Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
Set against the backdrop of golden sand dunes, the Liwa International Festival in Abu Dhabi is luring foodies and thrill-seekers with a blend of mouth-watering local flavours, heart-pounding desert races, and endless horizons.
The 2025 edition of this annual festival promises to be the biggest yet.
Visitors can expect a jam-packed schedule of adrenaline-fuelled events, including Monster Jam and high-octane car stunt championships, alongside enriching experiences such as live music concerts and camel races.
Celebrating Culinary Heritage
At the heart of the festival is Liwa Village, a vibrant hub offering an authentic taste of Emirati culture, from local dishes to family-friendly activities.
Food stalls feature a tantalisng array of traditional Emirati dishes, from Riqaq (thin flatbreads) and Lygamat (sweet dumplings) to Shiyat (grilled meats) and Sambosa (savory pastries), tempting every palate.
Sara, a 20-year-old Emirati, makes sure to come to the Liwa Festival on an empty stomach.
"I came here with my family all the way from Dubai and there's so much to try and do, so I want to make the most of the day," she told Aletihad.
Sara ended her visit with a ride on Liwa's Ferris wheel, enjoying the panoramic views of the desert landscape with her family.
Hamad Al Mansoori, an Emirati father, has made the Liwa Festival a staple winter tradition for his family.
"There's something for everyone here," he said, noting how his three children-ranging in age from 8 to 18-each find something they love.
"My kids have different interests, but there's always something that appeals to each of them here. I hear no complains when I say, 'We're going to Liwa this weekend.'"
For Al Mansoori, the festival's culinary offerings are a highlight, with traditional Emirati dishes evoking cherished memories from his childhood.
Adrenaline Meets Heritage
While food provides a delightful way to connect with local culture, it's the heart-pumping activities that leave festival goers with a sense of awe, from high-speed dune bashing to mesmerizing falconry displays.
One popular event is the Pigeon Hunting Championship, a tribute to the UAE's ancient heritage.
Maria, a tourist from Spain, was captivated by the bond between the falcons and their falconers.
"Watching these majestic birds in action was awe-inspiring," she told Aletihad. "It gave me a whole new appreciation for this ancient tradition and its roots."
Mihaela, a UAE expat from Bulgaria, is attending the festival for the first time with friends. She and her group spent two nights camping in the Liwa Desert.
The highlight of her experience at the festival was climbing up Liwa's elevated dunes in a jeep.
"It was thrilling," she said. "The drivers were kind and made the experience even more memorable."
A major attraction at the festival is the epic Tal Moreeb – one of the world's tallest sand dunes, rising to 300 metres.
Abdulla, a 25-year-old from Oman, returns to Liwa every year with his friends on a mission to conquer Liwa's iconic dunes.
"Liwa is the ultimate destination for motorsport enthusiasts," he said.
"We camp out here with our local friends, meet new people, enjoy great food, cheer on the racers, and drive up the dunes," he added. "I can't think of a better way to spend the winter."
