The Liwa International Festival is back for the 2025–26 season, bringing 23 days of culture, motorsport, and family entertainment to the shadows of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune. Khaleej Times+2Aletihad Newspaper+2
When and Where
- Dates: December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026. Khaleej Times
- Location: Al Dhafra region in Abu Dhabi, at the base of the towering Moreeb Dune (Tal Moreeb), which stands at about 300 metres high. emirates7+2Wikipedia+2
Free Entry & Nightly Fireworks
- General admission to the festival is free for visitors. Khaleej Times
- Visitors can expect spectacular nightly fireworks: there will be fireworks during the opening ceremony, on weekends, New Year’s Eve, and the closing ceremony. Khaleej Times+1
- According to the official festival schedule, the fireworks are part of a broader nightly visual experience, including drone shows. liwainternationalfestival.ae
Things to Do: Culture, Adventure & Motorsports
The Liwa Festival offers a rich mix of activities for all kinds of visitors:
- Motorsport Events: From freestyle drift, car stunt shows, to the Tal Moreeb Car Championship — dune racing is at the heart of the festival. Khaleej Times+1
- Heritage & Family Zone (Liwa Village): A cultural marketplace featuring traditional crafts, live music, artisan souks, and local food. liwainternationalfestival.ae
- Carnival & Rides: Amusement rides, a ferris wheel, pony rides, and funfair-like activities make the village family-friendly. Khaleej Times
- Air Shows & Light Projections: The festival includes an opening performance by the UAE Air Force’s Forsan Al Emarat aerobatics team. emirates7
- Drone & Dune Projection Shows: Each evening, attendees can enjoy stunning projected visuals on the dunes, enhanced by synchronized drone light displays. Khaleej Times
- Hot Air Balloons: On weekends, hot air balloon rides give visitors a tranquil aerial view of the Liwa dunes. UAE Moments+1
- Traditional Competitions: Expect falconry events, pigeon hunts, sand-wrestling, and more. emirates7
Camping & Overnight Stay
- Visitors have the option to camp under the stars in the desert. The festival brochure shows free camping areas designated for guests. lsc.ae
- For a more comfortable stay, glamping tents (luxury-style camping) are available. Khaleej Times
- There are different camping zones: family camp, free-camp zones, and more structured glamping areas. lsc.ae
Safety & Guidelines
- The Abu Dhabi Police have issued safety guidelines for the festival, particularly for dune events: driving recklessly or off-track is prohibited, and participants must use designated paths around the steep Moreeb Dune. Gulf News
- For campers, there are clearly marked designated camping areas to ensure both safety and environmental respect. liwainternationalfestival.ae
Why Liwa Festival Is a Must-Visit
- Dune Spectacle: Moreeb Dune is not only the tallest in the UAE but also challenges vehicles in hill climb competitions — a major draw for motorsport fans. Khaleej Times
- Cultural Immersion: Liwa Village gives visitors a taste of Emirati heritage, with souks, falconry, and traditional performances blending with modern entertainment. liwainternationalfestival.ae
- Visual Extravaganza: Between drone shows, dune projections, and fireworks, the festival is a feast for the eyes after dark. liwainternationalfestival.ae
- Adventure & Family Fun: Whether you’re keen on off-road races or looking for a calm, scenic camping trip, Liwa caters to different audiences.
Travel Tips
- Getting There: Liwa is in the Al Dhafra area; it’s a desert drive from Abu Dhabi, so plan for a few hours.
- What to Bring: If you’re camping, carry warm clothing (desert nights can get cold), a tent or sleeping gear, good shoes, and enough water.
- Book Early: Glamping spots may fill up fast — consider making reservations as soon as possible.
Final Thought
Returning with a grander spectacle this year, the Liwa International Festival promises a powerful blend of desert motorsports, heritage celebrations, and family-friendly experiences — all set against the dramatic landscape of Tal Moreeb. For both thrill-seekers and culture lovers, it’s a desert tradition worth making a winter trip for.
