SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Featuring a diverse range of activities, the Liwa International Festival is highlighting the UAE's cultural heritage all while providing engaging experiences for all ages.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the festival, running until January 4, is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with several local partners, including Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Miral.

Packed with adrenaline-pumping motorsport events, cultural displays, family entertainment, and sports activities, this year's festival is held in the Liwa desert.

A key highlight of the event is Monster Jam on December 27-28, returning to Liwa for the second consecutive year. 

Daring motocross acts and massive monster truck races also offer unforgettable experiences for visitors in the desert landscape.

Liwa Village 

Blending Emirati traditions with family-friendly activities, the Liwa Village serves as the heart of the festival. Open daily, the village offers a range of zones. 

Meydan Wanasa, features interactive art workshops, an immersive museum, a horror escape room, and a petting zoo.

In the Adrenaline zone, visitors can experience exciting rides, skill games, and Liwa's first-ever Ferris wheel, offering panoramic desert views. 

Tarab Liwa lights up the night with concerts and live performances, while the Souk Liwa area provides a mix of shopping, cultural experiences, and dining options.

The festival also includes the Go-Karting circuit, where visitors can race on designed tracks, and the Hot Air Balloon Festival, which offers a breathtaking balloon glow show and hot air balloon rides with panoramic views of the desert.

The Hollywood Circus brings acrobatics, while the Horror Escape Room and Zombie Laser Tag provide a thrilling, interactive experience for families.

The Moreeb Dune is a major event hub, hosting a series of competitive motorsport events including the Moreeb Dune Car Championship, January 2-4, where cars race to achieve the best times across various categories on the challenging sand dunes.

The Freestyle Drift Championship, December 27 and 28, and the UTV Drag Racing Circuit, December 29, will also be held at the Moreeb Dune, featuring extreme off-road races and drifting competitions.

On December 19, the Liwa Drift Championships see drivers demonstrate their car control skills in intense competitions.

Cultural heritage enthusiasts can enjoy events like the Horse Racing, December 23, and the Falconry and Pigeon Hunt Competitions, December 17-26.

On New Year's Eve, the festival will host a spectacular celebration at the Moreeb Dune, featuring a fireworks show, cultural performances, and live music.

The festival also features a Classic Car Exhibition for enthusiasts and nightly Fireworks Displays at 8pm.

Additionally, the Liwa Film Show provides a visual journey through the history of the Moreeb Dune, capturing the achievements of past champions and highlighting the legacy of the festival.

Furthermore, the Liwa Sports Festival, running until  December 22, features competitive sports such as paddle tennis, football, and volleyball.A dedicated sports area includes courts for football, volleyball, and basketball.

The Dune Market and Liwa Walk offer ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and leisure.

Overnight options include VIP Camps, Mini VIP Camps, and RV Parking.

The Tawajudi app provides event info, ticketing, and updates.