Liwa International Festival 2027 will take place from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027, in the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, featuring motorsport championships, heritage experiences, family attractions and international entertainment.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the festival is organised
by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in
collaboration with government entities and Liwa Sports Club.
Centred around Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune at more
than 300 metres, the festival has celebrated Emirati heritage, sport and
entertainment since 2001.
Last year’s edition attracted more than 700,000 visitors
over 23 days and won the Best Festival of the Year award at the Middle East
Events Awards 2026.
Liwa Village will return with more than half of its rides
and attractions new or reimagined. New additions include the Circus Swinger,
Tagada, Space Tower and Bungee Jump, alongside interactive games, adventure
activities and returning favourites such as the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars and
4x4 Track.
International entertainment show Nitro Circus will make its
debut on December 19 and 20, featuring more than 15 athletes performing
freestyle motocross, BMX and choreographed stunts, accompanied by pyrotechnics
across three shows.
The motorsport programme will include freestyle displays,
motorbike drag racing, falcon racing, sand freestyle displays, UTV racing, the
Liwa Burnout Challenge and Liwa Drift. The festival will conclude its
competitive programme with the Tal Moreeb Car Championship finale from December
30 to January 2.
Visitors can also participate in cycling, running, padel and
fitness activities, including the Liwa Festival Community Run on December 23.
Emirati culture will remain central to the event through a
Heritage Village inspired by the traditional neighbourhood, or Al Fareej.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the village will offer
demonstrations and hands-on activities showcasing traditional customs, crafts
and daily life.
Other experiences will include Nabati poetry at the House of
Poetry and Poets, falconry demonstrations, traditional games, camel riding,
palm-leaf weaving workshops and activities highlighting Emirati hospitality and
coffee-serving traditions.
Beyond the main site, activations across Al Dhafra will
feature heritage forts, traditional crafts, retail and dining experiences.
The festival will also launch its first official mobile app, enabling visitors to access event schedules, receive announcements, book camping and RV parking spaces, and explore commercial participation opportunities. -TradeArabia News Service
