SARA ALZAABI (LIWA)
With a fusion of motorsports, traditional sports, live concerts, desert-based activities, and exhibitions, the Liwa International Festival has turned into a must-visit venue for families and youth alike.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Liwa International Festival is running until January 4, 2025 at the Moreeb Dune area in Al Dhafra, some 250km from Abu Dhabi.
Speaking to Aletihad, attendees expressed their excitement, bringing to the fore its wide-ranging appeal to both young people and families.
Mohammed Al Mutairi described the festival as a vital outlet for young people.
"Liwa Festival is considered an outlet for the youth, as it renews the energy of car races in Tal Moreeb [Moreeb Dune]. It is considered the most appealing place for us, and all the activities are available in the village. The festival is very well organised by the police; a comprehensive organisation."
For Al Mutairi, what sets the festival apart is its foundation in Tal Moreeb: "Tal Moreeb is the heart of the festival, and this is what makes it different from other festivals."
Another visitor Khaled Al Kindi echoed similar sentiments, praising the festival's improvements each year. "Every year we see new things, we see more events and more organised activities," he said.
He went on to thank all parties involved, including the police and the civil defence authority, for their tremendous efforts in organising the event.
Al Kindi stressed the festival's appeal to both youth and families, noting, "For me, I consider it an outlet for the youth, since it involves motosport activities, as well as activities for families."
Al Kindi also highlighted the convenience of the services available at the festival., "All services are now available, and there is no need to leave the area; even the car repair workshops are available here."
Two sisters, Aisha and Maitha Al Muhairi, who are of elementary school age, said that the festival's variety of activities is what makes it special, especially the adrenaline area.
"In this edition, they have added many games and cafes. We come here specifically for the games," they added.
Nouf Al Shemeili, visiting with her children, also praised the family-friendly atmosphere.
"The festival is very suitable for families, especially since I am a guardian," she said.
"It is especially enjoyable because of the variety of games for all ages, and we must not overlook the festival's organisation, which has made it stand out."
A Vibrant Scene
As motorsports events took to the dunes, and families enjoyed the local atmosphere, the event provided a platform for artists and vendors to connect with visitors from diverse backgrounds.
As a participant, musicians like Khayyam Yahia, a qanun player with deep roots in the UAE's music scene, see the festival as a great opportunity to showcase their craft.
"We have participated in many festivals across the UAE, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, but the Liwa Festival is the first of its kind. We heard a lot about it last year and were eager to take part," he shared.
As a solo performer or part of a band, Khayyam and his colleagues blend Gulf, Syrian, Lebanese, and Egyptian music, using instruments like the qanun and oud to create a rich musical experience.
In addressing what makes the qanun unique, he said, "Its capacity, with so many strings offering a broad musical range, is what sets it apart. It is wider than the oud and other instruments."
Despite the regional focus on traditional music, Khayyam was pleasantly surprised to see the festival's diverse audience.
"The crowd is very cooperative, and the younger audience's enthusiasm, even for non-local songs, gives us great motivation."
Obaid Al Balushi, a vendor showcasing Kashmiri shawls, credits the Liwa Festival for providing valuable global exposure: "The Liwa Festival is a special event that attracts people from all over the world. It is not just a local event; it is a global attraction."
Al Balushi highlighted the unique experience of being part of the festival, where he gets to connect with customers.
"It is an incredible opportunity to introduce our creations to such a large, international crowd," he said.
Another participant, Muntaha Mualla, who sells winter abayas and pottery chimneys, shared her appreciation for the festival's family-friendly atmosphere.
"The Liwa Festival is perfect for families. The turnout is large, with visitors from all over the UAE - both citizens and residents," she said.
"The desert setting and the festival's excellent organisation make it stand out from other events, especially the musical activities that fill the air with a unique energy."