Liwa International Festival 2026

Liwa International Festival 2026 runs from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, on the edge of the Empty Quarter. It combines desert motorsport at the giant Tal Moreeb dune with family entertainment, concerts and Emirati heritage at Liwa Village. It suits families, motorsport fans and visitors looking for a winter desert trip.

About Liwa International Festival

Visit Abu Dhabi describes Liwa International Festival as an annual hub of desert motorsport, music, family entertainment and Emirati heritage that rings in the new year. The motorsport heart of the event is Tal Moreeb, a 300-metre dune with a steep incline that first drew local drivers to the area for the inaugural festival in 2001. Championships span drifting, drag racing, burnouts and dune bashing, along with newer additions such as electronic freestyle drift.

By night, Liwa Village becomes the festival's welcoming centre, with rides, a Ferris wheel, a play park and petting zoo for children, a craft souk and concerts. Visit Abu Dhabi also mentions cultural cafés and pop-up shops by local artisans at Liwa's historic forts, and Monster Jam shows in the arena.

Liwa International Festival 2026 dates and venue

Visit Abu Dhabi lists Liwa International Festival from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, with daily hours from 4pm to midnight, in the Al Dhafra Region. Activities are spread between the Tal Moreeb dune area and Liwa Village. Dates for individual motorsport championships and concerts are published on the official Liwa International Festival website, so check them before you choose your travel days.

How to get to Liwa for Liwa International Festival

The nearest major gateway is Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi. Liwa lies deep in the Al Dhafra Region, on the edge of the Empty Quarter, about three hours by road from the capital. Most visitors hire a car or travel by coach, using the main highway west and then south towards Liwa. Some groups also combine the trip with arrival at Dubai International (DXB). Drive in daylight where possible and follow official traffic guidance near the dunes.

Where to stay

Accommodation near Liwa is limited, so book as early as possible. Options include desert resorts and hotels around Liwa Oasis and Madinat Zayed, plus camping experiences offered during the season. Many visitors choose to stay in Abu Dhabi city and make a long day trip or a one-night stay in Liwa. Check the official festival website for any camping or caravan rules.

Planning a group trip to Liwa International Festival

A trip to Liwa needs more planning than a city event because of the distance and limited rooms. Agencies can offer a two- or three-night package: a drive from Abu Dhabi, an evening at Liwa Village, a day watching motorsport at Tal Moreeb and a desert experience. Car clubs and motorsport fans may want to time their trip around specific championships, so wait for the official schedule.

The festival also runs across the New Year period, which is popular with families from the UAE and nearby Gulf countries. Book coaches, drivers and rooms early, and pack warm layers, as desert nights in December can be cold.

Frequently asked questions

When is Liwa International Festival 2026?

Visit Abu Dhabi lists the festival from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, open daily from 4pm to midnight. Dates for individual competitions are on the official festival website.

Where is Liwa International Festival held?

The festival takes place in Liwa, in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, at the Tal Moreeb dune and Liwa Village on the edge of the Empty Quarter.

How far is Liwa from Abu Dhabi?

Liwa is roughly three hours by road from Abu Dhabi city. Most visitors drive or travel by coach after flying into Zayed International Airport (AUH).

Is the festival suitable for families?

Yes. Liwa Village has rides, a children's play park, a petting zoo, a craft souk and evening entertainment, according to Visit Abu Dhabi.

What is Tal Moreeb?

Tal Moreeb is a 300-metre sand dune near Liwa with a very steep slope. It is the focus of the festival's motorsport events, from drifting and drag racing to dune bashing.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Liwa International Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.