- Over 700,000 visitors turned desert nights into unforgettable shared cultural experiences
- Liwa Village became a buzzing hub for families, food lovers, and performers
- Motorsports competitions brought adrenaline to Abu Dhabi’s tallest dune backdrop
- Heritage showcases grounded the festival in authentic Al Dhafra traditions
Winter in the UAE hits differently when the desert comes alive. As temperatures dip, families pack the car, playlists roll, and road trips toward Al Dhafra become a seasonal ritual. This year, that pull was stronger than ever, with more than 700,000 visitors heading to the sands for the latest edition of the Liwa International Festival. That’s not just footfall. That’s momentum.
Held near the legendary Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, the festival has quietly evolved into a full-scale winter destination. Think heritage by day, horsepower by night, and long dinners under open skies. Short version? Everyone found their lane.
At the heart of it all sat Liwa Village, a gathering space that welcomed over 274,000 visitors this season alone. Expanded seating made lingering easier. New attractions kept kids busy while adults explored pop-up dining and live performances. Sustainability took center stage too, with solar power covering a significant portion of daily energy needs. Small changes. Big impact.
Here’s the shift worth noting: UAE audiences are craving experiences over checklists. Desert festivals now compete with malls and city escapes, and Liwa is winning because it blends culture with community. Motorsports participation jumped by 47%, bringing drift battles, drag races, UTV challenges, Monster Jam, and Extreme MudFest into one adrenaline-packed calendar. Engines roared. Crowds cheered. Phones stayed out.
But Liwa isn’t just about speed.
Traditional competitions and cultural showcases reminded visitors that Al Dhafra’s heritage still anchors the experience. From historic activations to storytelling through craft and performance, the festival balanced modern thrills with desert legacy. That mix matters. It keeps things grounded.
Organised by Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi alongside regional partners, the festival continues to grow because it feels personal. Families picnic together. Friends reconnect. Travelers discover corners of Abu Dhabi they hadn’t explored before. Simple moments. Lasting memories.
And let’s be honest. There’s something powerful about watching motorsports against rolling dunes, then ending the night with live music and warm food under the stars. It hits differently.
With its blend of heritage, adventure, and community energy, Liwa International Festival proves the desert still knows how to surprise us. Mark your calendars for the next edition from December 11, 2026 to January 2, 2027, and start planning your winter escape now!
For updates and future announcements, visit www.liwainternationalfestival.ae.
