa Hotel to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. You’ll find the full list in our Liwa International Festival guide.

Properties near Liwa Village

If a winter trip to Liwa has you thinking about life in Abu Dhabi’s western region, here’s a quick look at the property market around the village.

Properties in Liwa

According to Property Finder’s Liwa Area Insights, Liwa is a desert region in the far west of Abu Dhabi, about 150 km southwest of the capital. Housing here is mostly low-rise residential buildings and traditional houses, with apartments and villas but no high-rise towers. You can browse properties for sale in Liwa on Property Finder.

Properties in Al Dhafrah

Property Finder’s Al Dhafrah has lots of townhouses and apartments from studios to two bedrooms. Villas sell for AED 1.5 million to AED 4 million, while apartments start from around AED 300,000. Annual rents start from about AED 60,000 for villas and AED 25,000 for apartments.

Looking for the Liwa Village compound in Abu Dhabi?

If you searched for the Liwa Village compound in Abu Dhabi, you’re probably looking for a different place. Liwa Village in Al Ghadeer is a villa community on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai border, close to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Al Ghadeer offers apartments from studios to three bedrooms, plus 2- to 4-bedroom villas and townhouses, with parks, pools, gyms, jogging tracks and an international school. Sale prices in Al Ghadeer range from about AED 520,000 to AED 6.5 million. Browse properties for sale in Al Ghadeer to see what’s available.

Liwa Village at a glance

Key takeaways

Liwa Village Abu Dhabi is the entertainment heart of the Liwa International Festival, open from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 beside Moreeb Dune. Across six zones, you’ll find the Liwa Ferris Wheel, adventure activities, family games, an Emirati souk, 30 dining outlets and 22 shops.

Adult tickets cost AED 25 and family passes AED 65, with free entry for children under four and People of Determination. The village opens daily at 4:00 PM and stays open until 2:00 AM at weekends, so plan an overnight stay to make the most of the trip from Abu Dhabi.

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