MAYS IBRAHIM (LIWA)

Local businesses in the UAE have reported robust demand at the Liwa Village, which is a key highlight on the country’s winter calendar, nestled at the heart of the Liwa desert, some 150 kilometres southwest of the city of Abu Dhabi.

The Liwa Village is part of the 2024 Liwa International Festival, a venue for thrilling motorsports challenges on the world-famous Moreeb Dune. According to its official website, the village saw over 70,000 visitors from across the UAE last year, who enjoyed an array of entertainment activities, shopping opportunities, and mouthwatering cuisines.

Aletihad spoke to Ahmad Ashri, who manages a restaurant serving authentic Yemeni recipes at the site of the Liwa Village.

“The demand has surpassed our expectations, especially during the weekend. We’ve had visitors from all over the UAE as well as tourists from different parts of the world,” he said.

Ashri noted that aside from its savoury dishes, the restaurant ensures that visitors enjoy a traditional Arab setting through its designs and cushioned floor-seating arrangement.

Rami, a vendor selling a wide range of Emirati perfumes, also noted that the festival has given a “significant” boost to his sales.

He added that the expansions witnessed at the Liwa Village this year, which included larger venues for vendors and more entertainment activities, have led to attracting more visitors, ultimately increasing demand, as shoppers are always on the lookout for “authentic Emirati products” to help them remember their experiences at Liwa.

Budi is an expatriate from Indonesia. He was spotted at the festival with his wife and daughter, who were browsing through clothing items embellished with Emirati embroidery.

Budi, who has been living in Abu Dhabi for the past 10 years, told Aletihad: “I loved everything about the Liwa Village, especially the Arab and Emirati cultural aura felt in the venue. It’s also very lively and family-friendly”.

Alyazia, an Emirati youth from Abu Dhabi, is visiting the Liwa Village for the second year with her cousins.

“It’s our annual tradition to come here; I love the vibrant vibes of the place, and the majestic sight of sand dunes on the way here always captivates me like I’m seeing it for the first time,” she said.

The group of Emirati cousins shared their shopping spoils with Aletihad, which included baskets, crafted locally by skilled Emirati female artisans, as well as matching hoodies with designs reflecting the character of Liwa.

“I always make sure to buy traditional things that remind me of Liwa when I come here,” Alyazia told Aletihad.

The Liwa Village will continue to welcome visitors until December 31, featuring performances from acclaimed artists, combined with breathtaking fireworks. Demonstrations of Emirati heritage and crafts can also be observed at the site of the village to ensure an authentic cultural experience for nationals, expatriates, and tourists alike.