Liwa International Festival Kicks Off Dec. 13 at the Foot of UAE’s Tallest Dune

The Liwa International Festival 2025 (LIWA 2025) will take place from Dec. 13 to Jan. 4 in Tal Moreeb - the UAE’s tallest dune - in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.

The annual winter entertainment destination will feature motorsports, live entertainment and cultural performances.

Motorsports and adventure events

The Liwa International Festival 2025 will feature several motorsports, including Dune Car racing.Supplied

• Dec. 13-14: Feel the rush of Freestyle Drift as master drivers showcase epic drifting skills.
• Dec. 15: The Buggy Torque Challenge features a high-intensity buggy showdown across the dunes.
• Dec. 19: The excitement ramps up with the Liwa Burnout Challenge, where engines roar in a burnout showdown like no other.
• Dec. 21: Pro drivers show their skills at the thrilling Liwa Drift Championship.
• Dec. 22: Bikers compete head-to-head in the high-speed Bike Drag Racing event.

• Dec. 27-28: Monster Jam, the world’s largest monster truck show, with an exclusive Pit Party.
• Dec. 30-31: The Car Stunt Championship, featuring world-class drivers performing mind-blowing stunts.
• Jan. 1: Ring in the new year at the Electronic Freestyle Championship, where motorsports meet modern technology in an electrifying showcase.
• Jan. 2-4: Be part of one of the toughest challenges on Liwa’s famed dunes with the Moreeb Dune Car Championship.

Family-friendly fun

Visitors to the Liwa International Festival 2025 can get an aerial view of the surrounding dunes with a hot air balloon ride.Supplied

There will be several family-friendly attractions, most centred around Liwa Village. The hub will feature carnival rides, a petting zoo, escape rooms and a traditional souk with local handicrafts. The Night Oasis Museum will provide another immersive cultural experience.

New attractions include the Hollywood Circus with acrobats and magicians. Those wishing to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning area can get on the new Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel or opt for a hot air balloon ride.

Fireworks every evening at 8 p.m. will add to the nightly festivities.

Cultural showcases

Several stands at the Liwa International Festival 2025 will showcase the ich heritage and traditions of the UAE.Supplied

LIWA 2025 will showcase the rich heritage and traditions of the UAE.

• Dec. 16: Camel racing event
• Dec. 23: Horse racing event
• Dec. 24-26: Falcon racing tournament

Nightlife experiences and concerts

Tarab Liwa in LIWA 2025 will feature performances, concerts, and stage shows every Saturday night.

• Dec. 14: The soulful sounds of Mutref Al Mutref and Mohammad Al Bakri
• Dec. 21: Dynamic performances by Hamad El Ameri and Aryam
• Dec. 28: An unforgettable night with Aseel Hameem and Mahmoud Turky

You can also ring in the new year with a fireworks display over the Liwa dunes after a concert featuring Abadi Al Johar and Rahma Riad on Dec. 31.

Tickets start at AED 10 for entry to Liwa Village, with an additional fee for some events.

UAE residents can look forward to yet another exciting winter activity, while visitors and tourists are finding fewer reasons to hesitate when deciding whether to add it to their travel plans.