Liwa International Festival 2026 Draws Over 700,000 Visitors

Liwa International Festival 2026 concluded after 23 days of festivities in the Al Dhafra Region, welcoming more than 700,000 visitors, reflecting the event’s growing scale and popularity.

Held from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the festival transformed the area around Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, into a vibrant winter destination for families, motorsports fans, and culture enthusiasts from across the UAE and beyond.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Liwa Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Miral, the festival combined heritage, adventure, and entertainment in the Al Dhafra desert landscape.

Liwa Village, the festival’s central hub, welcomed 274,440 visitors—a 26% increase from last year. Expanded this year, the village featured five themed zones with cultural activities, live performances, dining, retail, and family entertainment. New attractions, increased seating, and sustainable initiatives, including solar-powered energy, enhanced the visitor experience.

Motorsports remained a highlight, with participation rising 47% from last year. Events included the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, freestyle and drift competitions, drag racing, off-road challenges, UTV races, and large-scale shows like Monster Jam and Extreme MudFest.

Heritage activities also played a key role, with traditional competitions and cultural showcases around Tal Moreeb highlighting the Al Dhafra Region’s desert traditions.

The next edition of the Liwa International Festival is scheduled for 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, promising to continue the festival’s momentum and community appeal.